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).
It's estimated that half of all twins are born early, prior to 36 weeks gestation, which is almost a month before the standard 40 weeks gestation of a singleton baby. Triplets and other higher-order multiples have an even greater chance of being born early.
The safest, most ideal time for women to give birth to dichorionic twins in otherwise uncomplicated pregnancies is at 37 weeks, found a new study. Women carrying monochorionic twins, appear to have the best outcomes for their newborns when giving birth at 36 weeks, the same study found.
More than half of twins are delivered early, or before 37 weeks of pregnancy. In fact, most are delivered around 36 weeks, but delivery any time before 37 weeks of pregnancy is considered preterm.
The risk of preterm labor and premature birth are heightened when there is more than one baby in the womb. 1 Other conditions such as preeclampsia, placental dysfunction, and twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome are more prevalent in twin pregnancy and increase the risk of an early delivery.
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).
At least 50-60 per cent of twins are born before 37 weeks, and up to fifteen per cent before 32 weeks. Once the babies are born, each baby will be assessed and treated individually. Two key factors in how a baby does after a premature birth are gestational age and birth weight.
Signs and Symptoms of Premature Labor
Tightening or low, dull backache that may be constant or come and go, but changing positions and other comfort measures don't ease it. Menstrual-like cramps or lower abdominal cramping that may feel like gas pains, with or without diarrhea. Increased pressure in your pelvis or ...
The average weight of twins is 2.5kg.
7.3 percent in women younger than 35. 6.9 percent in women age 35 to 37. 6.8 percent in women age 38 to 40. 5.1 percent in women age 41 to 42.
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That's not all, Monga says. Women pregnant with twins complain of more back pain, sleeping difficulties, and heartburn than those who are carrying one child. Being pregnant with twins also carries a higher rate of maternal anemia and a higher rate of postpartum hemorrhage (bleeding) after delivery.
Full-term for twins is the same as full-term for singleton babies, technically: 39 weeks pregnant. But if your twins are born at 37 weeks, that's as close to actual full-term as many twins get. At that point, they have full lung maturity and should be able to leave the hospital within a few days of delivery.
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.
Age. People over 30, and particularly those over age 35, are more likely to conceive twins. 4 This is because the level of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) rises as birthing parents get older. FSH is responsible for the development of eggs in the ovaries before they are released.
Naturally, twins occur in about one in 250 pregnancies, triplets in about one in 10,000 pregnancies, and quadruplets in about one in 700,000 pregnancies. The main factor that increases your chances of having a multiple pregnancy is the use of infertility treatment, but there are other factors.
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.”
Gestation time for twins
The normal length of gestation (period of time spent developing in the womb) for a single baby is around 40 weeks. However, gestation for twins, either identical or fraternal, is usually around 38 weeks.
While the average single baby weighs 7 pounds at birth, the average twin weighs 5.5 pounds. Triplets typically weigh 4 pounds each, and quads weigh 3 pounds each. Babies born at under 5.5 pounds are considered to have a low birth weight.
With a twin pregnancy, your body makes high levels of pregnancy hormones. So morning sickness may come on earlier and stronger than if you were carrying a single baby. You may also have earlier and more intense symptoms from pregnancy, like swelling, heartburn, leg cramps, bladder discomfort, and sleep problems.
Labor is often shorter with multiples. If you're delivering vaginally, that means you'll get to work on the pushing part faster. It could also be longer. With a baby duo growing within, sometimes the uterus can become stretched to a point where it might weaken mom's contractions.
About one third of all twins are born vaginally and the process is similar to that of giving birth to a single baby. If you're planning a vaginal delivery, it's usually recommended that you have an epidural for pain relief.
Your body typically gets rid of the plug between 37 and 42 weeks of gestation. It can even happen as late as when you are pushing baby out! (Yes, this happened to me in my 3rd birth.) Some women can lose it earlier in the pregnancy—the body will create more mucus to protect your baby.
Caesarean section surgery usually takes 30-60 minutes, although the entire process takes a few hours. There'll be many people in the operating theatre with you. You can usually have a support person.
Expect around nine to 25 days after birth if your twins need to spend some time in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). But remember, that not all twins need time in the NICU. Let's talk about the first ideal situation, which is when your twins are born, they're super healthy and they're ready to go home.
You may be offered an induction (starting labour artificially) or a caesarean section. Exactly when this will be will depend on your circumstances. But if your pregnancy has been uncomplicated, this may be at: 37-38 weeks if you are carrying twins with their own placentas (dichorionic)