Is it possible to deliver twins naturally

Given this overwhelming evidence in favor of vaginal delivery, why are 75 percent of twins born via C-section in the U. According to Dr. Mary Mirto, who has been a private practice obstetrician for 15 years, the reasons behind the trend away from the vaginal delivery of twins are multifaceted. They have an increased risk of preterm labor, preterm delivery, and complications during the labor and delivery process. In fact, our lawsuit culture has created a climate of fear that has transformed the very way obstetricians are trained and expected to perform their duties.

Mirto believes the division of responsibility with other care providers is another key factor in the high rate of C-sections for twins. Finally, some women may balk at the idea of delivering two babies vaginally. All the reasons cited by Dr.

Mirto — and echoed by other obstetricians off the record — are based on protecting the interests of the doctor rather than those of the patient. For more information on who's who, read about the antenatal team. The process of labour is more or less the same as for 1 baby, but your maternity team will usually advise you to have your babies electronically monitored because of the higher risk of complications. This means attaching belts with sensors 1 for each twin to your bump.

You'll still be able to move around into different positions. Once your waters have broken, your midwife may ask your permission to attach a clip attached to a wire to the first baby's head to get a more accurate measure of their heartbeat.

You'll be offered a drip in case it's needed later — for example, to restart contractions after your first baby is born. Triplets or more babies are almost always delivered by a planned caesarean section. Lots of women think they have to have a caesarean section with twins. If you're planning a vaginal delivery, it's usually recommended that you have an epidural for pain relief, but you can discuss this with your midwife. If there are any problems, it's easier for your antenatal team to deliver your babies quickly if you have already got an epidural in place.

Find out more about the signs and stages of labour. If you have had a caesarean section before, for example, it's not usually recommended that you have a vaginal birth with twins. As with any vaginal birth, you may need an assisted birth. This is where forceps or vacuum delivery are used to help deliver your babies.

Once the first baby is born, your midwife or doctor can check the position of the second baby by feeling your tummy and doing a vaginal examination. So remember that no matter what route they take from your snug womb to your even snugger embrace, the best way is the one that's healthiest and safest for them — and for you.

After you get the good news that you've got more than one baby inside that growing bump, you'll find that your pregnancy is supervised by a whole team of experts — led by your prenatal practitioner. They'll want to check in frequently with you to reduce your risk of any potential complications of carrying twins. They'll also begin going over options for your birth plan. As you approach your due date — and on the day you go into labor — here are the things they'll be looking for to proceed with a vaginal delivery:.

If you want to give birth vaginally, your practitioner will do what they can to help you. A mixed birth also referred to as a combined birth occurs when the first baby is delivered vaginally but the second baby requires a C-section. This is rare and is usually done only if there's an emergency with the second baby. A cord prolapse — where the umbilical cord comes out before the second baby, cutting off his or her blood supply — is one example.

Every labor and delivery experience is unique — even for moms of singletons. So it's helpful to go in prepared for what you might expect — and be willing to be flexible.

Your labor and delivery team will do what's best for you and your babies as things progress. Here are some ways your multiple-birth experience may differ:. What to Expect follows strict reporting guidelines and uses only credible sources, such as peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions and highly respected health organizations.

Learn how we keep our content accurate and up-to-date by reading our medical review and editorial policy. The educational health content on What To Expect is reviewed by our medical review board and team of experts to be up-to-date and in line with the latest evidence-based medical information and accepted health guidelines, including the medically reviewed What to Expect books by Heidi Murkoff.