Twins pregnancy

[Dragonfly]

I am curious. Ever since finding out that we are expecting twins, people keep telling me that I won't go to 40 weeks. I am wondering how long other moms of multiples were able to remain pregnant? I am trying to gauge roughly when I will have to go off on my maternity leave. I am thinking that I should tell my boss about my pregnancy sooner than later to make plans for my replacement. TIA.

[McMommaBear]

My sister had her girls at 36weeks.
My Cousin had hers at 35weeks.

[twinmommy]

Each pregnancy is different, I *think* the stats have twin pregnancies at 50% prior to 35 weeks and 50% after 35 weeks.

I have a few friends that have twins and 4 sets of twins in my family.

First set 33 weeks
Second set 30 weeks
My set 34 weeks
Last set 37 weeks

All of us were on bedrest by 28 weeks, it really depends on your health and the health of the babies. I originally told my work that I would work right up to two weeks prior to my due date. I quickly realized that would not happen and told them 6 weeks before my due date, I did warn them that I was concerned that I would be put on bedrest so they had time to prepare. They had someone to replace me within 7 days of being put on bedrest. I don't think it would have happened so quick if they were not prepared for the possibility.

[Dragonfly]

I am really hoping to make it to 37 weeks but I realize that is yet to be determined.

We aren't sure yet what type of twins these are but from what we got from our ultrasound was that it appeared that they were identical and there there is no division in amniotic sac. From what I have read online this type has high risks and that moms are usually put on bed rest at 28 weeks. This concerns me a lot. I am trying to not think about that at this point but just thinking if everything goes well what is the likely amount of time to remain pregnant.

When twins are born at 33, 34 - 36 weeks, how much time do they have to spend in hospital after birth? I am guessing that it varies but if it isn't too personal of a question I am truly curious. This is all new to me!

[sardam]

A good friend had twins. They are not identical. She had them just over 39 weeks! The dr.'s were surprised, she is a tiny lady (5'3“, 120lbs). They boys were 7lbs5oz, and 7lbs8oz at birth. She was huge, all out front.

[amyunicorn]

My friend's girlfriend had to be INDUCED with 8lbs+ twins She was not on bedrest.

[twinmommy]

I was told in NICU that if they are born premature they aim to have the babies go home by their original due date. Our twins were born at 34 weeks and came home at “37 weeks“ so they spent 3 weeks in the hospital. A friend had her twins at 32 weeks and they both came home 8 weeks later. It really depends on the health concerns regarding how long they stay. Another friend had her twins at 36 weeks and went home 3 days after their birth. I met quite a few moms that were having multiples while I was on bedrest so I could go on and on “with another friend“...lol.

Your OB will go over all the “risks“ and possibility of bedrest. It really depends on your health and the type of job you have. If they are identical your family doctor may transfer care earlier to an OB so that they can be monitered more frequently.

[princess2808]

My cousins twins were born full term. Not sure the exact dates but it was post 37 weeks.

[Dragonfly]

Originally Posted by sardam

A good friend had twins. They are not identical. She had them just over 39 weeks! The dr.'s were surprised, she is a tiny lady (5'3“, 120lbs). They boys were 7lbs5oz, and 7lbs8oz at birth. She was huge, all out front.

This is reassuring that there is a possibility to go full term, thanks!!!

[twinmommy]

Dragonfly mom feel free to PM me anytime if you have any questions.

I remember when we found out I was sooooooooooooooo excited, then two weeks later I was sooooooooo freaked out...lol. I wanted to plan EVERYTHING, what I quickly learned it that only so much of my pregnancy was in my control, that the babies and my body would determine what direction it went. So instead I made lots of plans - plan a, plan b, plan c, plan d - trying to prepare myself for the all the scenarios!

Best advice I can give is to start a journal now of all your feelings - it is great to look back at what you were thinking at the time. Also start recruiting support from your family and friends. The first three months were a bit of a blur/fog for us but after that things settled into a really good grove. So if you can get lots of help in the first 3 months then you will get through the worst of the sleep deprivation

[laurensmom]

My mom and two of my good friends all had twins.

Moms 36 weeks (both about 6 lbs)
Friend 1- 32 weeks (on bedrest by 28 weeks as one twin's water broke-both about 3.5 lbs)
Friend 2- 35 weeks (both babies were about 5 lbs)

...and my cousin just found out she is carrying twins, due in August

[L'sMom]

I made it to 37 weeks exactly. I was written off work at 26 weeks, but not on bedrest at all.

I had an OB appointment the day before I delivered and he told me that if I didn't go by the next week there would be talk of inducing. Instead, I was a bit dilated so they did a stretch and sweep and I went into labour the next morning.

I had the babies on Thursday and we stayed in the hospital until the Monday because I had one vaginally and one by section.

[tgloin]

I made it to 37w 1d and my OB induced at that point....needless to say my twins were 8lbs 4oz and 7lbs 11oz....huge for twins! You will have an U/S almost every 2 weeks after about your 24th week of pregnancy and they will know how big they are...and what kind of health they are in....the LMBA (London Multiple Births Association) is having a New & Expectant Parents Night this Wednesday at the Loblaws Masonville Community Room upstairs at 7pm if you are interested in attending....there is no pressure to join...lots of answers/comments/questions!! You can check out the detail at London Multiple Births Association - Twins, Triplets and more if you are interested!!

[simpsongirl]

A friend of mine had twins....and they were big twin babies, boy/girl twins at 37 weeks.

and as I see she is the above poster....HELLO tgolin...welcome to Londonmoms.

have you figured me out yet......

[doubletroublemoms]

My partner had our twins at 36 weeks...she was on bedrest for about 3 weeks prior. They were both born under 5 lbs. They were in the hospital for a week after. Her water broke so that's why they came when they came...otherwise I know she would have kept them in for as long as 40 weeks if she could.

They'll tell you that 36 weeks is “max“ but keep them in for as long as you can. The longer you keep them in, the better it is for them!