Vaginal birth or c-section?

[Mum2BeOfTwins0309]

Hi there. I'm 35weeks pregnant with twins &have to make a decision about mode of delivery in 1weeks time. Help!

My babies are in cephalic (twin A- presenting) and breech (twin B) positions. I've been told a VB was possible- which I was dead set on initially, wanted to have as natural a birth as poss- but that I should consider a CS (recommended by MW & consultant obst)

During a breech VB with twins, I've been advised that the delivery will be be VERY hands on/medicalised eg. Me on my back in stirrups, holding baby in place so he doesn't move, episiotomy. &forceps... All very 'natural'
If my baby & I (scared of potential damage to fanjo) are set for so much trauma, should I opt for recommended CS? I know there are dangers with this to but want to do what us best for my 2DC & me
Any advice is greatly appreciated!

Difficult to say. My Twin1 was breech all along so didn't ver have a choice really. I had a C-section and found it a great experience with a lovely team. Very calm. Went into hospital at 7.30 am had two babies by 9.31. I would have no qualms over a c-section again. I must admit the thought of someone going for my fanjo with a scalpel makes me inwardly clench! (coward emoticon)

Same as TSF for me - both mine were breech and C-sec was fine. That said, my consultant said he preferred a V -delivery where twin 1 was head down and twin 2 was breech (this was our situation until quite late in the day when our twin decided to turn round!)Apparently much easier to deliver a twin 1 head down and a twin 2 breech (?) tho goodness knows why. He seemed to think there'd be no problem with it at all and was disturbingly jolly about the whole thing. I guess you have to go with your gut feeling - if you can figure out what that is! Good luck.

T1 was head down and T1 was breech.

T1 also had low lying placenta - also had another potential problem with T2

So there was never any question but a C section. I have no regrets whatsover. The birth was easy and was over in minutes. I was knackered for a couple of weeks afterwards (but I was better than when pg when I could barely move!).

But I was never one for the bith experience thingy - I just wanted kids. The birth is just a means to an end.

Well done for getting to 35 weeks - the babies will be good weights.

Congratulations - its good fun having twins. But the first 3 to 6 months are hell

Sorry - T2 was breech

Hi

My twins were like yours - twin one, head down, twin two, breech. I opted for a c-section as what concerned me was that I could deliver the first one naturally, but if there were any problems with the second I might end up with an emergency c-section anyway, which in my view (after two previous very long labours with my two older sons) was the worst case scenario.

I had a fantastic birth experience, very calm, not too painful and easy to plan around a scheduled c-section. That said I did have my op at The Portland where you get masses of support after your c-section and I'm not sure I would have had quite such a good after birth experience in an NHS hospital.

Either way I really wouldn't worry about having a c-section, I think with twins its probably less traumatic than pushing em both out, having gone through all of that twice before with single babes.

I opted for VB as my twins were 9 weeks early and had 2 year old at home - mind thinking of practical issues - not driving, babies in neonatal etc. Ended up with emergency section after being induced for 2 days. don't regret trying at all but it was very much lying on back not able to move as heart monitors would fall off etc so not very natural. Think you have to go with gut feeling. Have to say that recovery was way quicker for me after VB of first child, but that could have been to do with having to travel into neonatal every day and stand around etc. after section. Good luck and enjoy your babies when they come!

T1 Vb, came whilst they were putting in the epidural.

T2 wouldn't turn remained breech so c-section. The whole process was calm and relaxed the medical team were fantastic. The section was done to Metallica and I was stitched up to Nirvana.

Recovery fine, put down to having such a positive attitude. Listen to your body and have plenty of arnica.

Good luck and enjoy your babies

Hello
I had the first twin cephalic and twin 2 breech. I opted for VB for a number of reasons; I really wanted to keep it natural if possible (although yes much medical intervention but that's happening whether VB or CSection). I also have no help in the way of family or close friends who were going to be anywhere near me to help me during any recovery period. I was so paranoid that a c section would mean I could not get up and about easily and my babies were going to be in SCBU so I asked for VB which the specialist on duty was happy with as long as we had in the epidural ready just in case we needed to get the second twin out very quickly.

Luckily for me it all went well and I did not need a Csection.

For me it was the right decision and all went brilliantly. But if I'd had family nearby, I might have chosen differently. I am so glad I got the VB though.

Good luck with your decision and good luck with the birth whatever you choose.

Thanks for all the advice ladies.
With the guidance of my consultant, I have decided to opt for a VB- all being well, despite poss of hands on delivery (of T2 anyway)..
However, if I don't go into spontaneous labour within the next 10days (and counting!), I have an elective c-s booked for 17March.
Here's hoping they stay put until 17th (kind of)! Xx (wink)

Good luck! My twins were in the same position as yours are and I had a VB (twin one was ventouse). Twin two took FORTY FIVE MINUTES to arrive, which was the longest 45 minutes any of us had experienced!

Sorry to hijack, but can anyone shed any light on the 'epidural just in case' scenario? Does it mean that you have an epidural i.e. you have the drugs and can't feel anything for the birth of twin 1, or does it mean just having the tube in ready to give the anaesthesia if it's needed?
M2BoT good luck, hope you have gone into labour already if that's what you want, and let us know how you get on.

Hi, I am due to have C-section tomorrow 8 am. At last scan both were breech! But have been told if I go into tomorrow and T1 is head down then i can be induced and go for vaginal delivery. My consultant was not bothered how T2 presenting. Saying all that I am 38 weeks and if there is any room for T1 to turn it will be a miracle
They were coming in at 6lb1 and 6lb5 at 36 weeks so will be interested to see how accurate the scan predictions are!
Wish me luck!!! Will let you know how it all goes asap!!

I was offered a C-section but opted for a natural birth, as I felt, in the long run, it would be less traumatic. DT2 was born breech and DT1 was born with severe breathing problems. Thankfully, they are both healthy ten year olds.

Good luck

Nanjl76 - would love to hear your news and how it went. I'm currently 27 weeks with twins - presenting twin is breech and twin 2 is cephalic.

Tomorrow I'm seeing the consultant and will be asking for a c section, (largely due to complications following two previous natural births. ) But it would be great to hear the outcome of your birthing experience and how you feel about your choices in retrospect.