Less than 1 in every 2 twin pregnancies continues 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 the special care ward in hospital.
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).
The results
The most significant percentage of twins (49%) was observed to be delivered at 37-38 weeks, and 6% were preterm.
About half of twins, and almost all triplets, are born by the end of week 36.
At least 50-60 per cent of twins are born before 37 weeks, and up to fifteen per cent before 32 weeks. Once the babies are born, each baby will be assessed and treated individually. Two key factors in how a baby does after a premature birth are gestational age and birth weight.
Age. People over 30, and particularly those over age 35, are more likely to conceive twins. 4 This is because the level of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) rises as birthing parents get older. FSH is responsible for the development of eggs in the ovaries before they are released.
The risk of preterm labor and premature birth are heightened when there is more than one baby in the womb. 1 Other conditions such as preeclampsia, placental dysfunction, and twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome are more prevalent in twin pregnancy and increase the risk of an early delivery.
The goal of labor induction in twins between 36 and 39 weeks is to prevent them from the increased risk of morbidity and intrauterine growth retardation after 39 weeks.
Delivering twins at 36 weeks
In fact, most are delivered around 36 weeks, but delivery any time before 37 weeks of pregnancy is considered preterm.
No.
That's not all, Monga says. Women pregnant with twins complain of more back pain, sleeping difficulties, and heartburn than those who are carrying one child. Being pregnant with twins also carries a higher rate of maternal anemia and a higher rate of postpartum hemorrhage (bleeding) after delivery.
The risks of induction are the same for twins as for single babies. If induced for twins, you are just as likely to have a c-section compared to induction for a single baby.
While C-sections are more common when you're expecting two babies, vaginal delivery may still be possible. Just remember, multiple births mean more variables — and surprises.
The safest, most ideal time for women to give birth to dichorionic twins in otherwise uncomplicated pregnancies is at 37 weeks, found a new study. Women carrying monochorionic twins, appear to have the best outcomes for their newborns when giving birth at 36 weeks, the same study found.
Vaginal Birth of Twins
The good news is that even though you have two babies, you only have to labor once. Once the cervix is open, each baby will have its own pushing stage. This means you will have to push twice, but the majority of the time the second twin is born much more easily than the first.
Exactly when this will be will depend on your circumstances. But if your pregnancy has been uncomplicated, this may be at: 37-38 weeks if you are carrying twins with their own placentas (dichorionic) 36-37 weeks if you are carrying twin babies that share a placenta (monochorionic)
Being pregnant with multiples doesn't necessarily mean that your pregnancy will be problematic. However, women carrying multiples do have a higher chance of developing complications such as high blood pressure and preterm labor. For this reason, all multiple pregnancies are considered high-risk.
The average weight of twins is 2.5kg.
Most babies (91%) in Australia are born at term (37–41 weeks). This is similar across the states and territories and has been stable over time.
Babies who are born between 32 weeks and 37 weeks generally do very well. If your babies are born early, they are likely to be fine, but they may need to spend time at the special care baby unit (SCBU) or the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
The average gestational age for twins at birth is 36 weeks. Their lungs are well developed by 34 weeks, and all body systems are now functioning.
At 36 weeks, on average , a fetus is 16–19 inches long and weighs 6.0–6.5 pounds (lb). Twins will be individually smaller in weight. Dichorionic twins, who have a placenta each, weigh an average of about 2,570.9 grams (5.67 lb).
7.3 percent in women younger than 35. 6.9 percent in women age 35 to 37. 6.8 percent in women age 38 to 40. 5.1 percent in women age 41 to 42.
Tightening or low, dull backache that may be constant or come and go, but changing positions and other comfort measures don't ease it. Menstrual-like cramps or lower abdominal cramping that may feel like gas pains, with or without diarrhea.
A typical, single pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks, but a twin pregnancy often lasts between 35 to 37 weeks. More than half of all twins are born prematurely (before 37 weeks), and the risk of premature delivery increases with higher-order multiples. Premature babies (preemies) can have health challenges.