Birth of your twins

Hi ladies,

Could you tell me how many of you had vaginal deliveries & how it turned out with your twins?
Would you recommend it, doing it the natural way?

And those of you who had ceaserian deliveries, was it bad, or not so bad?
Was the choice mainly yours to make, or did your twins decide for you?

I'm having a hard time deciding what is the better option. I must admit that both options kinda scare me, but I guess the twins can't stay inside of me forever

Yesterday I got into a huge argument with my sister (who is very PRO vaginal delivery), saying that giving birth to my twins should be vaginal as this would be better for all of us in the long run...she wouldnt listen to reason..

I just need to hear from you experienced twin mothers..

Thank you!

Denise

 

Denise,

It is a personal choice. It is NOT up to your sister to decide what is right for you and your babies. It is between you and your doctor. ..
Anyway, I had a c-section at 37 weeks and 6 days when my water broke. Baby A was breech, so I did not have a choice. I wanted to have a vaginal deliver...but, oh well. The actual delivery was amazing...I didn't feel a thing, but got to hear and see my babies right away. I think either way you go, it is truly a miracle and one of the most amazing things in the world.

I was in pain for about a week...especially when I was in hospital. I am a wuss...but it hurt bad!! I knew the minute the drugs wore off because I was in pain. They make you walk right away, which really hurt! But, in about 2 weeks I was doing exercising again and now...almost 6 months later...I am back into all exercises. I did have separation of my abs, which sucked. But, they have healed and I can do abs again.

It is up to you. Good luck with whatever you decide to do!!

CONGRATS!!

jen

 

I've had c-sections for all 3 of my deliveries. It wasn't my ideal, I've always felt like I've missed out on something since I've never been in labor - but my babies have decided for me, so what do you do?

Mine weren't bad (although I will say the recovery got a little harder each time, I think more from having to keep up with older kids than the recovery itself).

One nice thing is if you are scheduled ahead of time, you know an exact time for people to show up at the hospital. No needing to wait around while you labor. A common question is about breastfeeding after a c-section, but it's totally doable (if that's something you're even considering)

 

I had a planned c-section at 38 weeks, 1 day. It was my choice, they were not breech. However, I had done a ton of research on the subject of multiple births and talked to several well-respected OBs, including my own doctor. All the research and advice I was given pointed in one direction to me. The statistics say that 70% of attempted vaginal deliveries with multiples ends in a c-section. Some people might read that and say, ok I have a 30% chance of having a vaginal delivery, I can live with that. I had the opposite reaction. Those were odds I could not live with for the following reasons:

1. I was not interested in recovering from both types of deliveries - one delivery recovery is enough thank you
2. The 70% of attempted vaginal deliveries that end up in c-section are sometimes due to the second baby being in a dangerous situation - a 2 out of 3 chance that my babies could be in danger were not odds I could live with
3. If I attempted a vaginal and ended up with an emergency c-section, they would probably need to "put me out" with a general anethesia. Not being able to see my babies when they were born was far too scary of a concept for me, I would not get over that.
4. I knew my babies were large - almost 8 pounds each and the odds of getting two big babies out of there successfully were not good
5. Delivering two 8-pound babies at once would probably require an episiotomy or some other drastic effect on my body that might be just as bad or worse than recovering from a c-section

I thank God every day that I chose the path I did. As it turns out, one of my babies was wedged against my pelvic bone so badly that two grown men had to pull him out safely via the c-section. There was a 100% chance I would have ended up with one, only that baby might have been in danger.

Many people are going to respond with the reasons for going vaginal and they are all valid. C-section isn't for everyone and people will argue both ways. I just wanted to put in my two cents for a c-section that was planned, went well and someone who's glad they did it.

 

I had a scheduled C section at 37 weeks. While ultimately it was my decision to make, my doctor did suggest that this was the best and safest route for my girls, especially since they shared a placenta. Honestly, while I do still somewhat wish i had been able to have a vaginal delivery, I think i made the right decision.

My C section was not bad at all. I had my girls at 11 am on friday, by saturday at lunch time they got me up out of bed to use the bathroom. By sunday I was getting up myself, walking around the ward, etc. Yes, I was sore, but they gave me some meds and as long as i took them before i was in a lot of pain, i was fine. Actually, by Sunday i had stopped taking the percoset and switched over to motrin 600. I never accepted the demerol. I think i will have an elective C section with my next child, even if the VBAC is an option.

 

Hi!
I had a c-section with my boys three months ago. The twins kind of decided the delivery option for me, as I had preeclampsia, but I think I would have opted for the c-section anyway. I had a very easy recovery, as well! Good luck with whatever you decide!

 

Thank you,

Guess I'm just feeling a bit chicken knowing that the time is near...

Also, I am definitey going to try to breastfeed.

Denise

 

I was induced at 38 weeks on the dot...had 3 different Cervidils placed, and I never moved past 1 cm & 50% effaced. The doc on call gave me the option to keep trying to induce with different meds or just do the c-section. I was torn feeling like I would "cop out" if I had the c-section, but my best friend's mom (a midwife) helped reassure me that I had given it a fair shot. The c-section was not bad at all!!! We delivered at 38 weeks 1 day. I was scared of the spinal, but it was really no problem...the local pinched a bit, but the spinal itself was not bad at all. The whole surgery took 30 minutes, if not less...I was in recovery by noon (surgery started about 10:45), and made two laps around the hall that night at 11 pm. I have done much in my 2.5 weeks home (was released on Sunday after a Friday surgery). My advice would be to walk and move when you can ( to avoid getting gassy--it's painful), and do take the pain medication. The recovery has not been that bad at all...just have to take it easy!

 

Denise,

I have read all the posts and I agree with them that the choice is between you and your doctor.

My first 6 kiddos were all vaginal. So, I wanted to try and have a vaginal again. But, I had to be open to a c-section....being twins and all. I had a great doctor that listened to me.

I had a vaginal birth, no drugs. BUT, both my babies were head down and Grace stayed that way even when Lilly was out of the way. There was 20 minutes between the two. Now...for the bad with the vaginal (at least for me), I sure did not want to push Grace out!! I even said during the delivery that I could wait 2 years until I forgot the pain. (at this point my doc just laughed at me!!!) It was very hard for me to start pushing again, but once I did she came out in 1 push!! She was flying out.

I am so happy that I did have a vaginal, but I would have been happy other wise as well!! I have 2 very beautiful babies and in the end, their health is what matters.....not other peoples opinion about how they were delivered.

Hope this helps.

 

Thank you again for the much valued & appreciated advice!

My OB has been leaning towards c-section right from the start, but knows it's ultimately our decision. He says my babies are big & their positions at the moment make him think it will be c-section.

He also told me that we will know by week 37, that's if we get that far!


Denise

 

I had mine vaginally at 38 weeks with an epidural (which I really wanted even if the doctors hadn't insisted). Mine were also large, so it can be done. Lila was first at 7 lbs 9 oz & Luke was born second, breech extraction, at 7 lbs 13 oz. Luke was head down right up to the end, then he turned and had to be pulled out, so I really recommend having an epidural in place just in case, you never know when you will need it. That said, I was glad to deliver them vaginally but if the need had arisen I would have been fine with a c-section. I'm all about what's best for the babies! It's definitely up to you, not your sister - she isn't pregnant with twins! Good luck & we look forward to seeing you on the first year board soon!

 

QUOTE(RRTwins @ Apr 11 2007, 04:49 PM) [snapback]214854[/snapback]
1. I was not interested in recovering from both types of deliveries - one delivery recovery is enough thank you
2. The 70% of attempted vaginal deliveries that end up in c-section are sometimes due to the second baby being in a dangerous situation - a 2 out of 3 chance that my babies could be in danger were not odds I could live with
3. If I attempted a vaginal and ended up with an emergency c-section, they would probably need to "put me out" with a general anethesia. Not being able to see my babies when they were born was far too scary of a concept for me, I would not get over that.


I agree!

I had two vaginal deliveries before my twins, and dispite 12 & 16 hour labors, look back on those experiences as some of the most amazing of my life. I hoped to have the twins vaginally, and I thought I would until the day I went in to be induced at 38 weeks. The doctor did an ultrasound then and said I had a 50% chance of an emergency c-section with baby B. I decided to have a c-section. I was dissapointed I would not be able to say I had my twins vaginally, but I have worried so much over the last 8 months for these babies. I never wanted to look back and regret putting them at risk by trying a vaginal birth. I would never be able to live with myself. Even if nothing happened and baby B had any kind of learning disabilities, I would always wonder and blame myself if it was due to oxogyn depravation. I could never live with myself. And so! We had a c-section. It wasn't all that bad - and I have two perfectly healthy little girls. And I know I did everything I could for them, even if it meant not having the birth experience I had dreamed of.

I don't regret it a minute!

 

I can only have c-sections (I have a vertical incision on my uterus from my first so its too risky). I had more complications this last c-section with the twins, I did hemorhage and lost a lot of blood so recovery was alot harder this time. I never had any problems with my milk coming in, it came in just as quickly as people who have vaginal deliveries. As long as you stay on top of your pain meds the recovery isnt normally that bad, but you have to remember that a c-section is a major surgury, its a big deal and can come with complications

 

I didn't have any choice in my delivery.....the babies decided for me! Zoe was breech & Johnny was tranverse, so the dr said "no way" to a vaginal birth. In a way, it was a huge relief for me not to have to decide! I was REALLY torn. On the one hand, I really wanted the experience of a vaginal birth & pushing my babies into the world (even though everyone thought I was CRAZY) but on the other hand I was so scared by what could go wrong. In the end, it was out of my hands.....I really dont know what I would have chosen if I'd had the choice.

My c-section wasn't bad, but there were a few unexpected things. I didn't know about the anti-nausea meds & how sleepy they make you. I also think my body responds really easily to anesthesia, since I was numb all the way up to my armpits! It was a little freaky, having no feeling in my ribs b/c I thought I wasn't breathing.....but the anesthesiologist was right there, never left my side & was so sweet and kept telling me, "this is normal" and assuring me I was still breathing.


What I had to remind myself was, it doesn't matter how your babies get here.....as long as they do & arrive healthy. That's all that really matters! And it's really something to be decided between you and your doctor - not your sister.

 

I had both, James was a natural vaginal delivery and Sean was an emergency c/s.

Having had previous vaginal deliveries I would say that vaginal delivery is easier on mom and it does do some good stuff for the babies too....

BUT

there are occasions when c/s are necessary (like in my case).

Do whatever feels right for you, don't let others sway you. If you want to try for a vaginal delivery, then go for it! If you would feel better with a planned c/s, then go for it! You have to make a lot of decisions as a mother, and not everybody is going to like what you choose, but you need to choose what is best for your family and your children. Plus, I'd be more inclined to listen to a doctor over a sister....

 

I had both--Soren was vaginal, Gabriel was a C. And you know what? I'd do it again to try and get at least one out vaginally. I personally feel that vaginal is best so long as there are no medical reasons for a C--but whether or not there are reasons and how valid they are is up to the mother and her doctor, not to sisters/strangers/coworkers/anyone else.

As for having both a V and a C, my OB and peri both said the odds are to 5-10% with an experienced doc, provided the vaginal delivery is medically indicated from the get go. As for the procedure, I had an epi, and was fully awake for both deliveries.

I didn't even notice how damaged my crotch was until I took a shower, since my incision kept me occupied. From that perspective, C recovery was FAR more difficult than a vaginal delivery.

At the end of the day, you have to do what feels right to you tempered by your doctor's views. If you go with a C, just tell them all your doctors says you have to, even if it's not true, to get them off of your back.

 

I had a c-section at 35 weeks 5 days after my water broke. It was my choice. The doctor that was going to deliver let me decide. I was terrified of having to do it both ways. The worst part was getting the epidural (oh and the big 1 hour that I was in labor without it!). My husband watched the whole thing and said that Baby B (second to come out) was WAY up there. It was Baby A's water that broke and I am pretty sure that B would not have come out easily during a vag. birth.

The recovery was great - yes there was some pain but there was also medication! Oh - and I should mention that I am such a chicken that I cry when they take my blood! To be honest I was terrified of having to push them out - I really wanted a c-section from the beginning. I am sure that your sister would be horrified!

You should do what you (and your dr) feel is best - you don't have to justify your decision to anyone. If you want to try vaginal go for it, if you want to do a c-section go for it - those kids are coming out either way and you are still going to have to take them home and raise them regardless of the way they come into this world.

Good luck with whatever you decide - neither way is pain-free - but I can tell you that I didn't think that the c-section was 1/2 as bad as I thought it would be.

 

Has your sister had twins? Twins are a whole different story from having a singleton!!

The babies decided for me..Emma was breech, and baby A, so I really didn't have a choice. I delivered my first 3 vaginally, 2 without any pain meds, and those recoveries were a breeze compared to the c-section, for me anyway. I think that if they were both head down, I definately would have tried for the vaginal delivery.

 

Mine were both vaginal, but 7 hrs apart and on different days To say the least it was a diffcult labor, but still glad I had them vaginally. I was induced at 37w5d and they were 5lb12oz and 6lb12oz.

Kristi
Molly 6/18 and Zach 6/17
Almost 10 months

 

And those of you who had ceaserian deliveries, was it bad, or not so bad? Not bad but the girls are my only children so I don't have anything to conpare it to(the worst part for me was the gas afterward :x)
Was the choice mainly yours to make, or did your twins decide for you? My girls were both transverse thru the whole pregnancy so I had no choice and it would have been too stressful on Jessy anyway

 

I had a c-section at 36 weeks. As soon as I knew it was twins I told my doctor that I wanted a c-section. He seemed pretty happy and relieved to hear me order one. My reasons were:

1) I had HG for the first/second trimester and seriously didn't think I could mentally make it through a vaginal delivery;
2) I was terrified of having labor pains (damn you discovery-health-daytime-baby-birth-fest o'rama!);
3) I was positive that I'd be one of the unlucky 70% who would try to do a vaginal delivery and then end up getting a c-section too; and
4) Auburn decided to be difficult and stay in the breech position, so it would have been a moot point to think about vaginal.

In retrospect, I'm glad I did it that way. The worst part about it for me, was how cold the operating room was. I was totally unprepared for that. The epidural stung, but didn't hurt like I imagined it would. It did take a while for it to take effect, which had me AND the doctors a little nervous, but it all worked out. After the epi. took effect, the room felt nice and warm. In the end, my doctor GLUED me back together instead of using stitches. I still think that's wierd . Recovery wasn't very bad at all, and the scar is very tiny. The first two days were the roughest, but part of that was due to me not walking around enough. Once my husband saw what was going on, he kind of cracked the whip and the babies and I did tours of the hospital every couple of hours. If you do opt for a c-section, walking is the key. It will help get rid of the gas and muscle stiffness. I considered myself fully free from pain and discomfort after a week and a half.

Also look out for the anti-nausea stuff they give before a c-section. It tastes like a shot of grape-flavored pickle juice. Seriously.

Good luck. I'm sure it will go well!

 

I had no choice. I went into emergency csection at 38 weeks. The only drawback I can think of (since these are my only children) is the healing time with the surgery. Plus I was in the hospital for a week due to complications with my blood levels. Sometimes you do not have a choice on how they are delivered.

 

I had a vaginal delivery. Personally, if vaginal is possible and there are no medical reasons to go for a c/s, I wouldn't opt for surgery. Baby A was head down and baby B was breech. It was very smooth and the recovery was easy. There is no reason twins can't be delivered vaginally as long as baby A is head down and there are no risks based on medical history, etc.

 

I had them both vaginally at 36 weeks 1 day. My epidural never fully kicked in so I felt everything. My recovery was pretty quick compared to the people that know that had c-sections.

I agree that is a personal choice, but I personally would try vaginally if they are in correct position and there are no issues.

Good luck!

 

I had a no-meds vaginal delivery and would absolutely do it that way again. I sought out an OB who was in favor of (and practiced in) going vaginal if at all possible, and was confident that the risk of having an emergency section for B was low. My recovery was very fast -- I was tired afterward, but not in pain -- and I was able to cuddle with and breast feed both girls right after delivery, which was very important to me.

BTW -- is the national stat for twin deliveries really that 70% of vaginal attempts end in a c-section? That is so alarming! I would say, though, that my strong sense of things (based on what I've read and the comments of my OB and the staff at the hospital) is that those kinds of stats (like the 30% national rate for c-sections for singleton births) are not so useful when thinking about your own situation because outcomes vary SO widely by OB. What your OB is comfortable with and experienced with is hugely important. Some OBs are quicker to jump to a C-section because they aren't as experienced in handling more complicated vaginal situations (or aren't as willing to handle them) . For example, my baby b's heart rate dropped somewhat after a was out, and the l+d nurses obviously found that stressful, but my OB just moved on calmly to delivering b. She told us afterward that it is very common for that to happen, and that unless the drop is huge or really prolonged, it wasn't a sign of an emergency even though someone less experienced with twins might think it was.

If you are considering a C-section just to avoid the possibility of having both, I would suggest talking to your doctor about it. Find out how many of his/her twin births end up in a c-section (or what he/she estimates the likelihood is) and that will give you a good sense of how likely it will be for you.

 

I had a c-section with both pregnancies. DS #1 couldn't fit (8lbs 14 oz) and was coming down at a bad angle which led to an emergency c-section. With the twins baby a was breech and so was baby b. I think it was a good thing to have a c-section with the twins since they were early and so tiny. For me, it was more of a relief to have c-section since I already knew what would happen and recovery time. Also, the delivery with DS1 really, really scared me (I almost died and stopped breathing for awhile).
I also had no problem with my milk coming in after a c-section.
I think you need to pick whatever you are comfortable with. You are the one having the baby and you know what is best for you and your babies.

 

QUOTE
And those of you who had ceaserian deliveries, was it bad, or not so bad?
Was the choice mainly yours to make, or did your twins decide for you?


It was mild to moderate. The first night after the surgery is the worst. Just make sure to keep on the pain meds. The soreness lasts for a few weeks, but after a while it is soon and easily forgotten. Trust me... because I will be doing it again in Sept. The best thing for it, is to walk. BUT don't over do yourself.

Yes, the choice was mainly mine, IF they would have both been head down. BUT only one was and the other was mostly transverse/breech. I had my c-section earlier than scheduled because Baby B's cord (Zack's) was hanging down low, and they were afraid had I gone into labor his cord would tear.

 

I couldn't agree more that the decision is between you and your Dr. with some input from DH! I really didn't want to have a C-section & was fortunate that both babies were head down and (obviously ) in their own sacs. My OB/GYN was also fairly pro-vag (if possible) as well. That being said I wouldn't have hesitated to have the C-sec if it was needed! My advice for vag if you do choose that route - epidural, epidural, epidural!
Good luck!

 

We had a VB with an epidural. The OB said he strongly suggests an epidural with all his twin births because even though both may be head-down once the first is born the other can still turn and you may end up having an emergency c-section anyway.

I had very little pain with the contractions. I was given the epidural when I was 5cm dialated and had no pain at all after that.

The girls were 33 weekers and went into the special care unit for 3 weeks only due to their prem status. I had retained placenta and a blood transfusion and was in hospital for 2 weeks. The blood transfusion was predicted prior to the birth as my iron levels were very low.

 

My girls were my first as well so I too have no comparison, but to me the c-section wasn't that bad, I had them at 5:26 and 5:27pm and was up walking the next morning (plus from what I hear the bleeding isn't as bad, mine really wasn't). I thought I wanted mine natural up until the last minute, but I think once you see those babies it won't really matter to you. Good thing about the c-section is the little extra pampering and no work during the actual delivery

Also my girls, born at 36 weeks, never went into NICU or had any health issues. They went straight to my room and went home when I did and that is the most important thing to me.

When it comes time, you and your doctor will decide what is best and once those contractions start you'll know which path you want or have to take.

Good luck and Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!

 

I had older boys vaginal and I had a c-section at 35 weeks with the twins. The twins were both transverse so I had to have c-section and I was scared to death. The c-section really wasn't to bad. The pros of c-section were that I didn't have to deal with stitches down there, and I wasn't scared to go to the bathroom. I also didn't bleed as bad, and I wanted my tubes tied so they did it right then and there. The cons were that I couldn't get up until the next day due to the medication. I was sad because my daughter was in NICU and I wasn't able to go right over there. I also had an anxiety attack and I wasn't able to hold them right after like I did with my older kids. My husband thought it was cool and interesting to see me gutted like a fish--how sweet of him! Good luck and it will work out fine either way. By the time you have them you will just be glad to get them out of you!

 

I had an absolutely fantastic vaginal delivery with my twins. I was induced at 38 weeks exactly. Both twins were head down. My ob was recommending a c-section if baby A had stayed breech, but she flipped. He said it didn't really matter if baby b was breech or not we could still deliver vaginally as long as baby A was head down. Lucky for us they were both head down on delivery day. They were 6 lbs 7 oz & 6 lbs 1 oz.

 

I had a c/s because Baby A was breech, actually he was vertex until about my 32nd week and I was planning to attempt a vag delivery, but the little turkey flipped (even my OB was surprised he flipped so late!). Anyway, I scheduled a c/s but was in early labor when I went in for the section, so they were ready to some anyway.

IF I had the choice, I would NOT have a c/s, I would have much preferred a vag delivery. Recovery was HARD, it is major surgery and there is a lot of pain. And I don't care what anyone else says, I felt a lot of what was going on during the section. Not pain but a lot of discomfort and pressure when they were delivering the boys and digging around down there. NOT FUN. I didn't walk upright for a week, couldn't get out of bed without my husband's help and it hurt to laugh, sneeze, cough for at least 2 weeks. Granted it was all worth it in the end, but not my first choice of how I would have like it to go!

Okay, enough of scaring you! I didn't have a choice in the matter because of the babies position but like I said, if I had, I would have attempted a vag. Good luck with whatever happens!! And if you have a choice, just remember, it is just that - YOUR choice!

 

Okay, just re-reading my post and I feel like I sound like a major wimp. So just for the record, I wanted to note that I do have a fairly high pain tolerance! I've run a dozen or so marathons prior to having the boys and the c/s recovery pain definately ranks higher than the pain of running a marathon!

 

I had a vag with my singleton and I walked around 15 mins later (they took her away because she wasn't breathing well. She was only 4 pounds - my twins were bigger!) I have to say it was easy.

I had a vag with the babes. We went to 38 weeks and 3 days; they broke my water; I walked around till I got it going good; they gave me an epidural; After 15 ins of pushing Bree was out; Two more pushes and Zack was out. I was a lot soarer with the babes after but I didn't take any of the pain meds they gave me after and recovered fairly quickly.

My biggest fear was having to do both a vag and c-sec 'cause then I would hurt both ways.