Kerryn Boogaard Kerryn Boogaard
Beverly Goldsmith Beverly Goldsmith
Zoe Bingley-Pullin Zoe Bingley-Pullin

Best results for twins at 37 weeks: study:

The best time for women with uncomplicated twin pregnancies to give birth is 37 weeks, an Australian study has found.
By AAP
Date: June 19 2012
Tags: twins, pregnancy, baby,
Editor Rating:
pregnant_tummy_1

The survey of 235 pregnant women in Australia, New Zealand and Italy found twins born at 37 weeks were less likely to be small for their gestational age compared to those born at 38 weeks.

Study author Professor Jodie Dodd from the University of Adelaide's Robinson Institute and the Women's and Children's Hospital Adelaide said twin pregnancies carried the risk of a slow growth rate in one or both infants.

This could result in low birth weight and the increased need for specialist neonatal care in the short term, and heart disease and diabetes in the long term, Prof Dodd said.

The study found that electing to give birth at 37 weeks, by inducing labour for a natural birth or choosing a caesarean section, reduced the risk of serious complications for babies.

The findings support the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists guidelines released in September 2011, which recommend the optimal time to deliver uncomplicated twin pregnancies is 37 weeks.

Prof Dodd said the study started recruiting women in 2003, well before the guidelines were put in place.

"At that time, there was a lot of uncertainty about the best way or the best time for women to have their babies when they have an uncomplicated twin pregnancy," Prof Dodd said.

Some clinicians previously advocated women have their babies at 37 weeks, while others suggested waiting until 38 or 39 weeks, she said.

A normal full-term pregnancy is 40 weeks.

"The study was designed to address some of that clinical uncertainty about what was the optimal time for women with an uncomplicated twin pregnancy to have their babies at term," Prof Dodd said.

She said the study did not recommend elective caesarean section or vaginal births, with the decision left to women and their caregivers.

The study was published on Wednesday in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

Share This Tweet This Email To Friend
Recent Comments
0 Total Comments
Post a Comment
* your email address will not appear

Please enter the word you see in the image below:


Post a Comment
* your email address will not appear

Please enter the word you see in the image below:33343


Your Comment has been posted
Related Articles
dad-in-pregnancy
Just found out you’re going to be a dad? That’s…
Read more
pregnancy-back-pain
Your body will never amaze you more than during pregnancy.
Read more
pregnant-tummy-(sm)
Up to 90% of women develop stretch marks during pregnancy…
Read more
Cry babies

Dry your eyes!
The newest additions are on their way from the Babies who cry real tears!

Shipping-containers-freight-wallpaper-preview

Latest Tech Used In Shipping Containers
Read how the shipping industry has revolutionised

Motherpedia cover-2

Win 1 set of a 4-book hardcover illustrated boxed set
Barbara Murray’s new 4-book Sound Stories is perfect for parents and educators and could assist with NAPLAN results

Motherpedia cover (4)

Where to celebrate Oktoberfest Australia
Get ready for this celebration!

Motherpedia cover-4

A Fortnight of Foodie Experiences at East Village
A taste of East Village. What's in it for me?

Globber my too fix up cover

We Try: Globber My TOO Fix Up
A scooter that grows with your child

Throw a winning cricket pitch

3 Steps to a Winning Backyard Cricket Pitch
Ex-Adelaide Oval legend curator Les Burdett shares his tips for getting your backyard cricket pitch test match ready this summer

A bike that follows your kids life cycle - motherpedia - cover

A Bike That Follows Your Kids Life Cycle
Check out the Bunzi 2-in-1 gradual balance bike!

Moonlight lifestyle

Moonlight Cinema to bring…
Moonlight Cinema announces brand new Western Sydney venue

Screen shot 2019-11-26 at 8.29.12 am

Your Magical Christmas Wonderland…
Adventure park is about to light up the night sky with its "Christmas Festival of Lights"

Screen shot 2019-11-21 at 11.11.36 am

The Preston Market Gets…
It's time to feel pumped up for the holiday season!

Bruno-kelzer-zqzuigxcvrq-unsplash

Bunnings team members get…
Help raise funds by buying a snag or donating at your local store.