Hi Ladies
I'm getting way ahead of myself, but I have an irrational fear of c-sections! (despite reading many of your positive experiences with them on this BG).

I saw a GP this week (not my usual one) and she said that I would have no option but a C-Section - no OB's would deliver twins naturally.... o: I thought that seemed pretty harsh?? My pregnancy books say that you can often have natural birth with multiples depending on their positioning (transverse, breech etc) and that C-Sections are only necessary ~50% of the time.

Just wondered what everyones opinion on this was, and whether it's reasonable for me to argue for natural birth, if it's safe to do so?
I'm seeing a midwife for the first time next week, so I am trying to think of things I would like to discuss with her

Me 33, DH 36
IVF w/ICSI #1 March 05 - BFP, Twins!
EDD 27th December 2005


This message was edited by doh on Thursday, 19 May 2005 @ 5:27 PM

[color=Teal]I think you'll find that a lot of the ladies on here gave birth to their twins naturally. I had a c-section as Kai (twin 2) was transverse, but my ob never said that I had to have a c-section because I was having twins.

Could be time to look around for another ob if you're super keen to try to have a natural birth, or have a really good chat with the midwife before making a definite decision.

Best of luck, and let us know how you get on.

Vanessa

I too am interested in this. I don't personally know anyone with twins that had them both naturally so I am trying to tell myself C/S is likely. However I am terrified of getting these babies out AT ALL! I have always worried about getting them in there, never considered them coming out LOL.

The thought of laying there and knowing that they are cutting me and the epidural is enough to give me nightmares. I think that women who manage that are amazing! On the other hand squeezing somehting so big out of something so small doesn't appeal either so I am pretty stuffed!

Cat & Nath
Finally BFP on ICSI attempt#1. TWINS due end December.

Hi there doh.

I had my little men naturally. Fortunately neither was breech at the time of delivery. But my Ob was quite happy to deliver naturally even if the second baby was breech. He did prefer the first baby to be head down.

I was induced at 38 weeks and Twin A was head down and B was transverse. After 5 1/2 hours labour I delivered A and B turned head down (though they can go either way) and 30 mins later was out too

My ob saw no reason for C-sections for twins unless there was a reason. But at the end of the day it doesn't matter how they arrive, as long as you and the babies are safe and well

Best of luck and look forward to hearing more as you go on

RACHEL
and her boys
Barnaby
Brodie and Oscar



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This message was edited by Gracie on Thursday, 19 May 2005 @ 9:04 PM

CAT and NAT

LOL about your options for delivery, the melon through the hole the size of a pea has always amazed me............but I'v had three that way and it doesn't feel like it at the time



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Ugh! Don't go back to that GP again. My OB (and another who is a friend) reckons its about 50/50 for twins, but obviously there are some OBs who might have slightly different ratios.

Mine were delivered C/S in the end because #2 was transverse, but it was my decision not my OB's (mind you I was in labour at the time )

I was pretty scared about having a C/S too but it wasn't as bad as I thought.

Nicolie

DDs Paige & Hannah (23/09/03)

Hi girls,

I gave both to my twins naturally and without any pain relief at all, not even a panadol. I think the fear of a c-section weighed heavily on my mind as I couldn't bear the thought of it, but Twin 2 was transverse so when I went into labour (naturally at home) I insisted that I have one last u/s to check her position before deciding to have a c-section or not. She was still transverse so up to theatre they rushed me..only for me to deliver them bath vaginally, 30 minutes apart on the operating table Twin 1 was just not going to wait for a c-section, and they were then able to turn Twin 2, but she didn't want to come down the birth canal so they decided after 25 minutes it was time to get her out..must of put the fear of God into her as she suddenly got moving and out she came!
I have never been so grateful in all my life!

Honestly, talk with your OB, unless there is a legitimate health issue which they feel will endanger either you or the babies I don't see why they won't let you try a natural delivery. The other thing is you guys both have loads of time to think about this. Read as much as you can, set yourself up mentally for the fact natural may not happen for you but remember the ultimate goal is 2 healthy babies, doesn't matter how they get out!

Jo

Wow, Jo, what an amazing birth story.

I too had twins naturally, though I had an epidural. I had my boys at King Edward Memorial Hospital in Perth. Compared to my experience with the private system where I had my daughter, I felt I had more control, which is ironic, because in the private systmen you get to choose your doctors etc. Our local private hospital has an incredibly high rate of cesarians.

I was induced at 38 weeks. Twin one was head down and engaged nicely. He was only slightly smaller than Twin 2 (2.6 kg and 2.9kg respectively). Twin two was transverse, and did not turn head down after Twin one was born, as some babies do. The OB had to reach in and pull him out feet first, but his birth was really easy because twin one had paved the way.

I was told if twin one is head down, and not too much smaller than twin two, then natural birth is often an option, as long as there are no other complications. It really depends on the team looking after you.

One thing I found after the first baby is that it is the midwives you spend all the time with, and the doctor often just pops in at the end (all being well). I went with a hospital where you get to know the midwives at the antenatal clinic. I wasn't too worried about who the OB was, as long as they were good...or at least there was someone good in the vicinity! I developped a good rapport with the midwife at the birth of my twins. I had already met her, and she ended up being the one to deliver twin one.

I agree about doing lots of reading to be informed, but also be prepared because the rate of cz is certainly higher with multiple births.

All the best
Miriam

I too was terrified of a c/section and the epi/spinal that goes with it. And due to previous surgery my best option is a c/s. After speaking to a dr and getting as much info as I could, I am now booked in for a c/s at 38weeks.

My ideal birth would be at home with a midwife and my husband but when we found out we were having twins I realised a hospital birth would be a safer option. The thought of an epi/spinal makes me shudder, but the dr told me that with all multiple births they insert an epi anyway. If I chose not to then I would have to give birth in the operating theatre - just in case there were any problems and they could knock me out and give me a c/s anyway.

I have come to terms with having a c/s (mostly anyway) and am so looking forward to seeing my boys. Someone said to me that with all the excitement of meeting the babies, you don't stress so much about what is going on.

Hope this has helped - or I have been rambling on for nothing ;p

xoxox
Wendy
DS 10
DD 8

I had my two naturally (and without pain relief; they were about to give me an epidural, but we ran out of time!) but mine were 7 weeks premmie, and on the small side, so I guess a bit easier to push out.

I don't think you need to assume it will be a c-section, but it's not a bad idea to stay open to the possibility.

Narelle

Narelle 30
DH Craig 31
Identical twins Kelsey & Jenna ,born 19 Sept 2004

My husband is a twin, born full-term (not induced) and he came out the old-fashioned way.

My brothers are twins born naturally 30 years ago. They were 5lb and 5lb 11oz. I'd be looking for a second opinion.
Best wishes.

Hi there Doh.
I'm with Nicolie - don't do back to that GP!
My obstetrician was fine with me having a vaginal delivery as long as Twin 1 was head down. He also stongly suggested an epidural in case anything went wrong, or in case Twin 2 had to be turned or delivered breech, or as he put it "had to be fished out" o: . I was induced at 38 weeks, and delivered both naturally. Twin 2 was breech, but turned herself after Twin 1 was born, so both were head born first.

There is absolutely no reason to rule out a vaginal delivery until you are much further along in your pregnancy.

Best wishes,
Jo

Mum to twin girls
Hannah and Emma (8/4/03)

Hi,

If you are keen on try for a vaginal birth you should definately get a second opinion! I had my girls vaginally at 38.5 weeks, twin was head down so the hospital were totally fine with me giving birth naturally. Twin 2 was breech and she came out without any real dramas 13 mins after twin 1. I did have a epidural, the Ob was keen on this incase twin 2 turned transverse after twin was out and they needed to try and turn her. Luckily she didn't so all was well.

Good luck finding an Ob who will support you in making the best decision for you.

All the best for the rest of your pregnancy,
Beth

Sophie and Daisy 9/4/03

My girlfriend gave birth to twin girls 4.5 years ago. The first twin was naturally delivered. They went to grab the second twin's (foot - I think, perhaps arm)after twin one was born, but it slipped out of Dr's grasp and she moved back up inside her mum.
So, off to theatre for general aneasthetic and ceasarean. How cruel is that- a natural birth and a ceasarean in one go! Happy to say both twins were fine and are healthy 4 year olds. Pretty sure they were full term though.

Hi Doh,

I am with the others here! Find yourself another Ob for sure, you need to feel reassured that what you want is going to be their main concern. The only reason you need to have a c-section (unless you want one of course) is for a medical reason.

It is really good that you are starting to think about all these things now - nice and early, to prepare for what might be. We had it all planned a beautiful natural birth with just me and DH, but by 30 weeks I was told that I may have to have the section and to be honest I packed myself...but it allowed me enough time to get reasurance from this forum and friends that had experienced this.

Although I thought that I was a failure etc etc it seriuosly was the best proceedure and I loved every second of it. Both Hayden (twin 1) and Brooklen (twin 2) were breech and Hayden tried the trick of engaging legs first, so there was no other option for me, less stress for me, DH and more importantly Hayden and Brooklen. It was magical, I felt in control still and was overwhelmed by how quick and painless it was. The epidural didnt hurt at all and I took both babies back to the ward with me within 30 mins of the op. Phil got to watch them both arrive, cut their cords and cuddle them before me!

Honestly I had myself worked up over nothing and it was just like everyone here said it would be - worth it.

You need to feel like the ob is working with you and whats best for the babies. If you feel like the natural birth is what you truly want and there is no medical reason why not then find someone to do it for you.

My Doctor told me that c-section for twins is his least prefered method, so many more benifits with the natural birth - but only if its medically ok for mum and bubs.

I hope this ramble makes sense - You will get a better idea of what is happening closer to the 30-34 week stage.

Hoping you are feeling well!

Haylie & Phillip
DSD ~ Ebony
Hayden Phillip ~ 21.3.2005
Brooklen Lily ~ 21.3.2005
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HI Girls

I find it hard to beleive that no OB will deliver twins naturally. I am preg with triplets & have been told that If I go thru my private OB I have to have a C sections, but there is a Dr in The Canberra Hospital that depending on circumstances gives the choice between C sect & natural (& thats for triplets.)

Where are you? Maybe you are best of making a post asking if anyone knows of any good OB's near where you live who are willing to be a little more open about this matter.

Cheers, Lilymurray

ME 28
DH 28
TTC #1 12/03
Gonal F -BFN 2/12/04
Gonal F -BFP Triplets due 11/10/05
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We live in a small town & Dr said a c/s & we were happy with that.

I got to 32.1 weeks when my waters broke & I was flown to Canberra where the Dr decided I would give birth naturally. :mad: They were born after a 3 1/2hr natural labour, no drugs, Haylee was head first & Tianna frank breech. She just fell out.

Any more ??, feel free to contact me. HTH.

Wow, I wasn't expecting so many responses, lol! It's probably a fairly common question for women who just find out "it's twins!"

For those who asked, we are just outside of Brisbane, and will be going to Redlands (public) hospital - I haven't actually seen an OB there yet, so hopefully they have better attitudes!

I really appreciate all your responses - lovely stories and very reassurring. I feel a *lot* more confident now in asking more questions about my options, and I promise not to see that GP again! (ohhh she was awful)

Me 33, DH 36
IVF w/ICSI #1 March 05 - BFP, Twins!
EDD 27th December 2005

Another one here who delivered vaginally ("naturally" is probably pushing it given I was induced and had a very welcome epidural!). My OB's attitude was to try for a vaginal delivery unless there was a reason not to - he reckoned he had about a 50/50 split between C/S and vaginal deliveries. Good luck with finding an OB who will discuss options - it may be that a C/S is best for you and the babies but it's a bit early to say that yet!

Maree

Eleanor 1/8/03
Harriet 1/8/03

Just thought I would chuck my 2 cents worth. My Ob told me when I was pregnant, that about 1 in 7 sets of twins are born naturally. So there you go!!

Cheers

Kate
Alicia and Sophie 2/12/02

Another natural, pain-relief free delivery here and I would do it all again tomorrow!

Cheers!

Miriam

JaredErinAdam

I read somewhere that 47% of twins are born by c/sec. I suspect tho that a reasonable part of that number is elective (we all know that elective c/sec rates are on the increase and I know the thought certainly crossed my mind that a c/sec would be easier with twins despite me pre-preg with twins definitely wanting a vaginal delivery - of course unless there's complications).

When I found out we were having twins my Ob didn't even suggest a c/sec. She went straight into talking about delivering them vaginally and then said, "But of course, you can have a c/sec if you prefer". She did tell me that once I went into labour that they'd have to give me an epidural because "If I have to reach inside your uterus to turn twin 2 around you really don't want to know about it" (that FREAKED me out! LOL). She said we can aim for a vaginal birth, but would be dependent on what's happening with them closer to the time and even on the day (of course) so it'll be a case of keeping an eye on them.

However, my Ob shares her practice with another Ob. The two Obs take it in turns covering w/ends for deliveries and so potentially I could have had the other Ob deliver the babies, but at my last appointment my Ob told me the other Ob refuses to deliver twins vaginally and will only do a c/sec (I'd suggest it's all related to the whole litigation thing). So it does depend on the Ob you're seeing. Fortunately for us, my Ob has said that regardless of whether it's her weekend rostered on or not she'll be on call to deliver our babies so I can have a vaginal delivery no matter what (assuming all is OK of course).

Ahhhh.... isn't this fun???

[center][color=purple]ME 31 ~ DH 35
<a href="http://oneintheoven.net"><img src="http://oneintheoven.net/preg/ticker.24827.png" border=0></a>
http://www2.fertilityfriend.com/home/b1

Hi there,

My Ob said he's happy to go with whatever I want as long as the twins are OK.

He said that he insists upon siting an epidural in case a C/S is suddenly required or in case he needs to reach in and "fish out" Twin2 (and he doesn't have small hands, so I heartily agree with him!)

He added that whether any drugs go into the epidural or not is up to me if all is well. I can try drug free if i like, but it must be in and ready to go if circumstances change.

I was freaked out about the possibility of a C/S at first, but I have heard so much positive feedback that I am quite reassured and happy with whatever happens. Just cannot wait to see my little bubbas (and stop T2 kicking and punching T1 - little trouble maker!)

Cheers,

Kate
Me: 31
DH: 34
"Only Cat": 5
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Hi there
I am in Canberra and my ob had said to us 50/50 chance of c section for us if the babies were in the wrong position for natural. My first born was lying across the body so I had a c section but if she had turned it would have been a natural birth. I will definely go back to him again for the next time.
his name is Dr Peter Scott.

Rosie

<a href="http://lilypie.com"><img src="http://lilypie.com/baby2/040514/3/14/1/+10" alt="Lilypie Baby Ticker" border="0" /></a>

I had my twins by C/S only because I wanted to deliver in a hospital in a small country town. They did give me the option of going to a bigger hospital where I would be able to deliver naturally. This was in Toowoomba so surely someone in Brisbane will do it.
I opted for the C/S because it was 2 hours away from home to Toowoomba and I would have had to go up there 6 weeks before I was due. Not very practical with 3 littlies at home.
Still sorry to this day I took this option but anyway they are out and are healthy little men!!!!!

Good luck Hope it all works out for the best


Wems
DD 31/05/00
DS 01/08/01
DD 07/11/02
DS 27/09/03
DS 27/09/03

Hi, my Ob said that if i'd had a natural birth previously then he'd let me try naturally. We were living in Melb when I had the girls and were really hard pressed finding an OB that would give us a definate yes. Both twins had to be head down. I had one down, one breech position. So the decision was made. I fought long and hard as I really didn't want a c/s. My sister had had one 9 years previously and it was awful but even the midwives at the hospital said they were pretty barbaric 8+ years ago..

We all want the same end result. 2 happy healthy babies. So with this in mind i'm at peace with my decision. My littler one had breathing difficulties and although I will never know if this would have been better or worse if i'd delivered naturally at least I know that she was given the best care really quickly..

Amd the c/s was much better than I had expected..
good luck..

Rebecca 31
Nathan 28
Fraternal twin girls Amber & Olivia 08/05/03