v-birth or c-section

I am 20 weeks pregnant with fraternal twins and my doctor said I should prepare for a c-section. He said I could try a v-birth if I wanted as long as the babies are in the right position when it comes time. I was wondering how your birthing experiences went and if you had a choice in how you wanted to have your babies. Also, doc said c-section at 38 weeks if they hadn't come on their own by then. Wouldn't it make more sense to let them "bake" longer if they would?

 

Congratulations! I'd had a previous C so I opted for that. Couldn't have gone better. For twins I believe they usually induce or perform a C at 38 weeks if you haven't delivered by then. My OB said it's considered full-term but not sure what everyone else will say. Good luck!

 

I had a c-section at 38 weeks because Twin A (Reese) was breech. My OB did give me the option and we waited a week to see if he would flip. The boys were both over 6lbs and perfectly healthy. The actual surgery went well, recovery was fairly easy (this was my second one, so I know that made a difference) and I didn't have any major issues. The only difficult part was having to be put under general anesthesia because the spinal didn't take. That was a really big disappointment, since Reese and Riley are more than likely our last two and the hospital's policy is that DH is not allowed in the room. So, he missed it too.

But in general and overall, it really was a positive experience.

 

I had a scheduled c-sec at 38weeks to the day. Mine where 5lbs13oz & 5lbs11oz & 18inches long. My dr said I would be having a c-sec because of a previous c-sec. Good luck

Missy

 

I had a c-section at 38 weeks because my Twin A was breech. It is rare that they flip at that age. It went fine, but it is still major surgery. I'm trying for a vaginal delivery for my singleton this time. I hope he cooperates. My OB woudl have let me go until 39 weeks. When I delivered, I was having contrations I guess.

 

My hospital prefers you to go vaginal birth unless c-section is medically indicated, and their twin c-section rate is 45%. If twin A is head down, they will always suggest vaginal birth (assuming no other medical issues of course), because they say even if twin B is transverse it may move during labour/ once twin A is out. If not, or if twin B is breech, they can try to move twin B manually. If twin A is breech, they will also suggest you try for vaginal birth, maybe with trying to move the baby from the outside.

In terms of when the birth will happen, they will never let you go over term ( ie over 40 weeks), but similar to your doctor, my peri and OBGYN both said it is unlikely they'll let me go past 38 weeks, as the babies will run out of space, and will likely induce me then (rather than going to c-section). The only reasons they'll let you go over is if the babies are small, or you really, really want to.

 

I had a c-section at 37 weeks and 5 days. Baby B was breech and my doctor recommended that we just go ahead a do the c-section. It went great. The recovery was very easy. If I had to do it again, I would definitely have a c-section. I personally though do not like the element of surprise, so the planned c was perfect for me because I could prepare myself for it.

As far as letting them "bake longer", my doctor told me that after 38 weeks there is a higher incidence of stillborn births in twins because of a breakdown in the placenta. She would not allow me to go past that date.

 

I had a c-section because Baby A (evie) was not head down. I had vaginal delivery with my son and would have prefered the same wtih the girls but it didn't work out that way.
I went 37 weeks and truly couldn't have gone a day longer. I was stretched to the limit with Evie at 7lbs 6 ounces and 19 in and Annalise at 6lbs 5 ounces and 18 inches. One more week was more than I could bare!!

 

I've also heard that the babies can be compromised if you go past 37-38 wks - placentas might stop working as well, fluid might drop... And by 37-38w, they should be just fine to come out, so it's probably safer for them to. If it comes up, you could always ask to be induced rather than go straight to the c-sec.

If possible, I would have tried for an unmedicated vaginal delivery. However, DS had some life-threatening problems in utero, we had to deliver at 34w to save him, and he would not have been able to withstand v birth, even if induction had been successful. So c-sec it was. And it was really ok. I found recovery from it to be infinitely easier than expected.

Good luck!

 

C-section by choice. My first child was a v-birth, but I was too afraid of complications. Both babies were head down, but I had a C anyway. For me, it turned out to be the best choice--I had a lot of scar tissue on my cervix from a previous cryosurgery that kept my cervix from dilating. Doc said my cervix would have most likely ruptured if I had not had the C.

 

QUOTE
My hospital prefers you to go vaginal birth unless c-section is medically indicated, and their twin c-section rate is 45%. If twin A is head down, they will always suggest vaginal birth (assuming no other medical issues of course), because they say even if twin B is transverse it may move during labour/ once twin A is out. If not, or if twin B is breech, they can try to move twin B manually. If twin A is breech, they will also suggest you try for vaginal birth, maybe with trying to move the baby from the outside.

In terms of when the birth will happen, they will never let you go over term ( ie over 40 weeks)


Exactly the same where I delivered except they did let me go past 38 weeks and instead would schedule an iduction in my 39th week if I made it...I was scheduled for induction at 39w 2days, my water broke the day before and I had them on the day I was to be induced at 39w 2days. They were both head down at my last appopintment the day before until I got to the hospital and Baby B decided to go transverse, he turned into position after delivering Baby A vaginally. They were 6lbs. 10oz. each, No NICU time and I was home in 3 days....GL!

 

I was induced at 37w2d and delivered my girls vaginally, they were both head down.
I have a curved tailbone (found this out after pushing for 3 hrs) which ended up snapping during the delivery of my first and still delivered the second vaginally. I was dead set against a c-section.

 

Induced at 38 weeks. Baby A (Maggie) was head down, Baby B (Sophie) was breech. I was told as long as Baby A was vertex (head down) we could go vaginal b/c after twin A is delivered, Baby B typically will turn on its own since there is more room. This is exactly what happened with us. So, we delivered both babies vaginally with no problems at 38 weeks. Yes, going past 38 weeks with twins is not recommended. GOOD LUCK TO YOU!

 

My OB/GYN will not let mothers of twins go beyond 38 weeks either. I had a vaginal birth with my first set of twins, even though I was scheduled for a c-section. My water broke 5 days before the surgery. Baby A was head down and Baby B was transverse breech. The on-call doc was a retired OB, whom I had not met before (there were only two doc in the practice and this doc was used for fill-ins when the others were unavailable). Anyway, he said I didn't need a C-Section. He said Baby B was in the right position to allow Baby to come down after A was born. He was right (B did have to be suctioned out). They were born healthy t 37 1/2 weeks and weighed 5.5 and 6 lbs.

My second set was a scheduled, and followed through, C-section. They were both breech and feet down. They had no complications and were born 37 1/2 weeks weighing 7.1 and 7.4.

I thought the C-section was much harder and longer to recover from than a vaginal birth. I still get sore at the incision area at times and it has been almost 2 years (the doc says it's normal). I know 3 women with the same experiences. Can anyone else relate?

 

In twin pregnancy's "baking longer" than 38 weeks poses a stillbirth risk. It's not worth it and they do VERY well at 37 weeks so don't worry. I had a c-section which I was very sad about - it was due to the position. Turns out that it was a good decision as Lulu was not breathing and had to have CPR when she arrived. She likely would not have survived a vaginal birth.

Good luck!

 

After my water broke at 36 weeks, I went in(had already had PTL and was dilated to 3 cms at 32 weeks). My doc said I could try vaginal if baby A was vertex. After u/s showed both boys were head down and that I was a whooping 3 1/2 cm dilated, I labored with the whole idea of delivering vaginally. After 13 hours of labor and with pitocin, I did not progress beyond 8 cm and the boys were starting to show some distress so I had to have a c-section for the boys' benefit. If you can deliver vaginally, I would suggest it (although I've not had any children that way), because my section recovery totally sucked. Of course, whatever is best for the babies is what you should do but if everything is okay, I say try vaginal.

 

Hi,

I gave birth vaginally b/c they had been head down since 26 weeks. I was induced at 38 weeks. After the birth, docs said DS's placenta was aging. It looked to be working really well at the ultrasound, but he had dropped off of his growth curve and that's why they induced. HTH.

 

this is a very debated issue!!

I went vaginally and glad I did. Baby A was head down. If baby A wasn't, I may have opted for C-section. Baby B got turned after Baby A was born so she was head down after some maneuvering.

 

Vaginal induced birth at 38w2d. My hospital won't deliver twins before 38 weeks unless medically necessary. My doc was on call the Monday after Thanksgiving so that's why we scheduled for 38w2d. My hospital will deliver twins vaginally as long as baby A is head down (and baby B is not estimated more than 2lbs heavier than A). Baby A came out after 5 pushes and baby B was born 4 minutes later by breech extraction.

I personally believe you should not opt for c/s if there is no medical reason to do so. The fact that it's twins, does not mean it's a 100% c/s nor the fact that Baby B is breech (as long as they don't have low birth weight <1500 grams) ... although I've learned that not everybody agrees with that. However, it's perfectly safe to deliver twins vaginally as long as baby A is head down.

 

I would personally go vaginally. I was up walking 2 hours after I pushed them out.

 

i had a c/s at 37 weeks (scheduled induction)... they were both head down and i tried to push for 2 1/2 hours and nothing was happening so i got a c/s and it was the best thing ever! well, as far as major surgeries go... i have a great doctor which helps. i healed very well, no problems at all. if you can go vag then go for it, but my baby A was face up and her head was turned so it wouldn't've worked for me no matter how long i pushed for.
also, my doc induced me at 37 (she was originally planning for 38), because the babies weren't growing as much the last week as they had previous weeks, so she decided it was time. and they were just fine!

 

QUOTE(kayleesmama @ Dec 12 2007, 10:13 PM) [snapback]531661[/snapback]
Yes, going past 38 weeks with twins is not recommended.

By whom????

QUOTE(girls! @ Dec 12 2007, 11:48 PM) [snapback]531778[/snapback]
In twin pregnancy's "baking longer" than 38 weeks poses a stillbirth risk.


My understanding is that there has been only one study showing an increased risk for multiples going full term. Many other studies have shown otherwise. I think that this is just another example of the over medicalization of birth.

40 weeks is the top of the bell curve for when healthy babies arrive on their own. That means that 41 or 42 could be what your baby/ies need. Twin pregnancies require the mother to pay attention to her increased nutritional needs. If you have an excellent diet and the babies seem fine, then why ask for trouble in having your baby/ies come early.

I had my babies vaginally at 41 weeks. They were 8+ pounds and just under 7 pounds and the placenta was beautifully healthy.

I understand that there may be times for babies to come early than ideal, but I certainly wouldn't want to do that for no reason.

 

QUOTE(cttrsmom @ Dec 12 2007, 05:07 PM) [snapback]531263[/snapback]
I am 20 weeks pregnant with fraternal twins and my doctor said I should prepare for a c-section. He said I could try a v-birth if I wanted as long as the babies are in the right position when it comes time. I was wondering how your birthing experiences went and if you had a choice in how you wanted to have your babies. Also, doc said c-section at 38 weeks if they hadn't come on their own by then. Wouldn't it make more sense to let them "bake" longer if they would?


i haven't read previous responses so i apologize if you've heard all this before!

No, from what I understand, it doesn't make sense for them to stay in longer. My peri, who is one of the best in the country for twin pregnancies, said that at some point, what they might gain from being inside you is overshadowed by potential problems with the placenta. He had planned to keep me pregnant no longer than 37 weeks - MAX. That doesn't mean that you would definitely have problems if you lasted longer than 38 weeks; i'm sure there are those out there who lasted longer quite successfully. But what it means is that most doctors will not take that chance and let you go past 36-38 weeks. I think, if you're like a lot of us, right around 30-33 weeks you're going to BEG the doctor to give you a date sooner rather than later!!! It's tough to go 36+ weeks . . .

That being said, not a whole lot of us lasted that long! After a scare at 24w, and about 9 weeks on the terb pump, I was really hanging in there but ended up needing to deliver at 34 w due to pre-e. My pre-e came on quite suddenly. bloodwork showed that my liver was failing, my bp was much higher than usual, I was swollen like the pillsborough dough boy, and so the babies needed to come out. they were both head down (the ONLY scenario in which my peri would even consider a v-birth) so they induced me and let me try to push 'em out . . . but my induction did not go as fast as my liver condition deteriorated. After about 12 hours, my health was becoming critical and I needed a c-section immediately. Honestly, I was SO scared of having surgery but in the end, medicine often dictates how you will have your babies, rather than your preferences. i'm thankful I had two healthy babies and a fairly quick recovery, so I can't complain about having had surgery. I guess sometimes, no matter what you want and how much you plan, fate has other ideas. You kind of have to be mentally prepared for it to go either way.

Good luck!

 

This study basically shows that 38 weeks is definitely preferred over 36-37 weeks but that the difference between 38 and 39+ is small. Therefore many docs believe the risks outweigh the benefits, and for most "around 38 weeks" is a maximum. My placentas were still fine, the twins close to 8lbs each, 12 days early. I think it's a matter of balance ...

http://www.ispub.com/ostia/index.php?xmlFi...vol5n2/twin.xml

 

we had a scheduled section for 37 weeks and a few days... 5/7/07, Beau was transverse breech and i wanted the section to be honest... it was safe to me... and i went in on 4/23 for an appt had severe preaclampsia and they took me right then for emergency section at 35 weeks 4 days... Good luck...

 

I delivered vaginally at 38 weeks on the dot. My water broke at home and I arrived at the hospital 7 cm dialated after working really hard all weekend to convince the boys it was time to come out...a couple of the OBs in my practice were pushing me to schedule an induction past 38 weeks, though the peri said I could wait as long as I kept going in for NST twice a week. As it turns out, we were very lucky, because the OB on call was perfectly happy to deliver twins vaginally even though we waited 5 hours for Jack and pushed a couple hours apiece.

Around 36-38 weeks, I think there's a real tension between the quality of the environment inside the womb and the needs of the babies to keep cooking. A perinatologist will tell you to deliver the babies NO LATER than 38 weeks, while a neonatologist will urge you to keep them in there as long as possible, because they've treated too many of the babies that are MOSTLY but not completely ready to arrive. It's so tough when the experts disagree, but since most of us are in the care of perinatologists, not neonatologists, the trend is to deliver early.

 

My OB probibly would have let me go to 42 weeks lol.... I insisted on an induction at 38 weeks - (i'd read all the studies about the higher risk of stillbrith for ID twins after 37 weeks -and my peri was REALLY pushing me about it) -- My OB said he would deliver vaginally if both the boys were head down-- and they were - so that's what we went with. I was induced - but couldn't get labor started for about 16 hours (!) -- my OB was fine with me trying as long as I wanted to - as long as the boys were tolerating it well (and they were troopers!!!) Finally 22 hours after we started, I had my boys both vaginally. My OB was VERY pro vaginal birth (maybe because he's a DO??)