Twins:Twin delivery

Is a vaginal birth possible for two babies?

Most women think about delivery and birthing options during their pregnancy. Just because you are carrying twins does not mean that you are required to have one type of delivery.

Vaginal or Caesarean delivery?
Whether you have a vaginal delivery or a Caesarean section depends on how the first baby is lying. Vaginal delivery is still possible if you are having twins. If you are having three or more babies, in most cases you will be delivered by cesarean section. Labor and a vaginal delivery will be permitted with twins when the first baby or both babies are positioned with their heads down. If the body part in your pelvis is not a head prior to labor a cesarean section is usually recommended.

You will labor in a hospital room and most oftentimes deliver in the operating room for safety reasons. If you are near term, the babies will be monitored initially until both babies are considered healthy. You may then be encouraged to walk, shower, or sit in a tub or jacuzzi during a portion of the labor. Having an IV during labor and delivery is a standard precaution, and blood work can be drawn when the IV is placed. Remember you are at risk for postpartum bleeding and for a cesarean delivery of your second baby.

Often, your care provider will recommend an epidural for delivery in case you need surgery. If you are laboring prematurely, your care provider will most likely want the babies monitored during the entire labor, which means you will be in bed during the labor. Delivery of twins is most safely accomplished in the room where cesarean sections are done. When your cervix is close to or fully dilated, you will be moved to the operating room. This may occur before or after you start pushing.

An ultrasound may be used to determine the position of the second baby after the first baby is born. The delivery method of your second child will depend on a number of things. If the baby is head down, you will be able to push. However, the second baby's head is not deep in your pelvis as the first baby's was, and the umbilical cord may be in front of the head. When this happens the second baby will need to be delivered by a cesarean section. If the second baby is breech, your care provider can deliver the baby three different ways:

You can push this baby out as a vaginal breech.
Your care provider can perform a breech extraction -- a method in which the care provider reaches up and grabs the baby's feet, pulling him or her out gently.
Your care provider may also decide that a surgical birth by cesarean section is the safest method of delivery.

During Surgery
If a cesarean section is needed, it is most often done while you are awake. You will be given an epidural or spinal anesthesia. One or two family members are often allowed in surgery with you, and many people will be present in the room providing care for you and your babies.

Many times, you will already know that you will be having a cesarean section ahead of time. The doctors often schedule the surgery for a certain day and time. Often times, you can even choose your own day and time. When you are admitted for a scheduled cesarean section, blood work will be taken and you will be given IV fluids to hydrate you. (Your care provider will have told you to not eat or drink anyanything for at least six to eight hours before surgery.) You will sign a consent for the surgery. The babies' heart rates will then be monitored. A foley catheter, which is a small, soft, rubber tube, is placed into your bladder to keep it empty during the surgery. Your belly is usually shaved from your belly button down to an inch or so into your pubic hair. (These two procedures may be done in the operating room or while you are still in your room.) You will then be moved to the operating room where an anesthesiologist will place your epidural or spinal block. Your belly will be scrubbed with a solution to kill germs, and a drape will be placed in front of you to block your view of the surgery. This drape is part of the sterile field that helps prevent infection. In about thirty to forty minutes your babies will be born. Afterward, you will be moved to the recovery room where you will remain for about an hour.

Comments: Twins - Twin-delivery

Comments 1 to 4 of about 4.

tummymummy - 1185 days ago.
Hello I myt b pregnant wit twins not 4 sure tho yet but I'm pretty sure I am but I'm terriffied 2 get a spinal (I'm going 2 an osf hospital so that's all they do) I tried getn 1 wit my daughter and it ended badly it hurt very badly n I jump offa the bed...if I'm having twins and they do have 2 do a C -section is there any way I can b put 2 sleep for the procedure...I pray it won't go 2 that tho cuz I would love 2 do it via vaginal...but I'm still terified of that spinal

mom of 7 plus 2 - 1223 days ago.
On 01/14/2010 I watched my good friend deliver Twins Vaginal. She was 36 weeks and did the whole thing with NO DRUGS NOT A THING!!! when we went to the Doctor that Morning she asked him to check her and she was @ 6 Cm. So we went out ot eat than headed over to the Hos. after trying to brake the 1st sac they did it and 20 mins later baby A a girl came out 7 mins later baby B a boy ( she was a surrogate) but after 25 min the 2nd Plasentia did not come out right and the cord snapped off. So she had to have a emergancy D&C. the next day she had a blood trans. She is home now and doing well... And baby will be going on a plane home in a few weeks. What a great thing I love being a surrogate and helpping family's...

manda-may - 1322 days ago.
Hello twin mums out there! I just wanted to say hi. My twin boys are almost 14 months now, and managed to make an entrance via vaginal delivery with a little help from some forcepts and my good friend the epidural. Good luck to all of you starting out on your twin adventure. It's pretty special so good luck and enjoy!! :-)

pantherladywith2kitties - 1594 days ago.
how many weeks are you now