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
The likelihood of labor beginning is increasing by the day now. It can be tricky at first to tell what’s going on as early labor gets started. You may feel contractions that increase in frequency or intensity, or your water might spontaneously break. This may show up as a big gush of fluid, or it may feel like extra wetness or a continuous trickle of fluid. However it happens, that means it’s time to call your provider and head in to labor and delivery.
It can be difficult to differentiate between Braxton-Hicks and true contractions. While Braxton Hicks contractions will remain irregular, labor contractions will eventually becoming more and more frequent, regular in timing, and stronger in intensity. Generally, once you’ve been having contractions every 5 minutes that last about a minute each for about an hour, that’s a good sign you’re close to active labor and should make your way to the hospital. Or at least give your provider a call and discuss your plan with them.
Vaginal bleeding or a sudden decrease in baby movements 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.
Let’s plan ahead
Hopefully your delivery bag is packed! 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.
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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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.
