C Section vs Natural Birth

[mrsatkinson]

Hi everyone,
im currently 19+1 with dcda twins and was wondering how other twin mums have/ plan on giving birth.

I had quite positively decided I was going to opt for an elective c section, but I'm neginning to think if they are both in the right position I'd like to have a natural birth.
What I dont want however, is to give birth naturally to one and then be too tired/have complications that lead to a section with twin 2.
any advice appreciated

I had first naturally and second by emcs when he decided not to follow on! both naturally would obviously be my first option. even if I had known the outcome I think I would have done it that way rather than elective for both but it was some years ago.

I am 35 weeks and going to follow this thread closely.
My story so far: I had been led to believe in my previous trust that if, at 32 weeks, twin one was breach I would automatically be booked in for a section. I discussed the options if twin one was head fine and the midwife was very good at going through the chances of twin two needing a section which were very slim but they might need assistance like forceps. I decided on the basis of that I'd like to try natural if possible because the thought of major abdominal surgery wasn't something I was particularly keen on. My mother on the other hand was very pro section as she perceived this as the safest option to get the babies out (for them maybe but greater risk to me). At 32 weeks, decision I thought made as twin one was breach and I resigned myself to a planned section.

Fast forward a few weeks, I've moved and met my new antenatal team who feel as twin two has their head firmly in my pelvis with only the feet of twin one in the way, twin two is the "presenting" twin so a vagunal delivery could be possible and I will definitely not be booked in for an elective section unless I get to 36 weeks with no sign of the babies choosing their own birthday.

While I am happy I might get the option of a vaginal birth I am also nervous given the position of twin ones feet which may mean if I go into labour and they don't move I have to have an EMCS anyway.

All the way though this pregnancy I didn't get too hung up about the type of birth I wanted because I knew everything could be decided for me and now it's coming very close I'm glad I hadn't set my mind on one course of action. This way I'm prepared, at least in part, for either option. It would be nice to know whether a vaginal delivery is definitely possible (ie if twin one wasn't breach) but compared to a singleton pregnancy at least I've got a warning that I might need to go to a section at the last minute.

Not sure whether that helps or confuses but what I would say is keep your mind open to both options. The chances of twin two needing a section were small both in my previous trust and my current place so it is worth asking about the rates of this happening in your trust.

Good luck

Hi all,

I'm 19+5 with non Id twins and have been having this exact conversation this morning! Originally I was very pro section but the more research I've done the more on the fence I am about section versus natural.

I really don't want to have one twin naturally and then twin 2 by section, I think that's my biggest worry. I'm trying to weigh up the pro's and cons for both but I'm still a bit confused as to what's best.

I'm going to speak to my midwife this week and try and have a proper conversation about it where I can get all the info and make an informed decision. The twins may have other ideas though!

I found this leaflet very useful as a starting point for discussions with my team. The first leg includes the proportion of mums who need what level of intervention and you can see how small a percentage it is who need a caesarean for twin two. When I discussed it with my initial trust they also said they don't have as many ladies having an epidural as is described here as they had so few needing to go for an emergency section. Worth a read. For me an emcs was not as scary a thought as needing a general anaesthetic.

www.royalberkshire.nhs.uk/Downloads/GPs/GP%20protocols%20and%20guidelines/Maternity%20Guidelines%20and%20Policies/Anaesthetics%20relating%20to%20Obstetrics/Anaesthetic_twin_delivery_V1.0_GL950.pdf

I hoped for a vaginal birth, my induction was booked for 38+0. The babies had other ideas.

They were born by emcs at 34+5 as both babies were transverse. My c section experience was wonderful. Calm, reassuring and the medical term were wonderful. If I could choose again, I would go for a c section everyone.

The most important piece of advice I can give is not to set your heart on or plan anything, just go with the flow.

Oh and I had dcda girls (mine are non id). There spent 2 weeks in scbu and weighed 5lb4 and 5lb8.

c section every time

neversleepagain - how was your recovery? That's my main concern, the timescale. Obviously major surgery & twins is hard, although I know you can plan for one route and end up down another.

I'm going to need to be back up on my feet pretty quickly not just for the twins but for work (I'm a choreographer). How did you find day to day? Was it a long healing process?

I had my c section at 6pm and walked up to scbu (on a different floor) the next morning. To be honest, it really was fine. If you keep topped up on your painkillers, the pain is bearable. I managed to shower unaided 2 days after my section. A friend had b/g twins vaginally with only gas and air at 32 weeks and they were small 3 pounders, she ended up with a big tear and stitches and was in pain for quite a while. Both options have risks and consequences.

I had my gall bladder removed when the girls were 6 weeks old, even that on top of major abdominal surgery and twins was manageable, difficult but manageable.

I had an elective section with DCDA twins as I had a bad 3rd degree tear with my DS1 and was still symptomatic (and got worse during the pregnancy). Obstetricians advised section to prevent further loss of continence. Also my twin 2 was transverse but weirdly, and they thought there was a fairly high chance of not being able to turn him after twin 1 was born, the recovery from the section was much easier than from my vaginal delivery (though that was a traumatic one), even though I also had a toddler to look after. still waiting for my easy vaginal sneeze birth

Another vote for "cs every time"

thanks everyone, its really reassuring to hear other peoples stories and also to hear from people in the same boat as me.
i think ill try and keep my mind open, but the safest and least exhausting birth option sounds like a section. id love to try for vaginal in an ideal world though, cant stand the thought of getting twin 1 out fine and the having to have emergency section for twin 2 double the pain, double the healing!!

I had mine naturally at 36 weeks. Twin 1 was head down and twin 2 breech, 15 mins between the two. Everything went fine but I was really nervous beforehand.

Keep an open mind until at the babies are wedged in their likely birth order and positions and see how you feel then.

Im 25 weeks with DCDA twins. Im hoping for a natural vaginal birth with the least amount of intervention possible, i.e. no induction, epidural, forceps or ventouse, as long as there is no medical reason not too.

I have 2 other children and was very keen on having a water birth, but that seems to be out of the question on the NHS when your expecting twins.

Im fully aware that you have to have an open mind on what will actually happen on the big day, as unexpected issues can arise.

I had my DCDA twins naturally at 37 weeks. Twin 1 was head down and twin 2 was born breach. We were taken to theatre for the 2nd birth in case I needed more medical assistance but it was unnecessary in the end. I am glad I didn't end up with a section because of the recovery time but I would I kept my options open and went with the advice of my consultant. I would keep your options open as late as you feel comfortable with.

I had hoped for a natural birth but had one transverse the other breech so no chance! I was so terrified of an interventionist birth that I actually got a private midwife, because in my local hospital 17 years ago, it was almost automatic that twin births where C sections.

Anyway come the day, ended up with an elective section. I kicked and screamed against their recommendation, but in the end it was obvious even to me, it was the only answer. I experienced the grand total of one contraction and as a result I can defo say I am so glad that I had the section. Come the event, its just so exciting to think you're going to meet your babies, you won't care much how they appear as long as they're well.

On my feet after 12 hours; showered the next day. Now, I like to see my scar and think, there's the door they came out of.