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Reasons Why Twins and Multiples Are Born Early

It's estimated that half of all twins are born early, prior to 36 weeks gestation, which is almost a month before the standard 40 weeks gestation of a singleton baby. Triplets and other higher-order multiples have an even greater chance of being born early.

In some cases, the onset of preterm labor cannot be halted, while in other situations, risks to the mother or babies require an early conclusion to the pregnancy. Here are some of the most common reasons why twins are born early. 

Preterm Labor

Preterm labor is not uncommon in multiple pregnancies. Simply carrying multiple babies greatly increases the risk of preterm labor, so it's vital that expectant mothers of twins or more know the symptoms and seek appropriate medical care. Some of the complications and conditions described below can prompt the onset of labor, but sometimes the exact cause isn't clear.

But regardless of the reason, when the uterus begins to contract and/or the cervix begins to open in preparation for birth, the result is preterm labor. In some cases, it can be suspended, but when it can not, the babies will be delivered prematurely and born early. 

Preeclampsia

Many moms of multiples will encounter hypertension (high blood pressure) issues during her pregnancy, one of the most common complications of pregnancy. Preeclampsia is a disease characterized by high blood pressure combined with an elevated level of protein in the urine.

Unchecked, it can cause serious medical issues for the mother, including seizures, stroke, and liver damage. Preeclampsia can be managed, but there is no cure except to deliver the babies. When preeclampsia causes sufficient maternal distress, early delivery of twins may be recommended. 

Placenta Problems

With twins, there can be one or two placentas, which is the organ that sustains the babies during their time in the womb. It is attached to the interior of the mother's uterus and connected to the babies' via the umbilical cords.

With the placenta(s) in multiple pregnancies covering a greater proportion of the uterine wall, there is a higher risk of complications that can be dangerous for mom or babies. Placental abruption or placenta previa are some situations that might prompt an early delivery. 

While placental problems like these can also impact singletons, Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS) is a disease unique to twins. It occurs when abnormal blood vessels develop in a single, shared placenta, resulting in an unequal exchange of blood flow. In severe cases that compromise the babies, delivery may be an option. 

Premature Rupture of Membranes

During pregnancy, the fetus—or in the case of twins, fetuses—is enclosed in the amniotic sac. As a part of the labor process, the sac will break open (known as "water breaking"). 

But sometimes the sac ruptures before a woman goes into labor. When this happens, it is called premature rupture of membranes (PROM). If the water breaks prior to 37 weeks gestation it is referred to as preterm prelabour rupture of membranes (PPROM).

Once the bag of waters breaks, it presents an opportunity for infection if delivery isn't imminent, and may prompt an early delivery of twins. 

Monochorionic Pregnancy

A small percentage of identical (monozygotic) twins are identified as monochorionic-monoamniotic (Mo-Mo) twins. They not only share a single placenta but are also enclosed in a single amniotic sac.

There is a danger of cord entanglement or cord compression in this situation, a serious situation that compromises the babies' survival. In some cases where this occurs, the best option for babies is premature delivery. 

Growth Restriction

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a big group of letters used to describe a small problem with big consequences. That is a baby or both babies that are too small and not growing sufficiently. In some twin pregnancies, one twin is impacted by IUGR while the other is not (known as Selective Intrauterine Growth Restriction or SIUGR). 

While twins tend to be smaller than single babies, up to one-quarter of twin pregnancies experience IUGR. There are multifactorial causes for this growth restriction, such as placental insufficiency, low amniotic fluid, or twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS).

If it is determined that a twin has completely stopped growing or is in distress, early delivery may be the best option. 

Optimal Delivery Time Varies

Opinions differ on the optimal timing for delivery of twins or more. When preterm labor or other complications set in, the goal is often "the later the better." But in the last few weeks of pregnancy, different doctors may have different approaches.

For some, elective birth at 37 or 38 weeks is ideal for an otherwise uncomplicated twin pregnancy, so your doctor may schedule a delivery a couple of weeks early. Others prefer to wait and see.