Cesarean twin birth – A cesarean delivery is a birth through an incision in the abdominal wall and uterus rather than through the vagina. It is considered to be major surgery and does leave a scar.
The World Health Organization has stated that every region globally really should not have a cesarean rate higher than 10-15%.
What are the Reasons for Cesarean Twin Birth?
There are many reasons why a health care provider may feel that you need to have a cesarean twin birth . Some cesareans occur in critical situations, some are used to prevent critical situations and some are chosen by the mother to be.
Placenta previa: This occurs when the placenta lies low in the uterus and partially or completely covers the cervix. 1 in every 200 pregnant women will experience placenta previa during their third trimester. The treatment involves bed rest and frequent monitoring. If a complete or partial placenta previa has been diagnosed, a cesarean is usually necessary. If a minor placenta previa has been diagnosed, a vaginal delivery may be an option for you.
Placental abruption: This is the separation of the placenta from the uterine lining that usually occurs in the third trimester. Approximately 1% of all pregnant women will experience placental abruption. The mother will experience bleeding from the site of the separation and pain in the uterus. This separation can interfere with oxygen getting to the baby and depending on the severity, an emergency cesarean may be performed.
Uterine rupture: In approximately 1 in every 1,500 births the uterus tears during pregnancy or labor. This can lead to hemorrhaging in the mother and interfere with the babies oxygen supply. This is a reason for immediate emergency cesarean twin birth.
Breech position: When dealing with a breech set of twins, a cesarean twin birth is often the only option, although a vaginal delivery can be done under certain circumstances. However, if the babies are in distress or have cord prolapse (which is more common in breech babies) a cesarean is necessary. A cesarean may also be done if the babies are coming prematurely.
Cord prolapse: This situation does not occur often but when it does usually an emergency cesarean is done. A cord prolapse is when the umbilical cord slips through the cervix and protrudes from the vagina before the babies are born. When the uterus contracts it causes pressure on the umbilical cord which diminishes the blood flow to the babies.
Fetal distress: The most common cause of fetal distress is lack of oxygen to the baby. If fetal monitoring detects a problem with the amount of oxygen that your baby is receiving, then an emergency cesarean may be performed.
Failure to progress in labor: This can occur when the cervix has not dilated completely, labor has slowed down or stopped, or the baby is not in an optimal delivery position. This can be diagnosed correctly once the women is in the second phase (beyond 5 centimeters dilation), since the first phase of labor (0-4 centimeters dilation) is almost always slow.
Repeat cesarean: You may be surprised to find out that 90% of women who have had a cesarean are candidates for a vaginal birth after cesarean for their next birth (VBAC). The biggest risk involved in a VBAC is uterine rupture, which happens in 0.2-1.5% of VBACs. However, there is a cdoctor or midwife to find about your current situation and your options.
Cephalopelvic Disproportion (CPD): A true diagnosis of CPD occurs when a baby’s head is too large or the mother’s pelvis is too small to allow the baby to pass through.
Active genital herpes: If the mother has an active outbreak of genital herpes (diagnosed by a positive culture or actual lesions), a cesarean may be scheduled to prevent the baby from being exposed to the virus while passing through the birth canal.
Diabetes: If you develop gestational diabetes during your pregnancy or are diabetic, you may have a large baby or other complications. This increases your chance of having a cesarean twin birth.
Preeclampsia: Preeclampsia is a condition of high blood pressure during pregnancy. This condition could prevent the placenta from getting the proper amount of blood needed and decrease oxygen flow to the baby. Delivery is sometimes recommended as a treatment for this condition. Only with severe preeclampsia is a cesarean needed.
Birth defects: If a baby has been diagnosed with a pre-existing birth defect, a cesarean may be done to help reduce any further complications during delivery.
Multiple births: In general – the more babies the more likely! Twins are commonly delivered vaginally depending on their positions, estimated weights and gestational age. Multiples of three or more are less likely to be delivered vaginally. Sometimes, despite wishing to have a vaginal child birth with your twins, things happen during labor and delivery that may necessitate a c-section delivery of your babies. Try to be prepared and flexible in your birth plans as things can change quickly.
