Twin pregnancy and its labor signs may be different from a normal pregnancy that every mother should be aware of.
By the moment you found out that you will be having twins or more, the word preterm labor makes you think. Also, you are looking for information about the labor signs of twin pregnancy.
It may be true that multiple or twin pregnancy is at risk of having a preterm birth. More than half of twins are born earlier, with more than 10 percent born preterm before the 32nd week.
Mommies, before you get panicked at the possibility of preterm labor, see this statistical probability. If you will be having “just” twins, they will be full-term, healthy twins within the last two weeks of the third trimester.
Of the 70 percent earlier births, many were born within a few weeks before their due date. Fewer are born severely premature at 24-48 weeks.
However, twin pregnancy may be a complicated situation for mothers. To find out more about how to be pregnant with twins, let’s discuss the following topics.
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What are the labor signs of twin pregnancy?
If you are expecting to have a twin in your pregnancy, you are more likely to have early delivery and labor signs. You may look at the following signs of preterm labor.
Understanding Contractions
Sometimes, preterm birth is silent. You may not feel your cervix dilating or effacing. You could not even feel contractions, especially if you are a first-timer pregnant.
Your uterus or “womb” contracts throughout the whole period of pregnancy. These irregular, “practice” contractions are Braxton-Hicks contractions and they start as early as the second trimester.
However, as your body prepares for labor and delivery, the timing, regularity, and intensity of the contractions will significantly increase.
It is the pattern and frequency of contractions that can give a signal on a starting labor. Occasional or irregular contractions are usually normal.
Meanwhile, recurring contractions at a rate of more than 4 times per hour may result in concern and will require further monitoring.
You should report the following signs to your caregiver:
- more than four or five times contractions per hour
- rhythmic or persisting pelvic pressure
- cramps, like in the menstrual period
- backache
Knowing your body
Every mother may experience contractions in different ways. These contractions may produce a sensation of pain, hardening, pressure, heaviness, tightening, or cramping. These sensations can be felt in your abdomen, pelvis, lower back, or even upper thighs.
You must need to spend some time getting to know your body to understand how well the contractions manifest in your twin pregnancy.
One of the best ways to tune into contractions is by lying down quietly on your left side. Place your hands on your belly. You would feel protruding baby parts, such as a head, elbow, or rear end and these will feel hard and bumpy.
Feel for a softer part so that you can feel your uterus and not your (twin) babies’ movement. At rest, your womb will feel soft and fleshy. But, when contracted, it will become hard and tight, like a flexed muscle.
Other labor signs of twin pregnancy
While contractions are the main signs of preterm labor during your twin pregnancy, you can’t count on them to let you know what is going on. There are some signs indicating that labor is already going on.
If you would experience the listed signs below, it is better to notify your doctor quickly.
- having diarrhea
- vaginal bleeding or discharge
- an uneasy sense that something is wrong
Well, some of these signs may be unrelated to preterm labor, but it is important to quickly call for your doctor’s help.
Additionally, twins are usually born earlier, often before 38 weeks. So, it is important to understand your birth options.
Because your twin babies are likely to be born early, there is a possibility that one or both of them will spend more time in special care.
READ MORE:
How to know if pregnant with twins? Signs of multiple pregnancy
Early signs that you might be pregnant with twins
Want to have twins? These 5 factors increase your chances of having multiple births
Giving birth to a twin: Pregnancy and knowing the signs before labor
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As twin babies are born prematurely, and there could be labor signs of preterm, it is also smart to discuss
birth options with your midwife or doctor early in your twin pregnancy.
You should also discuss where you would like to deliver your twins. Of course, to avoid any complications, your doctor might advise you to do it in a hospital.
Moreover, it is common to have more medical staff in the birth of your twins.
The most common birth options that you have to think of our natural or vaginal birth and c-section or cesarean delivery.
How to give birth to twins naturally
There are about one-third of all twins born naturally or “vaginally” and the process is similar to that of a single baby. If you are planning a natural birth, your doctor will recommend that you have an
epidural for pain relief. Thus, if problems may arise, it might be easier and quicker to assist the delivery.
If the first twin is in a
cephalic or head-down position, it is common to consider a vaginal birth. However, there could be other medical reasons why this would not be doable. If you have had a previous cesarean delivery, it is suggested to avoid natural birth with twins.
If you will have a vaginal birth, you might need an assisted birth. In assisted birth, a doctor would need to use a suction cup (ventouse) or forceps to help deliver your baby.
Once your first twin is born, the midwife or doctor will check the position of the second twin. They would feel your abdomen and will perform a vaginal examination.
If the second baby is in a good position, the waters will break. Then, the 2nd baby should be born after the first as the cervix is totally dilated.
If contraction stops after the first baby, hormones will be added to the drip to restart them.
How to give birth to twins in cesarean section
Another is you can choose to have an elective cesarean from the outset of your pregnancy. Or, your doctor may suggest a c-section later in the pregnancy as a result of possible complications.
You are nearly twice as likely to have a cesarean if giving birth to twins than delivering a single baby.
Furthermore, your babies’ position may determine whether they need to do the labor in a c-section or not. If the first twin to be born is in a breech position (feet, knees, bottom first), or if one twin is in a transverse position, you will need a cesarean section.
The chance of carrying twins to term
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According to experts, mommies who are pregnant with twins have the following:
- About a 40 percent chance of carrying their pregnancy to early term (37 weeks) or after
- A 60 percent chance of delivering preterm or at least less than 37 weeks
- An 11 percent chance to deliver your babies before 32 weeks of pregnancy
This reference review from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) also claims the average duration of twin pregnancy is 35 weeks (preterm), compared to 39 weeks (full-term) of a single baby.
- Early term: 37 to 38 weeks and 6 days gestation
- Full term: 39 to 40 weeks and 6 days
ACOG also added that preterm birth is the most common complication of twin pregnancy.
Mommies, always take good care of yourself and your babies. As their due date approach, you need to be ready and choose or seek help from your doctor for the best delivery and labor that will suit your condition.
Here at theAsianparent Philippines, it’s important for us to give information that is correct, significant, and timely. But this doesn’t serve as an alternative for medical advise or medical treatment. theAsianparent Philippines is not responsible to those that would choose to drink medicines based on information from our website. If you have any doubts, we recommend to consult your doctor for clearer information.
