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Expert Q&A
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| By Myron Bethel Obstetrician and Gynecologist | ||
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I'm carrying twins. Can I give birth vaginally? What are the risks? Answer: Twins can be successfully and safely delivered vaginally. For this to occur, however, your pregnancy should meet certain criteria. The gestational age, the twin type, the final twin positions, and of equal importance, the experience level of your doctor and the capabilities of the hospital all must be considered.?
Although there are some exceptions to this rule, twins at, or close to, term (37 to 40 weeks), that are both in the vertex (head-down) position, and are each greater than 5 and a half pounds and less than 8 and a half pounds, are your best candidates.
Twin pregnancies, are in and of themselves at greater risk than singletons, both during the pregnancy, with risks of twin-twin transfusion, and pre-mature delivery, and at delivery as well. The positions at delivery that impede a vaginal birth are breech/breech (both buttocks first), or breech/vertex. If the first child is head first, then depending upon your doctor it is both safe and possible to deliver the second child either via the head or buttocks. The delivery of twins vaginally, is the most rewarding, and exciting things that we as obstetricians can do. I hope this continues to be offered to all mothers-to-be that meet the criteria.