Twins Delivery
Twins are more likely to be born early, often before 38 weeks, so it's important to understand your birth options. Less than half of all twin pregnancies last beyond 37 weeks.
Because of the likelihood that your babies will be born early, there is a good chance one or both of them will spend some time in special care.
As twins are often born prematurely, it's a good idea to discuss birth options with your midwife doctor early in your pregnancy.
You should also discuss where you would like to give birth. You will most likely be advised to give birth in a hospital because there's a higher chance of complications with a twin birth.
At Sukhayu Hospital more staff will be available for the delivery of twin babies, such as an obstetrician and two pediatricians - one for each baby.
Vaginal birth
About one third of all twins are born vaginally and the process is similar to that of giving birth to a single baby. If you're planning a vaginal delivery at Sukhayu Hospital, it's usually recommended that you have an epidural for pain relief. This is because, if there are problems, it's easier and quicker to assist the delivery when the mother already has good pain relief.
If the first twin is in a head down position (cephalic), it's usual to consider having a vaginal birth. However, there may be other medical reasons why this would not be possible. If you have had a previous cesarean section, it's usually not recommended you have a vaginal birth with twins.
If you have a vaginal birth, you may need an assisted birth, which is when a suction cup (ventouse) or forceps are used to help deliver the babies.
Read about:Care after vaginal Delivery
Cesarean section
The babies' position may determine whether they need to be delivered by cesarean section or not. If the presenting baby - the one that will be born first - is in a breech position (feet, knees or buttocks first), or if one twin is lying in a transverse position (with its body lying sideways), you will need to have a cesarean section.
Some conditions also mean you will need a cesarean section; for example if you have placenta praevia (a low-lying placenta) or if your twins share a placenta.
If you have previously had a very difficult delivery with a single baby, you may be advised to have a cesarean section with twins. Even if you plan a vaginal birth, you may end up having an emergency cesarean section.
This could be because:
one or both babies become distressed
the umbilical cord prolapses (falls into the birth canal ahead of the baby)
your blood pressure is going up
the labour is progressing too slowly
assisted delivery doesn't work
In very rare cases, you may deliver one twin vaginally and then require a caesarean section to deliver the second twin if it becomes distressed.Read about:Diet after cesarean section
After the birth
After the birth, our doctor will examine the placenta to determine what type of twins you have. Twins can either be fraternal or identical.
At our Sukhayu Hospital all the facilities for the special care of mother and baby are available with a well experienced doctors team.
You might also want to ask if our hospital has cots that allow co-bedding (where your babies sleep in a single cot), if this is appropriate and if you want your babies to sleep together.
If you have one baby in the hospital and one at home, you will need to think about splitting your time between the two. When you visit your baby in hospital, ask if you can bring their twin and if co-bedding is allowed during visits.
If you want to breastfeed and only one twin can feed effectively, you may need to express milk to feed the twin who is having trouble feeding. You may then need to put the twin who can feed on the breast to encourage milk production in order to get enough milk to feed both babies.Read about:Natural ways to increase breast milk
When you go to clinics for follow-up appointments, it's a good idea to ask not to be booked into early morning appointments. Getting out of the house with two babies, particularly if one is unwell, can be difficult.
Also read :Tips for Healthy PregnancyFor more information and support, call on 7420004242 for an appointment to visit Sukhayu Hospital, Canada Corner Nashik, Maharashtra
