Birth Options

Emma - posted on 04/26/2010

i really wanted my twin girls naturally and was absolutly gutted i had to have a section as baby a was breech and baby b was head down, i dont feel as bad about it now as i think all that matters is there here and healthy and the doctors delivered them the safest way possible! i had a normal birth with my eldest little girl whos now 3 and to be honest theres pros and cons of both! good luck

Rachel - posted on 04/25/2010

When i was pregnant with my boys i was told if the presenting baby was head down then it didnt matter if the other was breach it may turn or can be born breach. Luckily 1st baby was head down they both were so i had them vaginally but 2nd baby turned and was born hindling (think thats how u spell it feet 1st anyway) breach. Both were perfectly fine. If you really dont want a c-section and your babys are fine then it is your body your babys you have the right to say so but also be aware that things could happen and if need be for the health of your babys you may have to have 1.

Brenda - posted on 04/14/2010

I had twins vaginally. They were born 5 minutes apart, even though the second was coming breach and had to be turned. I think too many c-sections are done for the convenience of the doctor, and not for the health of the mother or babies. Check all your options.

By the way, they were full-term, I was not induced, and they weighed 5-12 and 6-12. They are now 40.

Linda - posted on 04/09/2010

Both my pregnancies were vaginal, with no problems, to me the only scary part was that I had to deliver in Surgical room with the twins just in case, here in WI it is SOP to deliver twins in surgical room incase emergency c-section is needed. Mothing went wrong and both my girls are healthy, Elsa 6lbs 5oz, Elise 5lbs 4oz at birth and are old enough to be driving everybody nuts now, lol. They are at their terrible two's and oh boy I can't wait till that's over! One thing I can say is TAKE THE EPIDURAL!!!!! You will be VERY greatful after, if you were thinking natural try it, but don't knock epidural, ask your nurses until when they will still give it to you, since they can only do this up until a certain time, then it's too late!

Good luck, don't be too proud to ask friends and family for help if you need it, and you will need it, just remember, you do not have to be Super Mommy!

Gina - posted on 04/09/2010

I tried VBAC with my twins. Both were head down, positioned wonderfully. My water broke in week 31 and I was given medicine to try and stop the labor. It did not work. My little one was ready to meet the world. I did not have an epidural. However, my baby got wedged in at an angle on the way out. Despite numerous positions, we could not get him to budge...thus, another c-section.

Jenna - posted on 04/09/2010

My first set of twins were born via c-sect. with augmentation of pitocin. My second set of twins were born vaginally with no pain meds. I was aware of the chance that my scare could rupture, but did research. I found out that women had vbac'd twins before and that gave me hope. I was ok with not having an epidural and possibly needing general anesthesia. Since my dh and I plan on not having any more children, I wanted to do this last pregnancy/birth as natural as possible. Thankfully, everything went very smoothly. I went into labor naturally at 39 weeks, 2 days. By the time they checked my cervix in the hospital, I was dialated to 8. Baby B was born 5 min. after baby A and the doctor and nurses made sure that baby b didn't flip or move. So, the impossible can be done.

Kristina - posted on 04/08/2010

I was under the care of a midwife for my first child, and chose to go with midwives for the twins as well. Because it is considered a high-risk pregnancy, I had to have an obgyn who works closely with this midwifery practice on "standby." That obgyn as well as the other one who works at that hospital were both going to be on vacation around my actual due-date, which would have made an emergency c-section trickier (I would have had to be taken to a hospital in the city), so at his suggestion, we set the induction at 38 weeks 3 days. We chose a Wednesday because a GP who also delivers babies had her clinic at that hospital on Wednesdays. So there were actually 3 physicians on "standby" on my delivery date. I was induced at 7 a.m., right at shift-change so that there were extra nurses around. It was like a well-oiled machine! :) Luckily for us, it was a textbook birth! None of the physicians was needed! Baby A was born at 12:16, Baby B at 12:35. By 1 p.m., I was receiving visitors!

My oldest child's labour and delivery was actually much longer and had numerous complications for her and for me, so I was really ready for the worst when the twins were born.

So it really goes to show that just because you're having twins it does not mean that it's going to go badly.

Malorie - posted on 04/07/2010

I carried my twins for 38 weeks and 4 days and had to actually be induced because my doctor worried about waiting too long. I went in and had every intention of delivering vaginally, but after 10 hours of contractions and very little progress (I was told I had a cervix of steel - not what you want to hear), we decided it would be best to do a C-section. I struggled with that decision until the boys came out and Baby B had been unknowingly in distress for the last month and may not have made it through a vaginal birth.

I agree with the others that say to prepare for anything. It seems like things just kinda happen the way they should for you and the babies. Good luck!

Kelly - posted on 04/07/2010

Good luck to you! I had both of my boys vaginally a day shy of 38 weeks, both were head down from about 30 weeks on. My doctor did warn me about having one vaginally and then possibly having a C-section still. I delivered in a operating room (standard for twins) and the second boy had a little help coming out. My doctor and the assissting doctor helped move him down into the birth canal so we could deliver him faster. My boys were 8 minutes apart.

Jennifer - posted on 04/07/2010

I would talk to your doctor about your concerns. I had my twins vaginally with no pain meds at all. (bradley method, highly recommended) I made sure to talk to my doctors about my concerns. I even went so far as to type up a birth plan for my doctor and the hospital. I ended up delivering in an operating room, despite my desire not to, but both were vaginal). However both the boys were head down so I was able to deliver how I wanted to. There are several midwifes who are willing to deliver twins, even with the second one breach. Talk to several in your area, know your options. Just because one physician is unwilling to follow your desires doesn't mean it isn't safe to do it your way. TALK, TALK , TALK. Breach deliveries are a lost art. Most doctors are too uncomfortable to do them anymore, but a lot of midwives are versed in how to do them safely.

Stacy - posted on 04/07/2010

I had my twin boys at 34weeks +6 days. I was able to have them vaginally after one of the two waters broke. It was a long 23 hours before they used vacuum suction to get the first one out. After that the had break the second sac in order for baby b to come down all the way. They had to use the vacuum again on the second, just because I was exhausted. My recovery was pretty quick and the babies were fine. The only reason they went to the NICU was because they were 1 day shy of 35 weeks.

Emma - posted on 04/07/2010

I delivered my twins vaginally 5 years ago. My daughter was head down from early on. After delivering her my son decided to start turning so the consultant reached in and pulled him out feet first. Not the best experience ever but much prefered to c-section. Good luck x

Gwen - posted on 04/06/2010

my daughter had both twins vaginally

Katie - posted on 04/05/2010

Thank you everyone. This helps me feel a better.

Victoria - posted on 04/05/2010

Hi ya

I delivered my boys vaginally 10 weeks ago - Fynn was head down and Sam breech. Both went fine and I was induced at 37+4 and took 8 hours from start to finish x

Kelli - posted on 04/05/2010

Hi...my Andrew was head down from about the point you're at now. He did stay that way and let his brother do all the flopping around in my ribcage. I had them vaginally at 35 1/2 wks. So, yes, it CAN be done. My dr.'s philosphy is that as long as Twin A is bigger and head down, it can be a vaginal birth. My boys were born healthy and only stayed in the hospital due to a mild case of jaundice and to be sure they were eating properly due to their small size....and honestly, I give their size the credit for a virtually pain free birth...:) Good luck...find me on facebook if you want to chat...
~Kelli Walker

Sarah - posted on 04/05/2010

I had my twin boys at 36 weeks vaginally. Was induced due to pre-eclampsia and wanted a vaginal birth. I had an epidural in case of emergency c-section, both babies born normally 1 hr apart ( I think due to weakness from the eclampsia and lack of sensation from the epidural). Make sure you discuss with your doctor what you want in advance. This is your body and your life, I did not want to be recovering from a c-section and pre-eclampia and looking after 2 babies and my first doctor was not very sympathetic, luckily the second one didn't see a problem with a vaginal birth and they were born 5 & 6 lbs.

Meghan - posted on 04/04/2010

I had both my babies vaginally. Baby A was head down and Baby B was feet first. Baby A was born very easily 3-4 pushes and he was out. With Baby B it was a little complicated and high risk for c-section. The doctor literally had to go up and pull her out. 6 minutes later my daughter was born. Good Luck to you!

Elizabeth - posted on 04/04/2010

I had mine vaginally - Baby A was head down and 6lbs 7oz, Baby B was breech and 7lbs 3 oz, and it went just fine!

Margaret - posted on 04/04/2010

I delivered my twin boys vaginally 29 years ago at 37 weeks no epidural, no drugs. We didn't know we had twins until B was coming out. They were both head down, but baby B was face up. They weighed 5 lb 4 oz & 5 lb 1 1/2 oz. The dr predicted a 10 lb girl. Needless to say we were VERY surprised.

Jenny - posted on 04/04/2010

I delivered my twins vaginally. Baby A was head down. My doctor was very comfortable with twin vag delivery. However, after baby A was born (very easy 2 push delivery) Baby B switched positions. Too much space was left for him and his cord slipped out with him in a very awkward position. There was no time to switch to C section, and baby B was born via breech extraction with a prolapsed cord. He had very low (almost 0) apgar scores and spent almost a month in the NICU, even though he was 6.5 lbs and 36 weeks. We are very fortunate that the medical team was amazing and he is a normal healthy child today. I am not trying to scare you but if I had it to do over again, I would opt for C section. A lot can go wrong with a twin vag delivery. Good luck to you and I am sure things will turn out for you no matter what you choose. Cherish it, it goes FAST! My twins are 7 years old now!

Jodie - posted on 04/04/2010

My twins are now six and I was lucky enough to have them vaginally at 37 weeks. My Obgyn insisted on me having an epidural (in case there was an emergency and a C section was required I would not need a general anesthetic). Baby A was normal delivery, baby B decided at the last moment to come breech - feet first. That was a bit more scary but I had a wonderful and very experienced Doctor who still allowed me to deliver her. It took a couple of hours of full on labor, lots of pushing but they were only 19 minutes apart. I think the main thing with pregnancy with twins is to know that it's harder to control the way things go. Definately make it clear to your doctor about your preferences though and hope for the best. The main thing is that you end up with 2 healthy babies.

Tasha - posted on 04/03/2010

I have twins and they were born vaginally, twin A was head down early on and stayed down, the rest of the pregnancy.

Aida Denisse - posted on 04/03/2010

I had my twins vaginally. Baby A was head down and B was breach. Hope this helps.

Michelle - posted on 04/03/2010

It looked like my twins were going to be born c-section because they were both sideways in the womb, but a couple of days before I delivered, they both flipped head down. I delivered vaginally at 39 weeks. It took an hour of pushing to get Twin A out because she was face up, but I barely had to push once for Twin B. Do a vaginal birth if you can, but trust your doctor, too. If he/she thinks a vaginal birth is too risky, go with the c-section.

Karen - posted on 04/03/2010

I did it vaginally..was not bad at all. I was induced at 36 weeks due to pre-eclampsia. I had an epidural, they told me I could not go without one..I am happy I did it the way I did..My doctor was very enthusiastic about the vaginal delivery. Mine were 13 minutes apart...The only downturn is you are out of the hospital in 2 days. If you have a c-section it is usually 4..They were my first so I had to say adjusting was very hard. Still, I think I did the right thing. Good Luck to you.
Karen

Nell - posted on 04/02/2010

i myself had a c section for my twin boys but my daughter had her twins normally and no stitches. twin one of mine had his head down , they tried to turn him but kept going back. however if you dilate fully there is a chance you will have them normally. kelly had an epidural for the pain and had a great birth. good luck and congrats. to to the both of you. they are easier to look after then you think.

Kristina - posted on 04/02/2010

I had twins at 31 wks-no drugs, c-sections or any other intervention. They stayed 7 wks in Special Care.

Cindy - posted on 04/02/2010

Good Luck Katie! Your in for the joy of your life! I had identical twin girls, they will be 21 in June. They are still the joy of my life! I carried mine to 3 days over term, where I was induced, and still delivered naturally. I would never advise this! The first twin came out just fine and then baby B decided she wasn't coming...ended up delivery breech and thought I was going to die! Both were head down for ages it seemed but as soon as the first one came out the 2nd one flipped. The doctor tried everything to turn baby b but nothing worked. At one point she was stuck and the doctor was seconds away from having to break my pelvis to get her out. I think he was very neglectful as I should've been in the operating room and should have had an epidural. It was very traumatic for me. The fact that they weighed 6 15 and 7lb 1 oz may have attributed to that factor. My twins were 5 minutes apart. Both great and very healthy. These were my 3rd and 4th girls so I'd done this before. The epidural is a wonderful thing and I would advise anyone to have one. Best wishes to you and your new arrivals! You are gonna love it!

Good luck and God Bless!

Cindy

Leanne - posted on 04/02/2010

My identical twin boys were born naturally at 36 weeks twin 1 was head down around the same time as you and basically stayed that way until birth, I dont think they have much room to move around at that point. When giving birth to twin 2 the doctor inserted his hand to guide his head down to the birth canal to avoid him turning feet first the boys were born 10 mins apart and weighed 4 & 6lb,

Brandie - posted on 04/02/2010

I didnt even try with my twins cause I was afraid of having to do both so I went straight for c-section. best of luck and congrats twins are the best.

DeVona - posted on 04/02/2010

I had my boys at 37 wks. Both were head down however when I delivered Baby A came out naturally and as soon he got out Baby B turned and did not want to come out! so I had to have him by c-section.

Leanne - posted on 04/02/2010

i had my girls viginally at 37wks, twin a was head down but twin b was breech. If there is nothing wrong with the twins, and u dont want a c-section, dont have one.

Angie - posted on 04/02/2010

I had my girls vaginally. They were both heads down at 24 weeks and stayed that way until develiery at 35 weeks. It was to my amazement super easy. The second one just took one push and she was out. They will still have you deliver in the OR just in case you run into any problems...good luck!

Antonella - posted on 04/02/2010

I was all set for a vaginal delivery But I was one of the lucky few who experienced the best of both worlds in one hit. I had a spontaneous labour at 34 weeks with both of my boys positioned head down. After delivering my son Alexander naturally, my little Benjamin (Twin B) decided he had plenty of room for once and decided to turn. He positioned himself to high and no amount of internal manipulation was going to reach him so i was rushed in for an emergency csection, My boys were delievred 25 minutes apart. My verdict..... natural delivery over csection any day.

My advice to you Katie is expect the unexpected . Be open to all possibilities, natural birth or csection, or both and whatever the outcome embrace it, take it all in, it's your birthing experience whichever way it goes.

Congratulations and all the very best.
(hope i havent scared you in anyway!)

Sylvie - posted on 04/01/2010

I delivered my first son vaginaly and same for my twin boys. With my first I wanted a birth as natural as possible but the labour ended up being really long and the delivery as well. I ended up getting an episiotomy. With the twins I wanted to avoid a c-section just like you. The OBGYNs were great with this and my wishes. They said so long as twin A is head down it's ok :) both were head down. I delivered at 37 weeks and 5 days. This delivery went really great and fast! They had recommended an epidural in case of complications and if they would need to do an emergency c-section for twin B. My labour and delivery only lasted a few hours. I can't remember the number of pushes...but do remember that I thought I would get a break between the two but not long! They were born 12 minutes apart :) and it seems like the second one just came right out! Delivering two babies vaginaly is not any harder than one... Only for the doctors and staff lol

Tali - posted on 04/01/2010

I was not able to have my twins vaginally - they suffered from TTTS and were pseudo- mono/mono, and a vaginal delivery could have been fatal.

However, my friend Jenny had her twin daughters 5 years ago - she went to 38 weeks and delivered her girls vaginally. :)

Amy - posted on 03/31/2010

I was 38 weeks when I had my twins. I had them both vaginally. Karrisa(A) just 2-3 pushes and she was out and Kiersten (B) had turned about 1-2 hrs before they were born so after Karissa was born the two Dr. pressed on my belly and turn Kiersten(B). If the didn't turn her I would have had a C-section and I didn't want to recover from two different ways. After she was turned 1 push and she was out. The were very big girls. The were 8lb 11oz and 8lb 3oz

Julianne - posted on 03/31/2010

I had my girls vaginally and my doctor was all for it, he said the only time they prefer to do a csect is if the babies aren't in the right positions. I wouldn't panic about it tho, otherwise you'll stress urself out more than necessary. The csect is there if it has to happen. I had my girls at 35+6wks, they came naturally on their own, the first wouldn't wait to come out and the second they had to break my waters with but she came not long after. I was also recommended to have an epidural and coz I'd already had one with my first daughter, I was fine with it but for the twins it was a waste of time as they put it in but didn't even get it connected before Kendra wanted out. lol Don't panic tho, you have a lot of time left before they need to worry about what position they r in. Good luck!!

Britta - posted on 03/30/2010

I had the same concerns as you did. My doctor was very motivated to allow me to have my twins vaginally - as long as I was motivated to do it this way. When the time came they did an ultrasound to ensure that both babies were head down - which they were. Baby A was a normal delivery and normal effort to push out. Baby B was much MUICH easier and more or less just slide out with only 1-2 pushes. I had no problems delivering them vaginally and had a really good recovery. I was 37 weeks and 2 days when they were born. I would say go for it as long as both babies are head down. IF not you run the risk have both a vaginal dleivery and a c-section. But ultimately I would say be prepared for anything. I guess it can be common for the second baby to flip around once they have the room there by forcing you into a c-section for that baby anyway. I had no problems and was very text book I guess you could say.



Best of luck to you and in the infamous words of my husband (who is a drill instructor for the navy) GET MOTIVATED!!

you can do it.