Birth Of Twins: What Is There To Know?
Depending on the position of the children and the situation of the mother throughout the pregnancy, the delivery of twins can occur both naturally and by intervention.
As long as the mother has had a normal pregnancy up to 37 weeks, the option of having a natural delivery can be considered. Keep in mind that the gestation period for multiple pregnancies is usually less than 40 weeks.
However, in high-risk pregnancies, the doctor may consider a cesarean section. Many specialists choose this option from the beginning, in order to avoid any complications that may arise during childbirth.
The position of babies
One of the factors that most influences when deciding between a natural birth or a cesarean section is the position in which the babies come. For example, when both come head first, there is a high probability that the delivery will take place naturally.
It should be noted that natural childbirth is still an option even when the first baby comes head first and the second does not. Once the first one comes out, there are chances that the second one will get into the proper position. However, if both babies are head up, the only option is a C-section. The same is true if one of the babies (or both) is in a transverse position.
In addition, there are other conditions associated with performing a cesarean section. For example:
- Risks associated with placenta previa.
- Tightness of the mother’s pelvis.
- Loss of fluid prematurely.
- Exit the cordon before the children.
- Etc.
Finally, if the babies are premature, the option will always be a cesarean section. Similarly, if the children share the same amniotic sac or if they have congenital defects like Siamese twins.
Birth of twins naturally
There is a lot of similarity between a natural delivery of a baby and a multiple birth. The process of childbirth can start in both cases with contractions or by rupture of the source (amniotic fluid sac).
In the case of contractions, the mother can wait at home until they occur every 5 minutes or so. Once in the hospital, you wait until it reaches 10 centimeters in dilation. If there has been a water or spring break, the mother can wait while the tone is clear. If the water in the amniotic fluid is dark, you should go to the hospital immediately.
In the delivery of twins, the birth interval between babies is 20 to 30 minutes. While the expulsion process is faster since the babies are smaller. For better and faster stabilization, the twins go directly to the incubator. After that, they can be breastfed immediately.
Some recommendations for the delivery of twins
- Attend preparation courses. Prep workshops don’t just help parents cope with labor. They also serve for the mother to share her experience with other pregnant women.
- Learn about the risks associated with multiple births. It is not about generating anxiety and fear in the mother before the moment of delivery. It is more about controlling latent risks. For example, those that can be generated if the mother suffers from diabetes or hypertension, the possibility of bleeding or certain common complications such as pressure from the umbilical cords or the placenta.
- Choose the specialists and midwives. Due to the high risk posed by the delivery of twins, the presence of specialists is recommended. A doctor or obstetrician can solve any problems that arise. It is important to have all the necessary medical resources during labor. Also, it is better to have two midwives for optimal performance.
- Make sure you have help after delivery. A birth involves many changes for parents, and more if it is a birth of twins. Having help at home is vitally important. Serving two children at the same time requires teamwork and organization.
Of course, the most effective way for you to be calm and face a multiple birth in the best way will be the support and help of your partner in everything you need before and after delivery.
