Babies that are delivered at 36 weeks are generally fully developed and healthy. However, there are still risks and complications possible. The health of both mother and baby are essential during any pregnancy.
If your twins share a placenta (monochorionic), your obstetrician may advise that it's safer for your babies to be born at 36 weeks because monochorionic twins are more likely to experience complications.
Your babies are continuing to gain weight and add fat to their bodies in utero, and you may start to notice that their limbs will look a little chubbier as time goes on. Their skin will continue to smooth out and be less wrinkly as they accumulate fat.
But if your twins are born at 37 weeks, that's as close to actual full-term as many twins get. At that point, they have full lung maturity and should be able to leave the hospital within a few days of delivery.
36 Weeks Pregnant - Symptoms, Baby Development, Do's and Don'ts
Can twins make it to 38 weeks?
A little more than half of twin pregnancies end in preterm delivery (before 37 weeks). While 40 weeks is the full gestation period of the average pregnancy, most twin pregnancies are delivered at approximately 36 weeks (range 32-38 weeks depending on the type of twin pregnancy).
Twins, when the pregnancy is uncomplicated, continue to grow and mature with advancement of the gestational age. In the absence of significant maternal complications, it is advisable to deliver twins only at 38 completed weeks' gestation or later to avoid neonatal complications.
At 36 weeks, on average , a fetus is 16–19 inches long and weighs 6.0–6.5 pounds (lb). Twins will be individually smaller in weight. Dichorionic twins, who have a placenta each, weigh an average of about 2,570.9 grams (5.67 lb).
Women pregnant with Monochorionic twin pregnancies usually have the birth scheduled between 36-37 weeks gestation. Low birth weight: More than half of all twins are born with low birth weight (less than 5½ pounds or 2500grams). A low birth weight can result from premature birth and/or poor fetal growth.
Exactly when this will be will depend on your circumstances. But if your pregnancy has been uncomplicated, this may be at: 37-38 weeks if you are carrying twins with their own placentas (dichorionic) 36-37 weeks if you are carrying twin babies that share a placenta (monochorionic)
Less than 1 in every 2 twin pregnancies continues beyond 37 weeks. Because of the likelihood that your babies will be born early, there is a good chance one or both of them will spend some time in the special care ward in hospital.
While the average single baby weighs 7 pounds at birth, the average twin weighs 5.5 pounds. Triplets typically weigh 4 pounds each, and quads weigh 3 pounds each. Babies born at under 5.5 pounds are considered to have a low birth weight.
By 36 weeks, your baby's lungs are fully formed and ready to take their first breath after the birth. The digestive system is fully developed and your baby will be able to feed if they're born now.
With the placenta(s) in multiple pregnancies covering a greater proportion of the uterine wall, there is a higher risk of complications that can be dangerous for mom or babies. Placental abruption or placenta previa are some situations that might prompt an early delivery.
The heaviest birth weight for surviving twins on record goes to Mrs. J.P. Haskin of Arkansas, on February 20 1924, whose twins weighed in at an eye-watering 14lbs & 13lbs 12oz, totalling 27lb 12oz. The Uk's heaviest set appear to have been the Warren's born on December 6th 1884 totalling 25lbs 8ozs.
Ultrasound is not very reliable for estimating fetal weight near term. For a 9-pound baby, an ultrasound's predictive accuracy is typically 15 to 20 percent off. Which means we may over- or underestimate by more than a pound.
Twins and other multiples are more likely to be premature than single birth babies. Many premature babies weigh less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces (2,500 grams). They may be called low birth weight. Even older, heavier preemies are still at risk for some problems.
Roughly two-thirds of identical twins from between 4 and 8 days after conception. Identical twins that likely split from days 9-13 after conception: These twins share one amniotic sac, one chorion and one placenta. Only 1-2% of all twins split this late in development.
Conclusions: The optimal timing for twin delivery appears to be at 38 weeks of gestation, although individual maternal, foetal, and pregnancy characteristics should be considered when determining the best timing for delivery.
However, depending on the time of day the babies are born and how long the timespan is between each baby's birth, twins can be born on different days. Twins are defined as two offspring born together, but that doesn't necessarily mean they are born on the same date.
The process of labour is more or less the same as for 1 baby, but your maternity team will usually advise you to have your babies electronically monitored because of the higher risk of complications. This means attaching belts with sensors (1 for each twin) to your bump.