The rate of twins in the US is about 1 in 31 deliveries, which is about forty percent increase in twin births since the 1980s. This is partly because there are more older mothers who statistically have a higher chance of releasing more than one egg during the ovulation process and because of an increase in in vitro fertilization. Twins are usually born at or slightly before 37 weeks. So, do you want to know more about 37 weeks with twins?

37 Weeks Pregnant with Twins Overview

If you are 37 weeks pregnant with two babies, here's what you can expect at the 37 week mark:

• Each twin will likely be taller than 18-19 inches or 46 centimeters.
• Their head circumference will likely be 13.25 inches or 337 millimeters in diameter.
• Their abdominal circumference will be 13 inches or 330 centimeters in diameter.
• Their average femur bone length will be about 2.75 inches or 70 millimeters in length.
• You will be gaining about a pound or 0.6 kg per week.
• Your total weight gain will be about 38 to 54 pounds or about 17.2-24.5 kilograms.

Your Twins May Come Out at 37 Weeks Pregnant!

If you are 37 weeks pregnant with twins, you should expect to deliver them soon. It has been studied that if you have more than one baby, they tend to be born early. About 57 percent of twin pregnancies and nearly all triplets are born prior to 37 weeks. While a few twins are born at 40 weeks' gestation, which is considered full term for a singleton pregnancy, 37 weeks is usually considered to be adequate for twins.

Many twins are born between 32 and 37 weeks' gestation. About ten percent of them will come before that time. Infants born during the 32-37 week mark generally have no birth-related problems. They tend to be just as healthy as babies born from singleton pregnancies. It is actually recommended that, if you are 37 weeks pregnant with twins, you should try to give birth at that time as complications can arise in infants born later than that.

A large study was done that looked into pregnancy complications with twins at varying gestational ages. A total of 235 pregnancies were studied in New Zealand, Italy and Australia. The scientists found that when the babies were born at 37 weeks' gestation, they were less likely to suffer from being small for gestational age, compared to the twin babies who came out later.

The researchers determined that an elective delivery at 37 weeks resulted in a reduction in infant morbidity without any complications. Complications, such as slow weight gain in one or both twins, are avoided if they are delivered at 37 weeks' gestation. If babies are born with slow weigh gain, they may need extra care following the birth and may have more risk for diabetes and heart disease later in life.

As the twins grow inside the uterus, there is a greater chance of complications, such as the entwining of the umbilical cords, which can be difficult and life-threatening for both twins.

Moms' Experiences

Here are some experiences moms with twins had with their deliveries at varying gestational ages:

I had twins via a cesarean section at 36 weeks along. My daughter was 6 pounds 7 ounces and my son was 6 pounds. Neither child had to be in the NICU but both had low blood glucose at birth, so they needed to have some formula right after they were born. They were otherwise perfect and were able to come home with me 4 days after the surgery. Rachel

I had twin girls vaginally at exactly 37 weeks and 2 days. The first baby weighed 6 pounds 11 ounces and the second baby was 6 pounds 15 ounces. Neither baby needed to be treated in the NICU. The labor and deliver went well and both babies were healthy. Marsha

I am 37 week pregnant with twins and I am going to ask for an induction as soon as possible as I am in extreme pain with the pregnancy. Baby A is 7 pounds 4 ounces and baby B is 5 pounds 15 ounces. This is a good size for twins, so they should be born healthy. Mia

Notes

In a twin pregnancy, there is a high risk of at least one baby being breech so that there is a higher incidence of cesarean section. For this reason, you need to be prepared if you are in 37 weeks pregnant with twins and have your bags packed for the hospital at around 26 weeks' gestation. Make sure you have purchased all of the things you need for the babies in plenty of times and get their room ready, so you won't be rushing around at the last minute trying to get things done.