Whether the twins are identical or fraternal, the positions of the babies can vary. The baby closest to the mother's cervix is often referred to as Twin 1 and the second baby referred to as Twin 2. (In America they are referred to as Baby A and Baby B). If a Caesarean is performed Twin 1 is the baby that is first born, which may not necessarily be the one that was closest to your cervix.
Twins can lie in various position combinations and can include:
Both head down
1 head down, 1 breech
Both breech
1 head down, 1 transverse
1 breech, 1 transverse
Both transverse
Both head down. This is the most common way twins tend to lie in the uterus, happening for around 45% of twin pregnancies. When both babies are head down they are treated very similarly to single babies lying head down for the labour and birth, and this is the more favourable poistions when assessing the reasons and risks for induction, augmentation and Caesarean.
Image 6-65 shows twins both in a head down position.
1 head down, 1 breech. This is the second most common position combination, happening for about 40% of twin pregnancies. If the first twin is head down then a vaginal birth may be considered. If the first twin is breech (or bottom first) then a Caesarean would probably be performed due to the concern that the first baby's head can become locked chin on chin, with the head of the second twin, preventing the 1st twin from being born.
Image 6-66 shows the first twin head down and the second twin in a breech position.
Both breech. If both babies are in a breech position (or bottom down) they will need generally to be born by Caesarean due to the same concerns of breech birth for single babies. This position combination accounts for about 10% of twin pregnancies. You may wish to read more in
breech baby.
Image 6-67 shows twins both in a breech position.
1 head down, 1 transverse.