Q&A

Is it OK for twins to be born at 32 weeks?

Is it OK for twins to be born at 32 weeks?

Your twins may be born a little early. Doctors consider 37 weeks to be full-term for most twin pregnancies. The average length of pregnancy for twins is 36.4 weeks. Babies who are born between 32 weeks and 37 weeks generally do very well.

Do twins born at 32 weeks need NICU?

After birth, your premature baby will be taken to a special care nursery or the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in the hospital where you gave birth. Most babies born at 32 weeks of pregnancy have only a few temporary health issues and need to stay in the NICU for only a few days to a few weeks.

What happens when twins are born at 32 weeks?

By 32 weeks, each twin weighs about 1.7kg (3.7lb) and measures about 42cm (16.5in) from head to foot (crown to heel). One twin may be bigger than the other. Your babies’ bodies are now in proportion to their heads. In fact, they’re already starting to look very much like newborns!

What percentage of twins are born at 32 weeks?

Another recent investigation demonstrated that 58% of twins delivered before 37 weeks and 11.9% before 34 weeks. Births before 32 weeks represent only 1 to 2% of overall deliveries but account for 50% of all the long-term neurologic morbidity and 60% of the neonatal mortality.

Is it safe to deliver twins at 34 weeks?

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), for example, recommends delivery between 34 and 37 weeks for twins with a shared placenta and at 38 weeks for twins with separate placentas. Some other physician groups recommend delivery closer to 39 weeks with separate placentas.

What is considered premature birth for twins?

Any baby born before 37 weeks is considered premature. Twins usually arrive around 37 weeks, weighing in at an average 5.5lbs (2.49kg). Triplets usually arrive around 34 weeks, weighing in at an average 4lb (1.8kg).

Are twins fully developed at 34 weeks?

A new study published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics indicates that the optimal time of birth for twins is at 37 completed weeks of pregnancy. Twins are now being born more often because of an increase in the use of assisted reproductive techniques, in which almost a quarter result in twinning.

What are the signs of preterm labor with twins?

They include: Contractions in your uterus every 10 minutes or more often. Tightening or low, dull backache that may be constant or come and go, but changing positions and other comfort measures don’t ease it. Menstrual-like cramps or lower abdominal cramping that may feel like gas pains, with or without diarrhea.

Is 34 weeks safe to deliver?

Babies who are born after 34 weeks gestation have the same long-term health outcomes as babies who are delivered at full term (40 weeks). This means that if your baby is born when they are 34 weeks old, they have the same chances of being healthy as any other baby that wasn’t born prematurely.

What happens with twins born at 32 weeks?

Although this is good news, there are still risks when twins are born at 32 weeks. Weight is a concern. If a newborn baby is less than four pounds, he will automatically be placed in the neonatal intensive care unit. Expect feeding issues. Babies born before 34 weeks have a difficulty sucking effectively to feed. Delayed development can happen.

What should you know about babies born at 32 weeks?

A baby born at 32 weeks should be totally aware of his surroundings , as all of his senses should function pretty well, and may rarely have any disabilities related to sensory perception. Babies gain a considerable amount of body fat by this time and may look plump.

Can premature baby survive at 32 weeks?

A baby born at 32 weeks has a very good chance of surviving and continuing on in life without long-term health problems. Though this is not always the case, most infants suffering a premature delivery after about 32 weeks have a survival rate of 95 percent.

Are twins at 36 weeks considered premature?

Your twins are considered born preterm if you give birth before 37 weeks of pregnancy is completed (37+0 weeks). Twins born at 36 weeks are no longer considered born very preterm . This is according to the World Health Organization (WHO), who subcategories preterm birth based on gestational age.