A Twin C-Section

Delivery of your Newborn Twins

A c-section known as a caesarean section is something many of us think about when having twins. Though the probability is higher with multiples, many women with a twin pregnancy give birth vaginally. It will depend on the presentation of your twins (the position they are laying) and any complications that may arise whether or not a caesarean birth is required.

What to expect with a C-Section

Pain Management – Cesarean sections can be performed using an epidural, numbing you from the waist down. This allows you to be conscious during the procedure, a screen will be put up so you are unable to see the operation.

In the case of an emergency c-section a general anesthesia will be given which completely knocks you out for the entire operation. If attempts have been made to give birth vaginally and an epidural is in place you may be able to just top this up and remain awake for the birth of your twins.

Caesarean Section

A caesarean birth is an incision across the bikini line in your abdominal wall then through to the uterus, you will be shaved just along the top where the incision will be made.

A catheter and a IV drip will also be inserted. Your twins will be lifted out one at a time followed by the placenta. As long as there are no complications your partner will be able to hold your beautiful twin babies almost straight away, you will be able to cuddle your newborn babies once the incision has been close.

Combined Vaginal & Cesarean Section

Giving birth to Twin A vaginally then delivery Twin B via caesarean section is very uncommon. Usually a combined vaginal and c-section birth occurs for the second twin when the following has occurred:

Cord Prolapse – cutting the oxygen supply
Presentation of Twin B and unable to move baby to deliverable position
Placental Abruption – the placenta tears away from the uterus prematurely

This would be classed as an emergency c-section delivery

C-Section Recovery

A caesarean section is a major operation and it will take a minimum of 6 weeks to recover. During this time it is advised to lift only your baby and to cut out even the basics of household duties.

It is also important to eat well and get plenty of rest as well as doing very light exercise which should be discussed with your doctor.

Ask and accept help from family and friends. After a c section and trying to look after your twins can be very tiring, let alone if you have other children to attend to.

Every woman is different and recovery times will vary from mom to mom

Reasons for a C-Section

There are a number of reasons a cesarean birth may be on the cards, you may elect a c-section or for various reasons it may be a necessity. Every person is different as is every birth.

Discuss your unique twin pregnancy with your health care professional.

Your babies are both breech or transverse (sideways, which is uncommon).
Labor is failing to progress , your cervix is not opening and your babies may be distressed.
Have had a cesarean section previously , in which case you may have a planned cesarean birth. If you have previously had one c section it is very possible you could deliver naturally, this will need to be discussed with your doctor or midwife.
Fetal Distress – Usually due from lack of blood flow to the babies and limited oxygen.
Cord Prolapse – When the cord is visible from the vagina before the baby is born partially cutting off the bloody supply, though this is uncommon.
Cephalopelvic Disproportion – This is when the baby’s head is larger and/or the pelvic is too small for the baby to be delivered vaginally.
Placenta Praevia – Where to placenta is low in your uterus and covering the cervix (opening) either entirely or partially, making it impossible to deliver vaginally. It is occasionally possible to deliver naturally if this condition is very minor.
A cesarean birth may be advised for you have had a previous vaginal delivery with complications.
Suffering from serve preeclampsia decreasing blood flow and oxygen levels may result in a cesarean section.
If your twins are monochorionic If your twins are monochorionic, sharing an amniotic sac, it is sometimes recommended to deliver via a c-section. This is due to the risk of the umbilical cords becoming entangled during a vaginal delivery.
Placental Abruption is when the placenta detaches from the wall of the uterus prematurely reducing oxygen reaching your babies.
Hemorrhaging – An emergency c-section may be performed if you are hemorrhaging and losing a dangerous amount of blood during pregnancy or labor. One reason for this occurring is when the uterus tears called Uterine Rupture, an emergency cesarean section will be performed for the birth of your newborn twins.

As some occurrences for a cesarean section can be unexpected it’s a good idea to include this in your birth plan.

Reducing the possibility of a C-Section

It’s important to always get advice from your doctor or midwife regarding a cesarean section.

Keep healthy with light exercise (as advised by your health care professional) and good nutrition: A Healthy Pregnancy Diet
Under the advice of your practitioner, confirming you are low in iron from a blood test, iron tablets could be taken along with vitamin C for better absorption, this could help to prevent hemorrhage.
Prevent infections by keeping wounds thoroughly cleaned and inform your doctor or midwife of any swelling and deterioration.
During labor try to be as mobile as possible doing things like, standing up, very short walks, gently rocking your hips from side to side in a stand up position leaning over the bed and/or gentle leg movements. This will help prevent blood clots and will also aid the leading twin to descend. Assuming the leading twin is head down.

Have you got any further questions, then check out our FAQs for a Twin Pregnancy