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).
A typical, single pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks, but a twin pregnancy often lasts between 35 to 37 weeks. More than half of all twins are born prematurely (before 37 weeks), and the risk of premature delivery increases with higher-order multiples. Premature babies (preemies) can have health challenges.
And, in 20% of study participants with a pregnancy gap of less than 12 months, the next pregnancy was one day shorter. However, a recent 2022 survey on the length of pregnancy for first-, second- and third-time moms indicates that second babies arrive around the same time as the first, at 39 weeks and 5 days.
Most women carrying twins go into labor at 36 to 37 weeks, as opposed to 40 in a single pregnancy, Al-Khan says, and some may go even earlier. "Generally, if the twins are born after 34 weeks, there should not be a major concern, but a premature baby is still a premature baby," Al-Khan says.
In 2021, the month with the highest rate of twin births in the United States was July with almost 33 twin births per 1,000 total births.
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).
The birth process is similar to giving birth to a single baby. If you're planning a vaginal birth, your health team may recommend that you have an epidural for pain relief.
They conclude, “In terms of short- and long-term outcomes, uncomplicated twin pregnancies should not be delivered before 37 completed weeks of gestation and that there is a limited benefit of prolonging pregnancy after that.”
With the placenta(s) in multiple pregnancies covering a greater proportion of the uterine wall, there is a higher risk of complications that can be dangerous for mom or babies. Placental abruption or placenta previa are some situations that might prompt an early delivery.
Just over 3 percent of babies in the United States are now born in sets of two, three or more, with the majority — about 97 percent — of these multiple births being twins. So your chance of having twins is about 3 in 100.
Although it can feel like a daunting prospect now, it is most likely that this feeling was much greater before your first birth. Although there is likely to be some minor differences to the first time around, you can feel confident in knowing it is more likely to be marginally quicker and less painful.
Your second pregnancy is often different than your first. You might show sooner, feel more tired, have stronger or more frequent back pains, and notice Braxton Hicks contractions earlier. Labor will likely be faster, but postpartum recovery could take longer.
The typical C-section takes about 45 minutes from start to finish. After your provider delivers your baby, they'll stitch your uterus and close the incision in your abdomen. Different types of emergencies can arise during a delivery.
It's common for twins to be born by 38 weeks, and roughly 60% of twins are born via c-section. However, a recent study has shown planning an elective c-section does not maximise your chances for a safe birth.
The average weight of twins is 2.5kg.
Throughout your pregnancy, your twin babies will move in the uterus, but sometime during the third trimester – usually between 32 and 36 weeks – their fetal presentation changes as they prepare to go down the birth canal.
As you're nearing the end of pregnancy, it's important know the labor signs to watch out for, which include strong and regular contractions and your water breaking. If you notice bleeding from the vagina, severe pain, severe or sudden swelling, or less fetal movement than usual, call your doctor right away.
Not surprisingly, labor and delivery can get a little more complicated when you've got multiple babies looking forward to their debuts. So remember that no matter what route they take from your snug womb to your even snugger embrace, the best way is the one that's healthiest and safest for them — and for you.
If you're pregnant with twins, chances are that you can expect to go into labor a little bit sooner than you would if you were carrying just one baby. If you're expecting twins, here's what you need to know about the delivery and leading up to it.
For example, twins born at 36 weeks may be more mature but are still likely to be a little slow in learning to breastfeed; those born before 32 weeks are likely to require assistance with breathing (ventilation) and may have other health problems (temporary or otherwise); and those born before 28 weeks may have ...
Healthy twins develop like a single baby does until the last trimester, when their growth slows down. Twins are usually born before the usual 40-week due date. Carrying twins can be more difficult than carrying a single baby. And the risks are higher for pregnancy problems.
According to a survey conducted by the American Society of Anesthesiologists, around 50% of birthing parents between 18 and 39 said that contractions were the most painful part of labor and delivery.