Finding out you’re pregnant with more than one baby can be both exciting and overwhelming. If you’ve recently learned that you’re expecting twins, triplets, or even more, you’ve probably been diving deep into research. One key difference in multiple pregnancies is this: you’re unlikely to go past your due date.
In fact, 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 (such as quadruplets and quintuplets) have an even greater chance of being born early. There are a few reasons why you can expect that you won’t go past your due date with a multiple pregnancy.
Why You Won’t Go Past Your Due Date with a Multiple Pregnancy
When carrying twins or higher-order multiples, it’s rare to reach (or go past) 40 weeks. Let’s explore the most common reasons why your doctor will monitor your due date closely—and why early delivery is often the safest route.
Preterm Labor Is More Common With Multiples
Early onset of labor, or 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 as soon as possible.
Sometimes preterm labor can be halted for a few more weeks, but if not then the babies will be born early.
Preeclampsia Often Leads to Early Delivery
Mothers of multiples are automatically at a higher risk of developing preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a disease characterized by high blood pressure combined with an elevated level of protein in the urine. If untreated, it can cause serious medical issues for the mother. While it’s possible for this condition to be managed for awhile, the only “cure” for preeclampsia is to deliver the babies. For this reason, many mothers of multiple babies may deliver early for the safety of everyone involved.
Placenta Problems Can Require Early Intervention
With twins, there can be one or two placentas, which is the organ that sustains the babies during their time in the womb. While problems with the placenta can also impact singletons, Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS) is a disease unique to twins who share a placenta.
TTTS 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 the best option.
Mo-Mo Twins Increase Risk of Complications Past Your Due Date
Mo-Mo twins share both a placenta and an amniotic sac, making cord entanglement a high risk as the pregnancy progresses. Because of this, your healthcare provider will likely recommend delivering early—often well before your due date—to prevent serious complications.
Growth Restrictions May Require Early Delivery
IUGR, or intrauterine growth restriction, is when one or all babies are not growing sufficiently. About 25% of twin pregnancies experience IUGR, which can be caused by a variety of factors (low amniotic fluid, placental problems, or TTTS). If it’s determined that one or both of the babies has stopped growing and is in distress, early delivery is likely the best option.
Most Twins Are Considered Full Term at 38 Weeks
Most OB/GYNs and medical organizations recommend delivering twins between 38 and 39 weeks. Even without complications, your provider may not want you to go past your due date. For triplets or more, delivery often happens earlier. The goal is to balance the risks of prematurity with the risks of staying pregnant too long.
Being Past Your Due Date with Multiples Is Rare—for Good Reason
While it might sound scary to deliver early, remember it’s often a precaution taken to protect both mom and babies. Plenty of women expecting multiples make it to 37 or 38 weeks without issues. Your doctor will monitor you closely and guide you on the best time to deliver based on your individual pregnancy.
To support a healthy pregnancy:
- Eat a balanced, nutrient-rich diet
- Stay hydrated
- Get plenty of rest
- Keep up with all prenatal appointments
Above all, trust your body—and your care team. You’re doing something amazing.
Trust Your Pregnancy Journey with Copperstate OB/Gyn
If you’re pregnant with multiples and wondering about going past your due date, Copperstate OB/Gyn is here for you every step of the way. Our experienced team supports moms through unique and complex pregnancies with care, compassion, and expertise. Located in Tucson, we’re ready to be your trusted OB/Gyn.
Are you looking for an OB/Gyn you can trust? Do you live in the Tucson area? Let us join you on your amazing and unique pregnancy journey. Book an appointment today!
Are you a patient of Copperstate OB/Gyn? Access your patient portal here, or share your experience with others on Google.
Resources:
https://www.verywellfamily.com/reasons-twins-are-born-early-2447302
https://www.babycentre.co.uk/x1017870/will-my-twins-be-born-prematurely