Multiple births

The birth of twins needn't be any different from the birth of a single baby, apart from the fact that it happens twice - the majority of twin births are straightforward, problem-free and no more painful than you'd expect with just one.

Nevertheless, multiple births do have a higher incidence of some forms of intervention, and there's an increased risk that twins will be born early and/or small and have to spend time in special care.

A caesarean section is more likely, usually because one or both of the babies ends up in a less than ideal position for birth.

Twin births may result in a caesarean when:

• One or both twins are breech (bottom or feet first). Sometimes, the second twin can turn round and become breech when after the first twin has been born.
• One baby is laying across the uterus (transverse lie) - if this is the lowest-lying twin, you'll definitely need a caesarean.

Occasionally, the first twin is born vaginally, but the second needs to be delivered by caesarean.

If you're expecting more than two babies, then you'll almost certainly need a caesarean. It’s safer for multiple-birth babies to exit quickly without the stress of labour.

You're likely to need a good deal of help in the early days if you have twins. This may mean staying in hospital for longer, or making sure you have a lot of help when you get home - your time will be taken up feeding, however you choose to do it.

There are more twin and multiple births than ever before, largely due to fertility treatment. Women who choose to have their children later in life also have a greater chance of a multiple birth.