Is it true about twins lung development?

I've been hearing that twins develop their lungs faster than singletons of the same gestation? So a 32 weeker twin would be equivalent to a 34-35 weeker singleton? Is that true? Does anybody know where I can find that research?

 

I have heard that twins develop faster in utero all around because many times they are stressed because of the lack of room, sharing of nutrients etc... and it causes them to develop faster. I don't know where you can find the research, the neonatologists that took care of my girls when they were in the NICU were the ones that told me about it.

ETA: I found this article that kind of explains it. HTH!!

 

I was also told this as well.
Although as early as 32 weeks I'm not so sure. . . I think I remember something about their development speeding up a bit closer to term.
Also, white boys seem to develop slowest for some reaosn.

 

I think it also helps that most of us end up getting the steroid shots to help with lung development.

 

Yes, Isn't it cool! I understand that the "interaction" in the womb (known to us mothers as "premature fighting" ) induces the creation of some chemical which in turn speads lung maturity naturally. Isn't God cool?

 

My perinatologists and neonatoligists told me this was true, too.

 

QUOTE(momof5 @ Nov 7 2008, 05:52 AM) [snapback]1060343[/snapback]
My perinatologists and neonatoligists told me this was true, too.


Same here. My 32 weekers were the size of 34 weekers and had no respiratory issues in the NICU. I did get the steroid shots too.

 

QUOTE(MamaKimberlee @ Nov 6 2008, 07:55 PM) [snapback]1060265[/snapback]
Yes, Isn't it cool! I understand that the "interaction" in the womb (known to us mothers as "premature fighting" ) induces the creation of some chemical which in turn speads lung maturity naturally. Isn't God cool?



It is amazing what HE has done!!!

 

QUOTE(Kyrstyn @ Nov 6 2008, 09:53 PM) [snapback]1060161[/snapback]
I have heard that twins develop faster in utero all around because many times they are stressed because of the lack of room, sharing of nutrients etc... and it causes them to develop faster.

I was told the same thing.

 

QUOTE(TwinsInFL @ Nov 7 2008, 11:02 AM) [snapback]1060178[/snapback]
I think it also helps that most of us end up getting the steroid shots to help with lung development.


Does all twin preggy mommies end up getting steriods shots?

 

QUOTE(muscaria10 @ Nov 8 2008, 12:23 AM) [snapback]1061797[/snapback]
Does all twin preggy mommies end up getting steriods shots?


No, only if they are worried about preterm labor with you. But since many twin moms DO end up in the hospital with a preterm labor scare at least once, many end up getting it.