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Multiple Issues
The Risks Associated with Twin Pregnancies
By Melinda Copp
Multiples are often delivered by C-section because the more bodies you have in your uterus, the more difficult things become when it's time to come out.
"The Cesarean section rate is 50 percent for twins, compared to 25 to 30 percent for singletons due to mal-presentation (breech or transverse) in the first baby, which is contra-indication to vaginal delivery," Dr. De Regt says. "Also, if she needs to deliver early due to pre-eclampsia, [her] cervix may not be amenable to induction."
And although women pregnant with a single breech baby can sometimes do things to change the baby's position to avoid a Cesarean section, a woman carrying twins usually has no other delivery option.
"I usually suggest women get on all fours when the baby is most active," Dr. Atlas says. "But it's very difficult to alter the position of twins because the dynamics are different – there are two babies and they're overcrowded."
"The best advice I could offer anyone pregnant with twins, especially if there are complications, is to listen to your doctor and take care of yourself and your babies," Johnson says. "You only get one chance to get those babies safely into this world. There are no do-overs." And Johnson says to also keep your eyes on the prize.
"Days, weeks or months of bed rest seem like a lot at the time, but the memory of it fades pretty quickly when you're caring for twins around the clock," she says. "Some days I half wish someone would put me back on bed rest."
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