What to Expect when Giving Birth to Multiples
Regardless of the type of twins expected, one third of all multiple pregnancies often come early. Certain factors contribute to this. These include:
- Preeclampsia
- Growth Restrictions
- Mo-Mo ( identical) twins
The preterm delivery of multiple pregnancies makes it necessary for the expectant mother to consider her birthing options earlier on. These options are two:
-
Vaginal Birth
Mothers who have to deliver multiples worry a lot about vaginal birth. Questions such as will I have the strength to push out more than one baby often arise. The good thing is, if your pregnancy has been smooth and the babies are healthy, vaginal birth is then recommended. You experience the first stage labor only once. As the cervix opens each baby will have their own pushing stage. After the first child is born, subsequent births usually occur within 17 minutes of each other.
In the case of the baby being in breech the doctor may opt to rotate the baby internally or externally for a safe delivery .Assisted delivery with the help of forceps or vacuum devices may help faster delivery of babies
-
Cesarean Delivery
During your routine antenatal clinics, the doctor may recommend a C-section. This mostly occurs when:
- You have had a C-section before
- Your first baby is in breech position
- Babies are in traverse position
- Complications
In such cases, the doctor will book a day for you that you will undergo cesarean section. In case you start laboring before the C-section date, the procedure will be done on the date that labor starts.
In the case of both types of deliveries if any of the babies is considered to be in danger, they are usually admitted in the Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for further treatment and monitoring.
Delivering the Placenta
The number of Placentas varies when carrying multiple pregnancies. They may be one shared placenta or one for each baby. Contractions for delivering the placenta are usually mild and don’t differ much from a singular delivery.
The most important aspect of any delivery is the safety and health of both mother and children. These procedures more often than not ensure that.
Disclaimers:
Please note that development differs from one child to another. Content intended for educational purposes only, and should not be substituted for medical advice from your doctor.
Be careful when using any products mentioned on this website. We hold no regulations for such products or their providers.
Last reviewed March 2019
Sources: whattoexpect, standardmedia, verywellfamily, parenting.firstcry, verywellfamily
