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Do Multiples Equal Cesarean?

A Guide to Vaginal Twin Births

By Neilia Sherman

Pages:  1  2  3  4  

pregnant woman reading

It's Complicated
Being pregnant with twins does leave you more vulnerable to medical complications, which is why moms-to-be are monitored more often throughout their twin pregnancies. Preterm labor is a possibility because two babies stretch out the uterus sooner. You may need to cut down on activity toward the end of the pregnancy and spend more time lying down. Pregnancy-induced hypertension, which is known as preeclampsia, is also seen more often in twin pregnancies, as is gestational diabetes.

Mathews realized that taking care of herself was one way that she could increase the odds of having a vaginal birth, since some Cesareans are performed as a result of the above medical complications.

"I got a lot of rest, and while I was out of bed, I listened to my body," she says. "If I felt tired, I didn't try to fight it. I took a nap, even if it was for only 30 minutes."

Breech Deliveries
Dr. Lawrence Jay Rappaport, a senior attending physician at Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffern, N.Y., has delivered many twins vaginally and describes the experience as "exhilarating." However, when one baby is in the breech position, he does consider a Cesarean section, as the delivery might be too difficult for the mother. "If the first baby is breech and the second baby is vertex, there may be interlocking of heads, which makes vaginal delivery difficult, if not impossible," he says.

Dr. Rappaport also cautions that sometimes twins have only one placenta, so it is important to avoid delivering the placenta after the birth of the first twin.


Pages:  1  2  3  4  

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Re: by anonymous on 01/14/2010 03:47AM

I had twin boys at 37wks and 3days!My OB really wanted me to have a cesarean but my husband and I did a lot of researched and I told him that he had to at least let me try to have them vaginal!I did Baby A was born and 4 minutes later Baby B was born!! I'm expecting again and they think it's multiples again....maybe even triplets or quads and I'm making sure I do my research and hoping for another vaginally birth!Have 6 kids with the last twins all natural vaginal births!It can happen!

Do Multiples Equal Cesarean? by Anonymous on 08/05/2009 01:02AM

if u want a natural birth dont go to an obs! why go to a specialist in complicated delivery when u can go to a midwife who specialises in NATURAL birth

Do Multiples Equal Cesarean? by jc on 07/07/2009 09:33AM

My question is this: How do I find a doctor who is supportive of natural delivery? Thus far, I can't find anyone who will tell me anything other than that c-section is the way of things with twins. I am meeting with a midwife tomorrow, but anyone I mention this to thinks I am a wacko for even considering something other than an OB in a hospital for my "high risk" twin birth (high risk for no other reason than that it is twins!). The birth center in the area won't deal with twins. I feel stuck. How did you manage 5 hours between? I run across stories like this every so often. It sounds normal and natural to have some time between, but when I ask a medical professional about it, they insist that it is not possible to allow so much time between. Where did you give birth? Home, hospital, elsewhere? It is reassuring to hear stories like this ...

Do Multiples Equal Cesarean? by Anonymous on 06/15/2009 06:17PM

that is so awsome and reasuring to a hear. I keep getting told from everyone I will have to have a cesarian. I strongly feel if one baby is head down, why should I? I am going to fallow all the steps to help prevent a cesarian! I can't believe yours were 5 hours apart. Congradulations!!! And way to go!!

Re: Do Multiples Equal Cesarean? by anonymous on 01/31/2009 02:31AM

I just delivered twins vaginally (they were 5 hours apart!) and I must say I was happy with the experience. I'm looking forward to a quick recovery and a happy every after! Both twins were head down.

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