Carrying Twins to Term

Early Twin Deliveries

A twin pregnancy increases the risk for preterm labor and delivery. A single baby is considered full term at approximately 40 weeks, whereas twins are considered full term anywhere from 36 to 40 weeks. In 2005, the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology published a report regarding fetal growth rates and the delivery of preterm twins. In this study, over 1,600 women were followed between 1979 and 2002 across the U.S. Women in this study delivered their twins at the following rates:

• 28-30 weeks: 5.3 percent
• 31-32 weeks: 8.5 percent
• 33-36 weeks: 40.1 percent

These statistics show that odds are almost even that a woman pregnant with twins will carry to term (approximately 47 percent chance) versus delivering a premature baby (approximately 53 percent chance).

Preterm Delivery Causes

While not all premature births can be attributed to one underlying cause, factors have been identified that may lead to a preterm delivery. Women carrying twins, triplets, or more are automatically considered at a higher risk for preterm delivery. Chances go even higher when other health factors are considered. These include:

• Prior pregnancies with complications
• Prior pregnancies with preterm deliveries
• Preeclampsia
• Smoking while pregnant
• Taking drugs or abusing alcohol while pregnant

Women who have health conditions that existed before pregnancy may also be at a higher risk for preterm delivery. In cases of multiple births, one or more of these risk factors could cause your twin pregnancy to be considered a high risk pregnancy.

Premature Delivery Risks

Babies, especially twins, who are born early are at a higher risk for both major and minor health problems. Low birth weight is often a major problem for twins born early. This alone can lead to long term physical and mental disabilities and health risks.

The twins’ lungs may not be fully developed, even if steroid shots are given to the mom when she experiences preterm labor. Internal muscles and organs, like the heart, may also be affected. Skin can be sensitive to touch and eyes may be sensitive to light. Babies who are born too early may have both physical and mental development delays throughout their childhood.

Increase Odds of Carrying Twins to Term

Every mother wants to have a healthy pregnancy and deliver healthy babies. The longer babies gestate, especially twins, the better chances they will have at avoiding health issues as newborns and later in life.

First Trimester

To help increase the odds that you will be carrying twins to term, do the following early on in your pregnancy:

• Eat properly. Take a prenatal multi-vitamin and eat frequent healthy meals.
• Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated is important for moms who are pregnant with twins.
• Exercise moderately. With your doctor’s permission, continue your exercise routine, modified for your pregnancy.
• Choose an OB/Gyn who specializes in multiples. If you have any health problems that will be a risk factor for premature delivery and are carrying twins, get a recommendation for someone whose concentration is in multiple gestation.

Second and Third Trimesters

During the latter part of a twin pregnancy, a doctor will closely monitor both the mother and babies health to ensure they are carried as far into the pregnancy as possible. Depending on the situation, the following may occur:

• Work restrictions
• Exercise restrictions
• Doctor ordered bed rest, which may be partial (usually at home) or full (often requires hospitalization)
• Additional doctor’s appointments, bi-weekly and then weekly
• Non-stress tests, which monitor fetal heart rates
• Extra ultrasounds

Twin Deliveries

Twin pregnancies have a higher rate of C-sections (Cesarean sections) than a single baby. Twins may be breech or be in distress. A mother experiencing life-threatening high blood pressure or preeclampsia may have a doctor-ordered c-section, regardless of her babies’ gestational age. Prior deliveries via c-section also contribute to a twin c-section delivery.

Vaginal births for twins is possible. An uneventful, routine pregnancy that goes to full term offers a good chance that the mother can deliver her twins vaginally.

Women should discuss their delivery options with their pregnancy doctor. Each patient and each twin pregnancy is different, so only you and your healthcare provider can make the right decision about how to deliver your babies.

Take precautions to increase your chances of carrying twins to term. Multiples often increase the chances of early labor, so it is especially important that you take care of yourself during pregnancy.