Can you deliver twins naturally?

As with any pregnancy, if you plan a vaginal birth, you may still end up needing an emergency caesarean. In a small number of cases, some women deliver 1 twin vaginally and then need a caesarean section to deliver the second twin.


What are the chances of delivering twins naturally?

It is estimated that 1 in 250 natural pregnancies will naturally result in twins. While twin pregnancies can happen by chance, there are some factors that may increase your odds of having two babies at the same time.

What is the safest way to deliver twins?

Many authorities recommend that monoamniotic twin pregnancies be delivered by elective cesarean as early as 32 to 34 weeks of gestation due to the risk fetal demise secondary to cord entanglement. Continuous electronic fetal monitoring of both fetuses is required throughout labor and delivery.


Are twins delivered naturally or C-section?

You may have heard that being pregnant with twins means an automatic C-section, but that isn't always the case. When it comes to twins these days, about half come into the world vaginally.

When are twins usually born naturally?

A little more than half of twin pregnancies end in preterm delivery (before 37 weeks). While 40 weeks is the full gestation period of the average pregnancy, most twin pregnancies are delivered at approximately 36 weeks (range 32-38 weeks depending on the type of twin pregnancy).


Can You Have a Vaginal Birth with Twins?



What's the longest gap between twins?

The longest interval between the birth of twins is 90 days, in the case of Molly and Benjamin West, dizygotic (fraternal) twins born in Baltimore, Maryland, USA to parents Lesa and David West (all USA) on 1 January and 30 March 1996.

What is the average weight of twins at birth in lbs?

Twins and triplets often don't have a chance to reach a healthy weight before they're born. While the average single baby weighs 7 pounds at birth, the average twin weighs 5.5 pounds.

Do they recommend C section for twins?

Caesarean section and twins

You may choose to have a planned caesarean, or your doctor may recommend a caesarean, if: the first baby is lying feet, knees or buttocks first (breech) 1 twin is lying sideways (transverse) you have a low-lying placenta.


Are twins harder to deliver?

Vaginal Birth of Twins

The good news is that even though you have two babies, you only have to labor once. Once the cervix is open, each baby will have its own pushing stage. This means you will have to push twice, but the majority of the time the second twin is born much more easily than the first.

Do they always do C sections for twins?

You won't necessarily need to have a caesarean section if you're expecting twins. Many women expecting twins have a vaginal birth. Talk to your midwife and obstetrician about your circumstances, and the birth options open to you. It's natural to feel nervous about vaginal birth if you're expecting twins.

Can you Freebirth twins?

“While a completely drug-free twin birth in a hospital setting is possible [if both babies are presenting head-first], many obstetricians will encourage their patients to have an epidural for pain management due to the possible need for breech delivery or cesarean delivery for the second twin.”


Is labor worse with twins?

Labor takes longer in women pregnant with twins, a new study shows, suggesting that these mothers and their doctors could wait a few more hours before opting for cesarean delivery.

Do twins cost more to deliver?

In a recent study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, researchers linked the higher costs of having twins with more frequent office visits, longer hospital stays, the need for C-sections, and a greater risk of conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and anemia.

Who carries the gene for twins?

However, for a given pregnancy, only the mother's genetics matter. Fraternal twins happen when two eggs are simultaneously fertilized instead of just one. A father's genes can't make a woman release two eggs.


What week is best to deliver twins?

Overall, it is considered that twin delivery should be around 37 weeks for dichorionic twins and 36 weeks for monochorionic twins. With singletons, the neurodevelopmental outcomes are best with delivery at 41 weeks, but the odds of death around the time of delivery are best at weeks 38-39.

What is the biggest twins born naturally?

The heaviest birth weight for surviving twins on record goes to Mrs. J.P. Haskin of Arkansas, on February 20 1924, whose twins weighed in at an eye-watering 14lbs & 13lbs 12oz, totalling 27lb 12oz. The Uk's heaviest set appear to have been the Warren's born on December 6th 1884 totalling 25lbs 8ozs.

What is the biggest concern of delivering twins?

The most common complications include the following:
  • Preterm labor and birth. Over 60 percent of twins and nearly all higher-order multiples are premature (born before 37 weeks). ...
  • Gestational hypertension. ...
  • Anemia. ...
  • Birth defects. ...
  • Miscarriage. ...
  • Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome.


What is the hardest thing about having twins?

The hardest thing about having twins is…

“Managing the movement of two babies. Carrying them both up and down the stairs, getting them into the car, etc.” —Simeon R. “Often having to make one baby wait!” —Catharine D. “Being outnumbered—the logistics of two on one is definitely the hardest.

Do you get more maternity leave for twins?

Do I get more maternity leave since I'm having multiples? It certainly doesn't hurt to ask. In many cases, your employer may be willing to give you a little extra time for you to adjust to your growing family, and in some states employers are required to provide extra unpaid leave for women with multiples.

How long do you stay in hospital after C-section with twins?

The average hospital stay after a C-section is 2 to 4 days, and keep in mind recovery often takes longer than it would from a vaginal birth. Walking after the C-section is important to speed recovery and pain medication may be supplied too as recovery takes place.


How long do C sections last for twins?

Expect the whole procedure to take a few hours. Maybe two or three, with a few hours on either side for check ups and aftercare.

How long is twin C-section recovery?

A Cesarean recovery may take four to six weeks, though it's not uncommon to feel some pain for months.

How much weight should mom of twins gain?

Weight gain depends on a number of factors including height, body type, and pre-pregnancy weight. However, most women who are carrying twins are encouraged to gain 35 to 45 pounds. Women carrying triplets are advised to gain 50 to 60 pounds.


What percentage of twins go to NICU?

“Around one in four twins get admitted to the NICU. That's two-and-a-half times the rate of all babies,” says neonatologist Kevin Kathrotia M.D.

How much weight gain is healthy for twins?

The National Academy of Medicine recommends that women who are normal-weight or underweight gain 17-25 kilograms (37-55 pounds) during a twin pregnancy, and that overweight women gain no more than 11-19 kg (24-42 lbs).