Giving birth is always amazing.

The process for giving birth to twins is doubly

amazing. Here are some of the things that a twin mum will need to consider when
giving birth to her twins.

Babies Positions
The position of the babies will largely determine how the twins are born - vaginally
or by caesarean. About 40% of twins are both head down (vertex) at term. another
approximately 30% see the first baby (Twin A) vertex and Twin B breech. Both of
these positions are acceptable to consider a vaginal birth.

Other positions of the babies like two breeches. two transverse or Twin A breech and
Twin B vertex are usually delivered via caesarean surgery. This is usually known
ahead of time with ultrasound technology. However. even twins can change
positions late in the game and even into labour. This is particularly true of Twin B
after the birth of Twin A.

Vaginal Birth
More than half of twins will be born vaginally. Whether this option is the right one for
you and your babies is a discussion that should be discussed with your consultant or
midwife. The good news is that even though you have two babies - you only have to
labour once!

Once the cervix is open. each baby will have its own pushing stage (second stage).
This means you will have to push twice. but the majority of the time the second twin
is born much more easily than the first. This is because the first twin has paved the
way. so to speak.

The average time between the birth of the first and second baby is generally about
17 minutes. However. as long as the second baby is doing well (they will still be
monitoring this baby). there isn't much need to speed things along. Sometimes
during this phase of waiting. you will have an ultrasound to confirm the position of
the second twin and your practitioner will decide how it is best to deliver him or her.
Sometimes. the second twin simply comes down head first like Twin A. this is
handled in exactly the same manner. If Twin B is breech. your practitioner may
decide to allow the baby to deliver breech. to turn the baby externally or internally
or even do something called a breech extraction (pulling baby out by the feet).

Caesarean Birth
While having twins does increase the risk of you having a caesarean. fewer than
half of twins are born this way. While positioning of your babies will play a large part
in the decision as to what type of birth you will have. there are also all of the normal
reasons for caesareans. These include. placenta previa. placental abruption.
maternal indications like PIH. active herpes. and labour complications like fetal
distress. etc.

If you give birth by caesarean prior to labour. the date will most likely be set
between 37-40 weeks. If you go into labour prior to the scheduled date. your
caesarean will likely happen then. There is no real difference in the surgery or
recovery from a caesarean with twins.

Combined Vaginal/Caesarean Birth

This is actually not as common as you might believe. One baby being born vaginally
with the second twin being born via caesarean occurs in only about 3-4% of all twin
births. Usually this is done for an emergency with Twin B. like a cord prolapse (This
is where the cord comes out with or before the baby. thereby cutting off the baby's
oxygen supply.). severe malpresentation (like a transverse baby that cannot be
moved by internal or external forces). placental abruption