Twins

A midwife on the Labour ward will look after you.

An IV (intravenous) cannula (plastic tube) will be sited, usually into the back of your hand and a blood sample sent.

We will monitor both babies' heartbeats all the time, which may make it less easy to move around, and you will not be able to use the pool.

An epidural is often recommended as the best form of pain relief in labour, and also in preparation for the birth of the second baby who may need to be helped into a better position for delivery. There will usually be quite a lot of staff including paediatricians (baby doctor) in the room at the birth as we have to look after the baby born first and get ready for the birth of a second baby.

Doctors will be there with a scanning machine to check on the position of the second baby.

Sometimes the contractions go off after the first baby is born, and you may need some medicine via an IV drip to make them stronger.

The second baby will be in its own sac of waters, and this will not be broken until you are pushing again. Usually there is a gap of 30-45 minutes between the births.

After the second baby is born the placenta will be delivered.

You will be given medicine to keep the womb contracted for a few hours after the birth, as it will have been stretched and you may bleed more than with one baby.