Dad's Guide to Twins

Survive the twin pregnancy and thrive as a father of twins

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NewbornsWeek by Week Twin Pregnancy Updates
What to expect, fetal development, health conditions, and how to prepare each week.
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This helped me be as prepared as possible and how to handle a pregnant wife that was also uncomfortable. - Zachary Walters

Is a Natural Birth of Twins Possible?

When looking ahead to your twins’ birth, you’ll start to wonder how exactly they will arrive. The vast majority of twins arrive via Cesarean section. However, a natural birth of twins is still possible. There is a handful of factors that will determine your twins’ birth experience.

Infant Twins

According to Dr. Luke’s When Your Expecting Twins, Triplets, or Quads, “about 28 percent of twin pregnancies end in a vaginal delivery.” So if you are hoping for a natural birth with your twins, all hope is not lost.

Preparation During the Pregnancy

You should discuss your wishes with your doctor so all arrangements can be made and expectations properly set. Even if you want to have a natural birth of twins, please learn about twin C-sections so you can be prepared if that is how you babies need to be delivered.

How Are Your Twins Positioned?

The most important factor in determining if you can have a natural, vaginal delivery of twins is how the babies are positioned inside Mom prior to birth.

Just like singleton babies, the twin closest to the cervix will need to be head down to be born naturally.

If your baby is breech (feet or rump down) or transverse (laying sideways), your c-section is all but certain unless the baby can be maneuvered into the right position.

Twin Delivery Contingencies

Even if you are attempting a natural birth of twins, your doctor and medical staff will monitor your babies very closely during labor. Mom will also likely be prepared for surgery just in case there are complications and an emergency C-section is required.

4 Critical Mistakes Expectant Twin Parents Make

Occasionally, Baby A will be born vaginally but Baby B gets stressed or is stuck and has to be delivered via C-section. This is often called a “double whammy” because Mom has to go through the physical, mental, and emotional challenges of both a natural birth the major abdominal surgery of a C-section.

If all goes smoothly with the natural delivery, expect Baby B to arrive anywhere from a few minutes to half an hour or more after the first twin.

So if you are planning for a natural birth of twins, pay attention to your twins positions during your ultrasounds and discuss frankly with your doctor the possibilities for your babies’ arrival.

(NOTE: Still expecting? Get weekly updates on your twin pregnancy here.)

Picture by Brian McGuirk

Further Reading

Dad's Guide to Raising Twins book
Don't forget to pick up a copy of the definitive guide to raising twins. "Dad's Guide to Raising Twins" was written for fathers of twins to help guide you through the first several years with twins. Click here to learn more about the book and get your copy.

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Written by Joe Rawlinson, author of The Dad's Guide to Twins

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About The Author

Joe Rawlinson is the father of four children. Two boys and identical twin girls.

Twins are a blast. I love mine to pieces. I just wish I knew what I know now before this whole adventure began.

Thus this site is to help you learn from my experiences so you can be the best twin dad you can be. Read more about Joe

Read the Books

Dad's Guide to Twins book Expecting twins? This book will help you know what to expect and specifically how to prepare for their arrival. Learn more about the book.

Dad's Guide to Raising Twins Book Raising twins? This book will help you through the early years with twins. Learn more about the book.

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The Fineprint

© Copyright 2008-2019 Joe Rawlinson and Texadero LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that I am not a doctor, lawyer, or accountant so take my advice with a grain of salt and always consult a qualified professional.

Everything on this page is provided as general information and doesn’t imply specific medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult with your medical professional.

Links to 3rd party products and services may be affiliate links where I receive a commission if you buy (at no cost to you). You know, to feed the twins.

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