Hi there
I know I'm not a multiple Mum, (although I was sure I would have twins for some reason but at this stage, haven't!)
I know multiples isn't easy, but when everyone told me EVERY pregnancy that they were sure I was having twins (because I popped out at 6/7/8 weeks with a decent size belly) and what would I do, I said well I have two breasts so there's a good start lol! Anyway, I digress...

BUT I am curious so if you wouldn't mind bearing with me I would love to hear your replies...
and the Q is: are all multiples ALWAYS born early and do they ALWAYS have to be non-vaginal birth - ie is it routine to be early and have a C?
Thanks for bearing with me...
Kind Regards
Kristy

Me (27)
DP since 1992 (29)
DD Brooke James Grace
DS Jake Graeme Neville
DS Zeke Machaiah Vincent-March05-less than 30min labour-welcome little man!

<a href="http://www.vk6ksj.net/klgallery/albums.php?set_albumListPage=1">cloth info here</a>

Hi Kristy,

Most Drs class a twin pregnancy full term at around 37-38 weeks gestation, unlike the 40 weeks which is normal for a singleton. Average gestation for twins seems to be about 36-38 weeks that I know of but of course there are those who come very very early, say 32 weeks and those that come just a bit early ie 35 weeks.
My twins were born at 35 weeks and 6 days, so fairly average in the grand scheme I think.
As for delivery method, no they don't always have to be a c-section. I gave birth to my twins vaginally without any pain relief whatsoever, and I am pretty sure we have a few other vaginally delivered twins on this board too. It usually depends on what position the presenting twins is in and if the twins size etc are ok.

Hope that helps!

Jo

Hi Kristy ~ Ditto with Zebettes answer. Our twins were delivered at 37 + 1 via c-section due to both twins preseting breech for quiet some time. Twin 1 Hayden was fully engaged frog legs first *LOL*. My ob was happy to deliver them earlier if there was a medical reason (placenta previa etc) but my odema/slight pre-eclampsia was getting worse with the Kalgoorlie heat and he booked me in after that visit and growth scan. Both babies good size (5lb 10oz & 6lb 11oz) no medical intervention for either and back to the ward with me My story is one of many that vary between gestation weeks within this thread. There was a thread created a while ago titled "what gestation did you get to" and the ladies have answered with their reasons and birth method. HTH

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

Hi Kristy.

My little men were induced at 38 weeks, and to be honest were quite happy to have stayed longer.......

I also had a vaginal birth (epidural), as my Ob was happy for me to go for it, as the first baby was head down. Then the second who was transverse turned itself once the first was out, and arrived 30 mins later.

My sister also carried her twin boys to full term, and had a vaginal birth.

All the best





RACHEL AND HER BOYS
Barnaby 14

Oscar and Brodie 28/03/05

My story is very similar to Rachel's. I was induced at 38 weeks, with no signs up to then of going into labour naturally.

I gave birth vaginally with an epidural as twin 2 was breech. She turned after Twin 1 was born, and was born 30 minutes later.

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

I'm a twin and my mum delivered my brother and me vaginally at 40wk on the dot.

<a href="http://www.snugglepie.com"><img border="0" src="http://www.snugglepie.com/cb/29938.png"></a>

I'm only 12 weeks at the moment, but at my 1st appointment we talked about an elective caesar at 37 weeks. Our twins share a placenta, and there is a risk that the placenta could detach before Twin 2 has a chance to make an appearance. I know some monochorionic twins are delivered vaginally, but I'm happy to go with his recommendation.

Thank you ladies for taking the time to reply.
I'll check out that thread that was mentioned - thanks for that. It's purely curiosity at this stage.
Good luck to those with impending arrivals, however they come into the world! And 'have a great day!' to those who's babe's are already here!
Thanks again
Kristy

Me (27)
DP since 1992 (29)
DD Brooke James Grace
DS Jake Graeme Neville
DS Zeke Machaiah Vincent-March05-less than 30min labour-welcome little man!

<a href="http://www.vk6ksj.net/klgallery/albums.php?set_albumListPage=1">cloth info here</a>

Hi I delivered my twins 40wks on the dot too vaginally 15mins between them second one breech.

Ness (27)
DH (32)
DS (15-10-99)
DS (03-08-01)
DD (30-06-04)
DS (30-06-04)

Hi i delivered my boys at 39 weeks - attempted normal delivery but due to the little guys being distressed we had a c-section. I had a great pregnancy and my boys were very healthy. Not all bubs come early, thank goodness!

Rach(26),BJ(35), Aidan & Keenan