From the moment you found out that you will be having twins or more, you may have worried about how the whole pregnancy would turn out - from caring for two babies in the womb to bringing them out into the world. As you approach your third trimester, you may have started looking for information about the labour signs in twin pregnancies.
It may be true that multiple or twin pregnancies are at risk of having a preterm birth. More than half of twins are born earlier, with more than 10 per cent born preterm before the 32nd week.
However, before you panic at the possibility of preterm labour, the statistical probability is that most twin pregnancies without other complications are born full-term, within the last two weeks of the third trimester.
Of the 70 per cent of earlier births, many were born within a few weeks before their due date. Fewer are born severely premature at 24-48 weeks.
With that in mind, you can relax and watch out for labour signs in a twin pregnancy.
What are the labour signs of twin pregnancy?
If you are expecting twins, you are more likely to experience early delivery and labour signs. This can be due to frequent fetal movement. However, before you fall into the trap of mistaking false labour for actual labour, here are some signs you need to watch out for.
Understanding Contractions
Sometimes, preterm birth is silent. You may not feel your cervix dilating or effacing. You could not even feel contractions, especially if you are a first-timer pregnant.
Your uterus or "womb" contracts throughout the whole period of pregnancy. These irregular, "practice" contractions are Braxton Hicks contractions and they start as early as the second trimester.
However, as your body prepares for labour and delivery, the timing, regularity, and intensity of the contractions will significantly increase. The pattern and frequency of contractions can give you a sign that labour has begun.
Occasional or irregular contractions are usually normal. Meanwhile, recurring contractions at a rate of more than 4 times per hour may result in concern and will require further monitoring.
You should report the following signs to your healthcare provider:
- More than four or five times contractions per hour
- Rhythmic or persisting pelvic pressure
- Cramps, like in the menstrual period
- Severe backache
Knowing Your Body
Every mother may experience contractions in different ways. These contractions may produce a sensation of pain, hardening, pressure, heaviness, tightening, or cramping. These sensations can be felt in your abdomen, pelvis, lower back, or even upper thighs.
You must need to spend some time getting to know your body to understand how well the contractions manifest in your twin pregnancy.
One of the best ways to tune into contractions is by lying down quietly on your left side. Place your hands on your belly. You would feel protruding baby parts, such as a head, elbow, or rear end and these will feel hard and bumpy.
Feel for a softer part so that you can feel your uterus and not your (twin) babies' movement. At rest, your womb will feel soft and fleshy. But, when contracted, it will become hard and tight, like a flexed muscle.
Other labour signs in twin pregnancies
While contractions are the main signs of preterm labour during your twin pregnancy, you can't count on them to let you know what is going on. However, there are other signs that can tell you when labour is already ongoing.
If you would experience the listed signs below, it is better to notify your doctor quickly.
- Having diarrhoea
- Heavy vaginal bleeding or discharge
- An uneasy sense that something is wrong (it's your maternal instincts kicking in)
While some of those signs may be totally unrelated to preterm labour, it's better to get in touch with your doctor for safety measures.
Additionally, twins are usually born earlier, often before 38 weeks. So, it is important to understand your birth options.
Because your twin babies are likely to be born early, there is a possibility that one or both of them will spend more time in special care.
Labour and Delivery in Twin and Multiple Pregnancies
Moreover, it is common to have more medical staff in the birth of your twins.
Can You Have a Normal Delivery with Twins?
Giving Birth to Twins via C-Section
You are nearly twice as likely to have a cesarean if giving birth to twins than delivering a single baby.
ALSO READ:
What is Vanishing Twin Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms and Diagnosis
The Chance of Carrying Twins to Term
- About a 40 per cent chance of carrying their pregnancy to early term (37 weeks) or after
- A 60 per cent chance of delivering preterm or at least less than 37 weeks
- An 11 per cent chance to deliver your babies before 32 weeks of pregnancy
- Early term: 37 to 38 weeks and 6 days gestation
- Full term: 39 to 40 weeks and 6 days
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