Giving birth to twins

Katrina - posted on 05/14/2013

I am pregnant with twins 23weeks, i have had 4 previous sections so i am worried, when will they book, the c sec for?? as there growing very well what if i go in to labour and they come early will my scar tear my daughter is only 1 year old.

Molly - posted on 12/30/2009

I did!! The first baby was head first and the second was breech, frank breech, which is butt first. Everything went fine (in fact we did it at home they were so fast) and it was harder to do Edie breech, but not that much because she was second. Its just a little more work because you dont have the momentum of the head working with you...but you can do it!!

Kel-Cie - posted on 12/30/2009

HI, I have 6 month old twin boys, I delivered my first boy, Jack 6lb 1oz he was head down, then James was sideways so my doctor actually manually turned him looking for a head or bum whichever came first, well it was his bum, he was 4lbs 8oz. It wasn't too bad no worse for pain then delivering Jack, the worst thing was when he turned him and it wasn't so much painful as having a hand up your crotch gives alot, alot of pressure that tou want to push out lol, It was all worth it through when James, with his but hanging out, peed on my doctor lol.

Shannon - posted on 12/30/2009

My twins were born very early, at 28 weeks. My sonogram before they were born they were both head down, but after the first one was delivered the second flipped and was breech. she was in distress and my doctor did an emergency c- section. Do what you feel comfortable with. I really didn't get a choice. Thought it was gas and then 15 minutes later after arriving at the hospital the first baby was born. If I has a choice I would have choosen the c- section and been done with it. Instead I had one vaginal, and one c-section. Until I was put out for the c-section I had absolutely no pain meds. Talk with your doctor. Your comfort level durning the birth of your twins is very important.

Mandy - posted on 12/30/2009

My Doctor told me the same thing if they are not both head down then he would do a c-section. He said it is safe to have a C-section otherwise you will be putting the baby in danger.

Kelly - posted on 12/29/2009

Both of my twins were delivered vaginally. My doctor told me that he would probably do twin A vaginally and see what twin B did. If he was breech and not easy to push out, he would do an emergency c-section. However, my son was sideways while his sister was being delivered and managed to turn head down during delivery. My doctor said that happens sometimes. It is just that the second might not be able to be in position because of lack of space in you. They move so often, that you cannot be sure of what will happen. Just one week before I delivered, they were both head up.... I would make sure that your OBGYN is not hell bent on doing vaginal, and that she is ready and willing to do a c-section if it is needed even if they do one vaginally and the other one needs a c-section to come out.

Kathy - posted on 12/29/2009

Hi,
my twins were both born breech,11 minutes apart,weighing in at 6lb 3oz and 6 lb 5oz,they were born 1 month to the day early,now nearly 18,they have never looked back

Ashley - posted on 12/29/2009

i have 10 month old twins. they were my 3rd pregnancy. my 1st 2 children were delivered vaginally, with no complications. I was terrified of a C-section. My doctor told me the same as yours. If the baby closest to my cervix was head down I could try to deliver vaginally, even if one baby was breach. (the thought is when the 1st baby is delivered, the 2nd has room to turn) well in the end, both babies ended up being breach and I was scheduled for a c-section at 38 weeks and 1 day. The c-section was no harder than a vaginal delivery in terms of pain or recovery, just different.

Sarah - posted on 12/29/2009

I delivered my twins via elective C/section as i had some complications during the pregnancy. Both of my girls were head down tho. During the preganancy (before the complications) i was advised that as long as twin A was head down it was fine to deliver twin B breech as they knew from twin A already being down the birth canal that B would not get stuck. The danger of delivering breech is that they don't know if the head will fit through, baby could get stuck when half way out. With twins tho once A is out they know there is room for B to come out.



I could have had a natural delivery if i really pushed for it but in the end i weighed up all the options and decided i couldn't worry about what was best for me i had to decide what was best for the babies to come out safely. The recovery from the C/section was not as bad as i thought it would be, however i could not have looked after the twins as well in the first few weeks had i not had help from my family.



You really can't put yourself and your recovery first in this situation, you have to think about your babies and what is going to be the best way to get them out safely



Good Luck - twins are a challenge but we would not change it for the world - my girls are 3 months old now and it really seems like just yesterday we came home from the hospital. Enjoy them :)

Andrea - posted on 12/29/2009

I gotta tell you that my c-section was a great experience! My daughter was head down, but my son was breech, and my dr. suggested a c-section, and I was fine with that. We scheduled the delivery, but I went into labor 10 days early. I didn't have the vaginal labor experience that some women really want, but the babies were big and healthy and my recovery was surprisingly easy. My c-section was a really positive experience!

Susan - posted on 12/29/2009

My story is very similar to many of those above. I finally got pregnant at 36. Gained 24 lbs, did not have morning sickness (although I lost my taste for coffee), did not have cravings and delivered at 36 1/2 weeks because the placenta's had fused together and baby A (my son Nicholas) was taking all the nutrients. Go figure! lol My daughter was born 5 minutes later. She was a bit jaundice but would be fine. We got to stay in the hospital an extra day because of a blizzard. We needed it but then couldn't wait to get home with our babies.

My son was head down and my daughter was breech. I had the epidural, was in the surgical room and delivered my Nicholas just fine at 6lbs 5oz. While dad was adoring his son (thinking there was plenty of time) my daughter turned in-utero and came out five minutes later @ 5lbs 5 oz. Thank God my hubby was able to make it just in time for her to come in to the world.

For some either way is fine. I wanted to deliver vaginally because I had not been able to get pregnant for 11 years and didn't know if I'd ever get pregnant again (ended up with hysterectomy because of a very large cyst). I chose to experience the joy (and pain because I let the epi wear off) of childbirth. It's different for everyone but the important factor is that mom and babies are safe. You will need all the energy you have and then some (if you breast feed, which I did but supplemented with bottles when needed, this enabled daddy to feed one while I breast fed the other and then we'd switch at the next feeding) and you can recover while you sit and hold your little ones.

My twins have just turned 14 and I when I kiss them on the forehead It's the same as if It was when I held them for the first time (I think that will be my forever gift). I kissed them each on their little forehead and cried with my husband for these miracles God had given us. I still look at them with awe and appreciate the joy of being a mother.

It has never been easy but I would not trade it for anything. All the love and affection you give to them will come back to you as they are growing. The challenges are always there but balanced with a whole lot of love and forgiveness (you'll have to forgive yourself at times) - you'll make it and you're children will rise up and call you blessed!

Kelly - posted on 12/29/2009

i gave birth naturally to my twins first was born normal and the second turned as soon as the first came out, they tried for 20 minutes to turn her but didnt manage it and so i gave birth to her breach.

Kate - posted on 12/29/2009

I haven't delivered breeched but I was breeched. My Mom said it was slightly more difficult becausde of the risks, not more painful. I delivered mine by c-section and that was painful. I was I could have pushed. My twins were born at 22weeks. I think oyur new Dr. is trying to save you healling time by trying to push. Congrats on the twins and I think you are in for the ride of your life.

Jeannine - posted on 12/29/2009

Hi, I have frateral girl twins. My doctor was prepared to deliver by c-section but thankfully, she wasn't on call when my babies decided to come into the world. The doctor who delivered my twins delivered in the operating room and performed a vaginal delivery. Baby A was feet first and baby B was breeched. He was able to turn her. I preferred a vaginal delivery due to recuperating time.

Dana - posted on 12/28/2009

i delivered my twins at 37 weeks naturally. 1st baby was head down and came out head down...2nd one came out breech. but was small enough and the doctor easily pulled him out. THey will recommend you have an epidural in case you end up with csection and you will more than likely deliver in the csection room. i did my dr. said that was standard protocol when delivering twins. but yes it is safe.my tiwns were 4lbs 15oz and 4lbs 14oz. the pain of a breech delivery would imagine be a lot easier and short lived than pain of csection.

Amy - posted on 12/28/2009

I had a c-section with my twins as I had already had one with my eldest (due to health issues) apparently there is a 50% chance of loosing the second twin if you have had a previous c-section and then try to have twins vaginally. I have now had 3 c-sections and the recovery is generally around the same time as a vaginal delivery except you cant do the heavy lifting for a little while longer (is that a bad thing!!!)

Ciera - posted on 12/28/2009

oh, and also as far as any more risks for the babies, the main risk of opting for csec is that when the babies are born vaginally, the fluid is squeezed out of their lungs when they are born but with a csec that doesnt happen so SOMETIMES (but not always) they have the fluid in their lungs and that can pose risks for them if they cant suction it all out. both of my babies had this and went to the NICU bc of it but both were totally fine and healthy once the fluid was suctioned out. However, that does not make csec more risky than vaginal bc there is a little list of possible coplications for twins delivered vaginally as well. as ALL deliveries
(mulitples or not) risks are always going to be there but most likely, no matter how you choose to deliver, everything will work out just fine!

Ciera - posted on 12/28/2009

From the moment I found I was having twins, I began researching the crap out of it...I'm a research biology major so it's kinda my thing lol! Almost right away I decided to opt for a c-section. Even if they are both head down, there is a possibility of B turning when A is delivered. I know so many women have no problems delivering both vaginally but bc of the complications that are possibilities, I decided to go with the Csec. It worked out perfectly for me bc I was able to prepare for everything perfectly as I told my dr right away (I was about 9 or 10 weeks when I decided) and he was able to help me with all the information I needed and all. I had a lot of people who had a problem with me opting for the csec thinking that it wasnt right for me to do so but my husband said whatever I wanted to do he fully supported and that was all I needed. Don't be worried about the delivery, your dr will do everything posible to keep you and the babies safe but if you decide to have a csec, it is no big deal at all. in fact, I had a shorter and better recovery than anyone I know who has ever delivered vaginally even 1 baby. I was up and around as normal within about 3 days and never had even the first moment of even slight pain at all! Now that I'm pregnant again (my twins are only 10 months old) I will most likely have to have a csec again bc my incision line is still not healed but I am not worried about it at all. good luck!

Jennifer - posted on 12/28/2009

Hi! I am 32 weeks pregnant with twins and they are both breech. My doctor and i just had our talk about how we will be delivering. and he said that if i try to have them both vaginally then there is a higher chance of the first baby having major problems like getting stuck which leads to suffication that could harm both babies. So if they dont change by 37 weeks then my doctor is going to plan for a c-section for both babies.

Bonnie - posted on 12/28/2009

When I was pregnant with my twins my doctor said he would deliver my second baby breech if the first was head down and I agreed to it. I was VERY nervous about that and so when I delivered we agreed that if possible he would try to turn the second baby (my son) once my first (my daughter) was born. Luckily my doctor was able to successfully turn my son. We had also agreed however prior to delivery that if he was unsuccessful in turning my son, he would deliver him C-section. I didn't want to have a C-section but preferred it over the complications that could have arisen from a breech delivery.
My suggestion is to talk to your doctor and make sure you are both comfortable with whatever decision you make.

Lorrie - posted on 12/27/2009

Mine were 4 and 5, too. I don't know, but everyone I know had to deliver in an operating room. I didn't (was meant to) because mine were delivered too quickly. They were about to move me, and my daughter came out. One push. They made me sign all kinds of forms for an emergency c-section as soon as I got to the hospital. But, when you say yours weren't small, how big were your other children? Most people I know have twins that average at least a pound smaller than their other children. All I really have to contribute is that twins may turn in the last days before birth. As you well know, they are also capable of turning during delivery. What matters is the position of the first baby. That one rarely turns. The reason I was told I had to deliver in an operating room was because the second baby may become transverse requiring an emergency c-section to save it. My father was a 9 lb breech baby delivered vaginally. I think my family is built for having babies. I had to fight my doctor to have a vaginal birth, though. He automatically scheduled c-sections for all twins. He made several snide comments while I was in labor even after he realized the second baby had turned. So, maybe I just had a bad doctor.

Rachel - posted on 12/27/2009

Also i wasnt made to deilver in the operating room!! Maybe it is diffrent in diffrent places??

Rachel - posted on 12/27/2009

Hiya! I have identical twin boys who are now 11 months old!! When i was pregnant my specialist said if the 1st baby to be born was head down then i could have a vaginal birth even if 2nd baby was breech coz he would eithher turn head down or could be born breech it does not harm the baby!! So at 35 weeks i was induced and both babys were head down bonus!!! But after 1st was born 2nd decided to do a flip haha and his foot came down 1st so my specialist went in grabbed his other foot so he couldnt get stuck and that was how he came out feet 1st!!! Did not hurt at all really as they were small anyway and were number 4 and 5 for me but was strange tho felt like being calfed like a cow lol!! 2nd baby was none worse the wear for being born like that and they were both healthy i was induced as 1st born wasnt really growing but they werent that small i dont think 4lbs 5ozs and 5lbs 3ozs. Good luck go with what you feel is right for you as long as is safe for your babys.

Lorrie - posted on 12/27/2009

I delivered my twins vaginally. If the first twin is head down, it is considered safe. My second twin turned to head down the day before I went into labor. I have a friend who delivered hers vaginally. The doctor turned the second twin after the first was born. We both carried our twins to 40 weeks. Some doctors just automatically want to schedule a c-section for twins, but vaginal is the way to go. You're up walking and eating in 5 hours. Either way, they will make you deliver in an operating room because it is common for the second twin to turn after the first is born. Sometimes, not in a good way. Just because one baby is not head down now does not mean it will not turn. If the first baby is breech things change. The first baby being head down opens the way for the second baby even if it is breech. I would opt vaginal if at all possible. Remember, even full term twins will be smaller than singletons. Mine were 3 days late and only weighed 6 lbs a piece.

Franca - posted on 12/27/2009

My twin B was born breech (breech extraction). I needed to have an epi (which I would have gotten either way). After A was out, they grabbed him by the feet and he came out 4 minutes later. No problems, just a low Apgar at first (1 minute) but fine later (5/9).

Amanda - posted on 12/26/2009

I wouldnt worry...its best to try vaginal and im sure the doctor will do a c-section if medically nessecary. I was lucky both my twins were head down, but we still devlived in an operating room just incase of an emergency...but for me I got to deliver both vagianlly and I didnt even tear like I did with my first son...and recovered way quicker than I couldve with a c-section My twins were both over 6 lbs and perfectly healthy at 37 weeks....sooo try not to worry it can work out just fine! Good luck!!!

Anne - posted on 12/26/2009

I delivered my b/g twins vaginally. Twin A was head down and twin B was footling breech, (feet first) I was induced at 37+6 and had a very quick labour 3cm to fully dilated in 15 mins, therefore I only had time for gas and air. There is a 25 minute gap between them as the uterus thinks it has finished after delivering the first so you have a drip to keep contractions coming. I had to have an episiotomy for twin B to be born.



I was told if Twin A was the breech baby then i would have to have a C-section, as the vagina would not fully dilate before the baby was fully born, resulting in the head getting stuck.



If you want to try and deliver yourself, I would say go for it. Newborn twins are demanding enough without having to recover from a c-section.



Good luck with your choice and your babies when they arrive.

Janet - posted on 12/26/2009

I am 32 weeks pregnant with b/g twins. I am also scared/curious about delivery. I have had a singleton vaginal delivery. My doc says its up to me if I want to go straight to a c-section (no matter the babies positions). But she will only allow me to deliver vaginally if baby A is head down, and they can try to turn baby B (if breech). If they cant turn baby B then they will do a c/s for that one. So that worries me. Why deliver one vaginally if the second has a high chance of delivering by c/s? However, I've been told that a vaginal deliver is much healthier for the babies. It's so confusing. How do you know if you are making the right choice for you babies? I am also fine delivering either way, but I want it to be whats best for the babies.

Teresa - posted on 12/26/2009

I know there are several women on here (that I've seen anyway) that have delivered the second baby breach... or baby turned during labor.



I ended up w/ a c-section. We were going to try vaginally even though baby B was breach, but she went into distress when I was only 6cm dialated.