After a twin birth, a mother's hospital stay varies, but generally ranges from 2-4 days for a C-section or 1-3 days for vaginal births, with many healthy families going home in 3-5 days, though longer stays (up to a week) are common if babies need the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) or struggle with feeding/weight loss, say health authorities and parents on forums.
Healthy Babies
Expect around nine to 25 days after birth if your twins need to spend some time in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). But remember, that not all twins need time in the NICU.
In general, if you delivered vaginally, you'll likely feel better in three weeks, though it can be six weeks or longer if you had a tear or an episiotomy. A Cesarean recovery may take four to six weeks, though it's not uncommon to feel some pain for months.
A high risk twins pregnancy requires hospital bed rest and ultimately leads to an emergency c-section delivery of momo twins at 26 weeks. A high risk twins pregnancy requires hospital bed rest and ultimately leads to an emergency c-section delivery of momo twins at 26 weeks.
Generally twins don't go past 37-38 weeks due to the increased risk of still birth, 37 weeks is full term.
But if your twins are born at 37 weeks, that's as close to actual full-term as many twins get. At that point, they have full lung maturity and should be able to leave the hospital within a few days of delivery.
Potential health complications in a twin pregnancy
Women with twin pregnancies are more likely to have pregnancy health problems and complications like gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, premature labour and bleeding. Twins who share a placenta might have extra complications.
Here are the items every twin parent needs:
Vaginal birth
About 1 in 3 twin births are vaginal births. The process of labour is the same as when single babies are born. Twin babies are closely checked during the labour. Your babies' heart rates may be monitored.
The most common complications include the following:
The 5-5-5 rule is a postpartum guideline for the first 15 days of recovery, emphasizing rest to help the new parent heal and bond with the baby, by spending 5 days in bed, followed by 5 days on the bed, and then 5 days near the bed, gradually increasing activity while prioritizing rest, nourishment, and self-care over chores or visitors. It's a framework for creating boundaries and slowing down to prevent overexertion, though individual recovery needs should guide the pace.
If your babies are born early they might need to spend time at the special care baby unit (SCBU) or the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). In just under half of twin births and almost all triplet births, at least one baby has to go into special care for a while.
About half of all twins weigh at least 5½ pounds at birth. (Below 5½ pounds, or 2,500 grams, is considered a low birth weight, with a higher potential for complications.)
After giving birth, you may have bleeding or discharge for up to six weeks. This is called lochia. The bloody discharge is usually heaviest the first few days after giving birth, resembling a very heavy period. The blood is usually bright red or darker.
top tips for surviving newborn twins
The hardest week with a newborn is often considered the first six weeks, especially weeks 2-3, due to extreme sleep deprivation, constant feeding demands, learning baby's cues, postpartum recovery, and a peak in inconsolable crying (the "witching hour"), making parents feel overwhelmed as they adjust to a new, exhausting routine. While the first week is tough, the challenges often intensify as the baby becomes more alert but still fussy, with major developmental hurdles like cluster feeding and increased fussiness peaking around 6-8 weeks.
Hold your baby until they're in a deeper sleep. Babies start in 'active sleep' (with faster, uneven breathing) and move into a deeper sleep after about 20 minutes. That's a good time to transfer them into their sleeping place. Many babies don't like being put down into a cot.
SIDS is less common after 8 months of age, but parents and caregivers should continue to follow safe sleep practices to reduce the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related causes of infant death until baby's first birthday. More than 90% of all SIDS deaths occur before 6 months of age.
Fraternal twin pregnancies result from hyperovulation of the mother. The father's sperm does not decrease or increase the chance of having twins.
5 Easy Ways to Tell Your Newborn Twin Babies Apart
Age: If you're over the age of 35, you're more likely to release multiple eggs during ovulation. Family history: If your mother's side has a history of fraternal twins, there is a chance you could conceive twins naturally.
Premature birth
Twins and triplets have a higher risk of being born prematurely (before 37 weeks) and having a low birthweight. Your risk is also increased if you've given birth prematurely before, or if a cervical length scan found that you have a short cervix. Most twins and triplets are born prematurely.
Here are some practical tips to help you survive the first year with twins: Get Organized: Before your twins arrive, prepare and organize your home to make things easier when they arrive. Setting up a baby station in the living room, stocking up on baby supplies, and organizing a nappy changing area are essential.