Twin Births

The birth of your twins needn't be any different from the birth of a single baby " the majority of twin births are straightforward

09:18 09 June 2009

Double the pain, double the gain? Not necessarily. This article also appears on www.bbc.co.uk/parenting/having_a_baby

More than one?

The birth of your twins needn't be any different from the birth of a single baby " the majority of twin births are straightforward, problem-free and no more painful than you'd expect with just one.

Nevertheless, multiple birth does have a higher incidence of some form of intervention, and twins have a greater risk of having to spend time in special care, of being born early and being born small.

"...there are more twins and multiple births than ever..."

Caesarean section is more likely than with a singe baby " usually because space restriction means one or both of the babies has ended up not being head-down (the easiest way to be born).

Twin births may result in a caesarean when:

• one or both twins are breech, bottom or feet first
• one baby is laying across the uterus (called a transverse lie). If this is the lowest twin, then you will need a section.

Occasionally, twin one is born vaginally, and twin two turns out to need delivery by caesarean. If you're expecting more than two babies, then be prepared for a caesarean section delivery. It's the safest and easiest way multiple birth babies to come into the world.

You're likely to need a good deal of help in the early days if you have more than one baby. This may mean staying in hospital for longer, or making sure you have a lot of assistance for when you get home " your time will be taken up feeding your babies and building your confidence with them.

There are more twins and multiple births than ever before " largely due to fertility treatment. Women who choose to have their children later in life are also pushing the figures up " women who conceive later in life have a greater chance of a multiple birth.