Just a few weeks to go before you meet your little ones! Today, your doctor will give you an important test to help ensure the well-being of your twins during delivery. They will also check your progress and answer any questions.
What You Can Expect:
Your doctor will test your Group B Streptococcus (GBS) status by swabbing your vagina and rectum. GBS is a bacteria that some people have on their bodies. It doesn't make them sick, but it can make babies ill if it's passed to them during delivery. GBS-positive women are given antibiotics via IV during labor and delivery to prevent GBS transmission.
Your doctor may want to know if you plan to submit a birth plan for your medical file. Some women put their goals for labor and delivery in writing, like trying a drug-free birth or breastfeeding right after delivery. A birth plan can be helpful, but keep in mind that while your doctor will try to honor your wishes, they will consider the safety of you and your babies above all else.
If you're carrying twins that share a placenta, your doctor will use ultrasound to see how well your babies are growing and to check for TTS.
Also at this visit, your doctor will:
- Give you a non-stress test to measure the babies' heartbeats as they relate to their movements. They may ask you to come for another non-stress test before your next appointment.
- Check your weight and blood pressure
- Check your babies' heart rates
- Ask you to leave a urine sample to check sugar and protein levels
Be Prepared to Discuss:
Your doctor will want to discuss problems you may be having now, or those that could develop later. Be prepared to talk about:
- Your urinary habits. Do you leak urine when you cough or sneeze? Do you have the urge to go frequently because your babies press on your bladder? Your doctor may offer suggestions to ease your discomfort.
- Postpartum depression and your family history of depression. Up to 15% of new moms experience postpartum depression in the first few weeks after delivery. Your doctor will tell you warning signs and when to call your doctor.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor:
Tap the Action button above to select questions to ask your doctor.
- What if I go into labor before learning my GBS status?
- How long or short should my written birth plan be?
- Will I still leak urine when I sneeze after giving birth?
- Are the "baby blues" the same as postpartum depression?
- How is postpartum depression treated?
