To Induce or Not Induce with Twins Pregnancy

Finding out that you’re expecting the arrival of twins can be extremely exciting. But as exciting as this can be, twin pregnancies can also come with an increased risk of complications when compared to pregnancies involving one baby, such as a higher risk of postpartum hemorrhage, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, premature birth, and stillbirth.

According to the American Pregnancy Association, carrying multiples is one of the biggest risk factors for premature labor, which they define as being labor that occurs before the 37 week mark. Premature birth can potentially result in a wide range of complications unto itself, including sensory impairments, difficulties with breathing, an underdeveloped immune system, and other chronic illnesses. It can also increase the risk of sustaining a birth injury, such as cerebral palsy. Since babies born prematurely aren’t fully developed, their bodies are more delicate and more susceptible to injury around the time of birth. 

As for the risk of stillbirth in twins compared to pregnancies involving one baby, that depends on whether or not the twins are sharing a placenta. In monochorionic pregnancies where the babies share a placenta, the risk of stillbirth is 13x higher and is 5x higher in dichorionic pregnancies where the babies have their own placenta. 

Because a pregnancy involving multiples is such a major risk factor for premature birth, and the risk of stillbirth also increases as pregnancy progresses, there has been a great deal of debate around what, exactly, the best time for twins to be delivered. Between the risk of stillbirth and other pregnancy-related complications, such as preeclampsia, mothers carrying twins are often induced early, sometimes as early as 34 weeks. 

But a 2016 study found that there isn’t any clear advantage to delivering twins earlier than 36 weeks.In this study, it was reported that the most ideal time for women with dichorionic twin pregnancies to be induced was 37 weeks to reduce the increased risk of stillbirth that comes after the 38 week mark. In monochorionic twin pregnancies, induction isn’t necessarily beneficial in an otherwise uncomplicated pregnancy before 36 weeks. 

Contact a Michigan Birth Injury Lawyer

Given the risks that come with twin pregnancies, it’s extremely important that doctors do everything they reasonably can to prevent complications and handle them appropriately when they occur. If they don’t, it’s extremely easy for the child to get hurt. And the sad reality of many birth trauma cases is that they could have been prevented. 

If your child was injured around the time of birth, don’t hesitate to contact a birth trauma lawyer to learn more about your rights. Even if your child is a few years old and you’re just starting to see signs of birth trauma, you may still have options. At Goodwin & Scieszka, you’ll be able to talk to a Michigan lawyer who is experienced in helping the victims of birth trauma. Contact us today to find out how we can help.

Image: iStock / Antonio_Diaz