A new study shows that twin birth doesn't need C-sections as normal deliveries are just as safe for both the mother and the baby.
It is generally believed that cesarean deliveries are safer for twin pregnancies. Experts think that this is especially true when the second baby is in a breech position which happens most of the time. Breech means that the baby's bottom is facing the birth canal, instead of the normal face-down position. Previous studies had proved that breech pregnancies for non-twins are best done through cesarean procedures.
With the findings of this new study, however, the researchers are not expecting any significant changes in planned deliveries for twins. Most women after all prefer to undergo cesarean operations. Most doctors on the other hand are lacking the required skills to handle breech deliveries.
The study done in 106 hospitals across different countries involved careful selection of mothers. Those women who had the first of the twins in a breech position were not included in the study. According to lead scientist Jon Barrett of the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center in Toronto, C-sections are still recommended for these cases.
The scientists analyzed 2,804 moms and their infants that were assigned randomly to two planned deliveries: C-section and normal birth plans. There is an allowed margin to change to cesarean procedure in emergency cases where it is too risky to continue with normal delivery.
Around 44 percent had last-minute changes in the delivery to C-section which were originally under the normal group. Those under the cesarean group on the other hand only had 91 percent who went through the cesarean operation as planned. The remaining nine percent went through labor and emergency births. They didn't make it on time for the surgery.
The researchers also discovered that the rates of negative scenarios in both groups were the same. This would include the mother or the babies getting infected, other injuries and death, showing rates of two percent and seven to eight percent for the infants and the moms, respectively.
The study overall shows that safety in both planned deliveries are the same whether it is through the vagina or through a cesarean surgery.
The study was published in the Oct. 2 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
