Twin pregnancies have always been a concern for obstetricians and neonatologists, mainly due to the risks of prematurity and low birth weight.

However, recent studies have shown that, for twins, giving birth at 37 weeks can significantly decrease the risk of neonatal mortality.

Why are twins at risk?

The main risk factor for twins is prematurity. Twin pregnancies are more likely to result in preterm births, which are associated with a host of health problems, including respiratory distress, feeding issues, and infections.

Additionally, twins are often smaller in size than singleton babies, which can also contribute to increased health risks.

What does the research say?

A study published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada found that twins born at 37 weeks had significantly lower rates of neonatal mortality than those born earlier.

The study, which analyzed data from over 2,000 twin pregnancies in Canada, found that babies born at 37 weeks had a mortality rate of 1.7 per 1,000 live births, compared to a rate of 9.5 per 1,000 live births for those born at 32 weeks.

Another study, published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, found that twins born at 37-38 weeks had better outcomes in terms of admission to neonatal intensive care units and need for respiratory support, compared to those born earlier.

Why is 37 weeks the sweet spot?

37 weeks is considered full term for singleton pregnancies, meaning that babies born at this stage are considered fully developed. However, for twins, the optimal time for delivery can be a bit earlier.

This is because, as mentioned earlier, twins tend to be smaller than singletons and are at a greater risk for growth restriction and low birth weight.

Additionally, carrying twins to the typical 40 weeks of gestation can be more challenging for the mother, as it puts more strain on the body.

Preeclampsia, a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by high blood pressure and damage to organs, is more common in twin pregnancies and may require early delivery to ensure the health of both mother and babies.

What are the risks of delivering twins at 37 weeks?

While delivering twins at 37 weeks has been shown to decrease the risk of neonatal mortality, it is not without risks.

One potential risk is respiratory distress syndrome, a condition in which the baby’s lungs are not fully developed and do not function properly. This can cause difficulty breathing and require treatment in a neonatal intensive care unit.

In addition, twins born at 37 weeks may still be smaller in size and require additional monitoring and care to ensure proper growth and development.

What should parents of twins know?

If you’re expecting twins, it’s important to talk with your obstetrician and neonatologist about the best plan for delivery.

While delivering at 37 weeks may be the safest option for your babies, it’s important to weigh the risks and benefits and make an informed decision.

You should also prepare for the possibility of additional monitoring and care for your babies, particularly if they are born smaller than average. This may include extended hospital stays and follow-up appointments with specialists.

The Bottom Line

For twins, delivering at 37 weeks can significantly decrease the risk of neonatal mortality. However, it’s important to weigh the risks and benefits and make an informed decision with your healthcare providers.

Regardless of the timing of delivery, twins may require additional monitoring and care to ensure proper growth and development.