Early Signs of Labor
The early signs of labor and delivery also known as pre-labor of your twin babies is the same as a single baby pregnancy.
A twin pregnancy rarely goes full term on average between 34 – 38 weeks, so be prepared making sure your labor bag is packed , car seats are installed and you always have your mobile phone with you.
The best thing to do now is to just relax, listening to the advice of your health care provider.
If your twin pregnancy is all set to give birth naturally there are a few signs to look for. Some women will experience signs days or even weeks before imminent labor.
Also be aware of the early Signs of Labor concerning Preterm Labor
Early Signs of Labor Include:
Lightening: Your belly will drop as the babies get ready to be delivered; this is referred to as Lightening. If throughout your pregnancy you have carried low you may not notice this change. Increased swelling in your ankles and legs may worsen, the good news is heartburn will likely diminish.
Nesting: Have you noticed a boost of energy with the urge to clean and organize? This is called Nesting , another sign of labor with instincts to get ready for your two babies. Try not to overdo it as you will need every bit of energy for labor and your newborn twins.
Back Pain & Cramping: Other signs of labor include back pain that just won’t ease up and those period type pains like cramping aches.
Having a Bloody Show: You may lose your mucus plug also known as a Bloody Show. This can happen hours or days before labor begins. It should look like a blooded tinge of mucus, not necessarily release all at once. Although there will be blood in your show, contact your health professional if there is a lot more blood than expect.
Diarrhea: Often women will have diarrhea; this is another way your body prepares for labor as empty bowels gives more room for the delivery of your babies.
Your Waters Break: Your waters will break as one big gush or as a trickle, known as the Rupture of the Membranes. The amniotic fluid is what surrounds the babies which is clear and odorless, sometimes with a pinkish tinge. You can put a maxi pad on to check this as sometimes it could be urine, just one of those delightful things that happen when you’re pregnant. Your waters are unlikely to gush out until you are in the hospital, sometimes by your doctor to intentionally move things along.
Braxton Hicks vs. Labor Contractions: Braxton Hicks could be occurring more frequently as your body prepares for labor. Determining the difference between labor contractions and Braxton Hicks contractions can sometimes be realized by emptying your bladder, followed by a glass of water and a lie down. Within 10 to 15 minutes they should subside completely, only if they are Braxton Hicks.
Importantly Braxton Hicks Contractions will always be infrequent and eventually disappear.
**It is strongly advised to contact your healthcare professional immediately to get an accurate diagnosis. It is better to play it safe and be absolutely sure.**
If your labor contractions have started you will notice them becoming stronger and more regular. Labor can progress faster than you expect so you will need to keep your doctor or midwife in the loop.
You will know when it’s the real deal as rest and fluids will not stop these like it can with Braxton Hicks and there is no sign it’s fading. Your contractions will only continue to become more painful and last longer, between 30 and 60 seconds with each moving closer together. This is the start of first stage labor; your cervix is starting to soften and possibly dilate (open).
Have you got any further questions, then check out our FAQs for a Twin Pregnancy