Average delivery twins

Twin Pregnancy: Answers from an Expert

Twin Pregnancy: Answers from an Expert | Johns Hopkins Medicine

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When you’re expecting twins, you know you’ll need two of everything for your registry. But what about staying healthy during your pregnancy? Do you need to double your food intake, weight gain and visits to the doctor? With regard to the babies, are there two placentas and two amniotic sacs, or can they share these?

Johns Hopkins maternal-fetal medicine specialist Jeanne Sheffield answers eight commonly asked questions.

Do twins share a placenta and an amniotic sac?

While some twins may share a placenta and an amniotic sac, that is not the case for the vast majority of pregnancies. Here are three major possibilities that exist:
- Two placentas and two amniotic sacs. A twin pregnancy with two placentas and two amniotic sacs is the optimal twin pregnancy, as each baby has its own nutritional source and protective membrane.
- One placenta and two amniotic sacs. In pregnancies with one placenta and two amniotic sacs, you will definitely have identical twins. Additionally, when your babies share a placenta, there is a greater risk for complications, such as twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome. Your physician will closely monitor your pregnancy to check for potential problems.
- One placenta and one amniotic sac. This is the riskiest and rarest type of twin pregnancy. Fetal complications can arise due to tangling of the umbilical cords or an imbalance in nutrients, blood or other vital life supporting systems.
Do I need to double my caloric intake during a twin pregnancy?

A common misconception surrounding twin pregnancy is that you need to double your caloric intake to provide your babies with enough nutrients. However, pregnancy nutrition guidelines aren’t simply based on the number of babies you’re carrying. Instead, they’re based on your body mass index at the time you became pregnant.

Your doctor will make individualized recommendations based on your starting weight. On average, it’s estimated that a woman’s caloric requirements will increase about 40 percent for a twin pregnancy. What’s most important, though, is that a woman eats as healthy as possible.
Do I need to take different prenatal vitamins for twins?

If you’re pregnant with twins, you should take the same prenatal vitamins you would take for any pregnancy, but your physician will recommend extra folic acid and iron. The additional folic acid and extra iron will help ward off iron-deficiency anemia, which is more common when you’re pregnant with multiples.
Will I need to visit my doctor more frequently?

While every pregnancy is different, most women carrying twins will have more frequent prenatal visits than women carrying only one baby. If your twins are sharing one placenta, you will automatically have a more frequent monitoring schedule.

If your pregnancy doesn’t have complications, your prenatal visits may not differ much from a singleton pregnancy until you get to the end of your second trimester. At that point, you’ll be seen more frequently because there is a higher risk of pre-eclampsia and preterm labor.
Do I have to see a maternal-fetal medicine specialist for a twin pregnancy?

Maternal-fetal medicine specialists see high-risk pregnancies, but not every twin pregnancy will fall into this category.

To find the best care provider for your twins, make sure that the physician is comfortable managing twins, including vaginal delivery of twins rather than only offering a cesarean section (C-section) for delivery.
Are all twin pregnancies delivered preterm?

A little more than half of twin pregnancies end in preterm delivery (before 37 weeks). While 40 weeks is the full gestation period of the average pregnancy, most twin pregnancies are delivered at approximately 36 weeks (range 32-38 weeks depending on the type of twin pregnancy).

Unfortunately, preventing preterm labor with multiples is more challenging than with a singleton pregnancy because the interventions used with singleton pregnancies are not as effective with multiples.
Can bed rest reduce the risk of preterm delivery?

Scientific data show that bed rest does not prevent preterm delivery. In fact, bed rest can increase your risk of developing blood clots and have negative financial and social consequences.

Although bed rest is not prescribed as frequently as it once was, your doctor may suggest reducing your activity level if you’re showing signs of early labor at the end of your second trimester or early in your third trimester.
Is labor and delivery significantly different with twins?

Labor is generally the same whether you’re having one baby or two. During delivery is when things differ significantly.

When it’s time to deliver your twins, you will go to an operating room even if you are delivering vaginally. This is a safety precaution known as a double setup. Following the vaginal delivery of the first baby, there is a small risk of an emergency cesarean section for the second baby. There is also the possibility of the second twin being delivered breech, which is a safe form of vaginal delivery if the obstetrician is experienced in this type of delivery.

Of women giving birth to twins over 32 weeks, only about 4 percent who try for a vaginal delivery will have a combined vaginal and cesarean section delivery. While it doesn’t happen very often, by delivering both babies in the operating room, physicians are better prepared to protect the health of the mother and the babies.

Although being pregnant with twins can seem very different, your doctor will treat your pregnancy like any other unless a complication occurs.

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What Is The Average Length of Twin Pregnancy

Being pregnant is an amazing time. It can be a time of celebration as soon as you learn you’re expecting. That being said, there are quite a few things to worry about when pregnant. Even more so when pregnant with twins, such as if the baby is healthy or not and how long is the average length of twin pregnancy. Sometimes these concerns are unnecessary, but other times they have a good reason behind them.

Let’s look at some of the main concerns for expecting mothers and how long twin pregnancies tend to last, on average.

Many women in their first pregnancies do not know what to expect when it comes to the average length of twin pregnancy, sometimes called twin gestation. We’ll take a look at the average length of a twin pregnancy.

It is important to know that there are different kinds of twins. There are identical twins which develop from a single embryo that splits into two separate ones. These two babies will have almost identical DNA, making them look very similar in appearance. There are also fraternal twins. These twins both develop from separate embryos, creating two babies. These two babies will share roughly 50% of their DNA, making them no more or less alike than any full-blood siblings.

Twin pregnancies can be dangerous for mothers and babies if they are high-risk pregnancies. There may be a higher chance of health problems arising during pregnancy or labor. This means that the average length of twin pregnancy is something that should be monitored closely.

Preterm labor is always a concern when you are pregnant, particularly during twin gestation.

What is considered a full-term twin pregnancy?

A full-term average length of twin pregnancy is 37 weeks. Many obstetricians will not allow an expecting twin mom to carry their twins past the 38-week mark. After that time, there is a slight rise in the risk of stillbirth with each subsequent week after 38 weeks along.

It is important to note that in monochorionic (identical twin) pregnancies, pregnancies with 1 placenta are often delivered between 34 and 37 weeks since these pregnancies are at higher risk. In contrast, dichorionic pregnancies are twin pregnancies with 2 placentas and obstetricians often recommend delivery between 37 and 39 weeks.

So, the word “term” may change depending on whether you are carrying identical twins or fraternal twins. You should ALWAYS follow your doctor’s orders and recommendations.

What is the average length of a twin pregnancy?

About half of all twins are delivered before 37 weeks, with just 10% arriving before 32 weeks.

As it turns out most twins are born at about 36 weeks which is barely premature at all, so there is no need to worry just because you are carrying twins. Every pregnancy is different and there is no reason to worry about preterm labor until your doctor tells you to worry.

Keep in mind that 40 weeks is considered term for a singleton pregnancy.

What might cause twins to be born earlier than the due date?

Twins can be born early for any number of reasons, just like a singleton. There could be growth restrictions, infection, pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, placenta abnormalities, among other things.

There is also spontaneous labor. The causes of spontaneous labor are widely unknown and unpredictable. If you think you are experiencing signs and symptoms of preterm labor it is important to contact your health care provider immediately.

What might cause twins to be born later than the due date?

It is hard to know exactly why your twins aren’t coming before their due date. There are a few risk factors that might make an overdue delivery more likely.

This is your first baby
You, yourself were born past your own due date
Other women in your family have gone past their due dates
You have had other late babies

How early should you expect your twins to be born?

There’s no way to tell exactly how early your twins may be born. This is because every pregnancy and woman is unique. Do yourself a favor and don’t compare your situation to someone else’s. Your doctor can give you a better idea of what the average length of a twin pregnancy would be for your specific situation (ie fraternal or identical twins), and an estimated due date. Remember that this doesn’t mean that is when your babies will come.

You should also be prepared for your due date to change early in your pregnancy. With twins, it can be difficult to measure your belly properly, especially before you know you are having twins. You might need to adjust your due date expectations once you get that first ultrasound confirming twins.

Will I need to visit my doctor more frequently with a twin pregnancy?

Women carrying twins will have more frequent visits to the doctor than women with single pregnancies. If your twins are sharing one placenta, you will automatically have a more frequent monitoring schedule. (hopkinsmedicine.org)

Prenatal care visits may not differ much from a singleton pregnancy until you get to the end of your second trimester if there are no complications. At that point, you’ll be seen more frequently because there is a higher risk of high blood pressure, pre-eclampsia, and preterm labor. (hopkinsmedicine.org)

Will I be able to have a vaginal delivery with twins?

Many women are able to deliver their twins vaginally. It is estimated that about one-third of twins are delivered this way. It should be noted that there is always a chance you will need a C-section, or even after one twin is delivered vaginally.

The decision on whether to attempt a vaginal delivery depends upon several things:

Your own health – You must be healthy enough to carry two children safely through childbirth.

The health of the unborn babies – If there is concern that either or both of your babies may be put in danger during labor, your doctor will opt for a C-section. This could happen at any time so it is best to be prepared just in case.

The position of your babies – If neither of your twins is had down, it is unlikely you will be able to try a vaginal delivery.

Check out this double-whammy twin birth story.

If you just heard that second heartbeat for the first time, or you know it’s been two for a while, you need to read our twin pregnancy week by week timeline to help you learn what happens week by week with twins. Click here to learn more… and while you’re at it, check out our expecting twins classes and twin parent coaching services.

Should twins be induced if they are overdue?

If your twins are past due, then you and your doctor will need to decide whether or not it is best for labor to be induced. This will depend on a variety of different factors, such as the health of the babies and how far along they are, among other things.

As always, communicate with your doctor about your concerns and comfort throughout your pregnancy.

At what point should I call my doctor?

Contact your provider if you are experiencing any complications during your twin gestation. Also, if you have any reason to believe that your twins aren’t developing as they should be. Usually around the 32nd week of your twin pregnancy is when doctors will want to begin monitoring the health and development of your babies more closely.

Does bed rest reduce the risk of preterm delivery?

There isn’t any evidence that bed rest can reduce the risk of premature birth. While getting some rest is important, doctors don’t recommend giving up activities completely or to the extent that it causes stress for you or your unborn children. Additionally, being on bed rest will not prevent twins from coming early since this is typically caused by factors that the mother cannot control.

Are all twin pregnancies preterm deliveries?

It is reported by Johns Hopkins that slightly more than half of all twin pregnancies will result in preterm delivery. That means that more than half of all twin pregnancies are delivered before 37 weeks. Most of their deliveries average at 36 weeks gestation.

What are the risks of preterm delivery with twins?

Preterm birth with twin gestation has been linked to increased rates of low-birth-weight infants, respiratory distress syndrome, jaundice, cerebral palsy, hearing loss, visual impairment, developmental delays, cognitive deficits, behavioral disorders, learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and epilepsy. It is possible that these conditions could affect your child’s future quality of life.

This sounds very scary, and it certainly can be. But the most important thing you can do for your unborn babies is to find a doctor you trust. Also, find a hospital to deliver your babies with the appropriate NICU staff to handle any spontaneous preterm birth during your twin gestation.

The right medical team will go a long way towards combatting the complications of premature delivery.

If you are a pregnant woman, we hope you found this article helpful in understanding what might cause twins to come early or late. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the average length of twin pregnancy, contact your health care provider for peace of mind.

how to prepare for pregnancy with twins

Pregnancy

Twin birth: how to prepare for twin pregnancy

The birth of twins is a unique experience full of positive emotions, but parents have many questions: discover tips and advice from the experts of the Chicco Children's Research Center.

Birth of twins: a flood of emotions and many questions

First trimester ultrasound came with a surprise: two heartbeats, two babies. Double happiness for future parents, but also anxiety and many questions about pregnancy and childbirth and, above all, how to manage life in the first few months after the birth of babies. From a physiological point of view, pregnancy with two babies has a higher degree of risk and requires extra care and attention, especially in the third trimester of pregnancy.

Pregnancy with twins: some tips

Rest is crucial: women pregnant with twins should make sure they are not too tired and should be even more careful to avoid stress as they are more at risk of preterm labor . In general, multiple fetuses result in a shorter pregnancy, and for twins, this usually lasts around 36-37 weeks. The option of allowing vaginal delivery instead of caesarean section is evaluated at the end of pregnancy based on the health and well-being of the mother, the growth of the fetus, and the position of the children in the womb.

Organization is a key factor

As in the case of pregnancy with one baby, the moral and material preparation for childbirth in advance prevents unnecessary stress, especially in the first year of life. Tidying up the house is the first thing to decide: two cribs in the bedroom, a well-equipped changing table with cleaning products , diapers and linen changes, a double bath tub and two high chairs in the kitchen. Not to mention the many pacifiers , as well as bed linen .

Hint: pack maternity bag in advance so that you are ready to go to the hospital at any time and not worry about forgetting something important.

To get out of the house, you need a baby carriage

To get out of the house with two children, you need a set of necessary things, starting with a double or two strollers . The market offers a wide range of models that meet all requirements. You can choose from side-by-side, front-to-back or with fixed or removable seats, in a classic or more sporty style. How to choose? It's important to take into account your personal needs, from where you live - whether you have an elevator, for example - and your lifestyle.

Expecting twins is a special experience full of emotions. By preparing ahead of time, you can safely approach the upcoming event to fully enjoy this amazing adventure. Follow the advice from the Chicco Children's Research Center to prepare for this incredibly important milestone in your life.

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twin statistics | Motherhood - pregnancy, childbirth, nutrition, upbringing

According to various estimates, there are between 70 and 80 million pairs of twins in the world today.

The number of twins born in relation to the total number of newborns in different countries and on different continents is different, but in general the trend is such that it continues to grow. Compared with the 60s, the percentage of twins has increased from 1.18 to 2.78, that is, almost 2. 5 times. Much is said about the reasons for this phenomenon, and among the main reasons are the successes of modern medicine in the field of infertility treatment.

In the early 1980s, there was one twin for every 80-90 births
In the late 1990s, there was one twin for every 40-45 births
In the early 80s, there was one triplet for every 6400 births
In the late 90s, there were one triplets for every 800-1300 births

How often twins are born among representatives of different countries and peoples

Europeans	1 for every 69 deliveries
Black American women	1 every 60 deliveries
Japanese	1 for every 150 births
Chinese women	1 every 250 deliveries
Other Asians	1 for every 125 deliveries
Nigerian women	1 for every 22 deliveries
Norwegian, Danish and Dutch women	1 every 49 deliveries
English women	1 for every 76 deliveries

Who is more similar or different?

In the US, for every 100 people in the population, there is 1 pair of non-identical twins,
and for every 300 people - 1 pair of identical twins.

1/3 of all twins born in the USA are identical. In Japan, the proportion of identical twins is 2/3 of all twins.

Hellin's Law

According to the regularity, derived by American scientists, the frequency of birth of twins before the widespread use of new methods of infertility treatment was as follows:

Twins	1 to 90
triplets	1 to 8 100
Fours	1 per 729,000
Fives	1 for 65 610 000

More than one pair?

If you already have non-identical twins, your chances of getting a second pair are doubled. This is due to the fact that the body of a woman who once conceived dizygotic (non-identical) twins without the use of medications is able to produce several eggs during the period of ovulation.

If you are a twin (or if you have twins in previous generations)

Dear women! According to many studies, "twinhood" can be inherited (maternally).

If you are a non-identical twin, you have about a 6 in 100 chance of having twins.
If you are an identical twin, you have exactly as many chances as any other woman (from 1 to 2.5 chances out of 100, depending on the use of hormonal drugs).
If your mother is a non-identical twin, your chances are above average.
If your father is a non-identical twin, then the chances are average, just like if your husband is a twin, or has twins in the pedigree.
If either of your parents is an identical twin, this will not affect your chances in any way.

More on trends

As the average age of women at birth continues to rise (especially in developed countries), the likelihood of more twins being born is also rising. In 1990, 39 women aged 45-49 in the United States became mothers of twins. In 1997, there were already 444. From 1980 to 1996, not a single woman aged 50-54 gave birth to twins. At 19In 97, 50 women of this age gave birth to twins, and 13 - triplets.

But the main reason for the increase in the frequency of twin births continues to be the development of infertility treatments. Modern research shows that 80% of triplets were born as a result of the use of such methods.

The flip side of the increase in twin births is more underweight babies and preterm births, which in turn lead to higher infant mortality rates. In terms of statistics, the risk of premature birth and the birth of children of too small weight (before 1500) in the case of twins is 8 times higher, and with triplets 33 times higher than in the case of the birth of one child. At 19In 1998, 41.7% of twins and 89.1% of triplets were born prematurely or very low birth weight.