The vast majority of those carrying multiples have delivered by this point. If you’re not there yet, it means your healthcare provider feels it’s safe to continue with your pregnancy, which is great!
Being this far along — especially with multiples — is physically taxing. We know you’re ready to meet your babies, but rest assured, delivery day is just around the corner. You’ve done such a fantastic job!
Preparing for labor
Delivering multiples can be more complicated than singletons, which is why they are more likely to be born via C-section. If you’ve reached this point of your pregnancy without scheduling a C-section, you should start keeping an eye out for signs of labor.
How do you know labor has begun? You will feel contractions that increase in frequency or intensity, or your water might spontaneously break. While the movies suggest that your water will rupture all at once, it’s less common in real life. Instead, you may feel extra wetness or a continuous trickle of fluid.
It can be difficult to differentiate between Braxton-Hicks and true contractions. Remember, real contractions increase in intensity and follow a rhythmic pattern, whereas Braxton-Hicks will taper.
Vaginal bleeding or a sudden drop in kicks may also be signs of labor. However, these symptoms can also be indicative of other issues, so contact your provider if you notice either of these signs to see if you should be examined.
Let’s plan ahead
Hopefully your delivery bag is packed by now! If not, it’s time to put together clothing and toiletries to have on-hand for your stay. You don’t want to be scrambling when labor begins. Check out our hospital bag checklist to make sure you don’t forget anything.
Speaking of the hospital or birthing center, what route will you take to get there on delivery day? You may want to explore different driving options if heavy traffic or road work is being done when you go into labor.
If the hospital or birthing center doesn’t offer valet, find out where you should park when you arrive. Also, speak to someone beforehand to determine where to enter. Knowledge is power! Some birthing places will ask you to arrive through the emergency room entrance if it’s especially late.
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Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team
Sources
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. “Multifetal gestation: Twin, triplet, and higher order multifetal pregnancies.” National Guideline Clearinghouse. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, May 2014. Retrieved May 15 2021.
- Mayo Clinic Staff. “Twin pregnancy: What multiples mean for mom.” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic, December 13 2014. Retrieved May 15 2021. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/twin-pregnancy/art-20048161.
- “FAQ: Multiple pregnancy.” American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, July 2015. Retrieved May 15 2021.
