Q&A: I am an older mom with twins and I want to know if bed rest is normal.

by Dr. Gerard M. DiLeo

I am 43 years old and expecting twins. My husband and I underwent IVF with an egg donor who is 26 years old. I am in my tenth week of pregnancy, and enjoy very good general health with no significant medical history. I own my own business and am on my feet ten hours per day.

Are twins of older mothers typically carried to term?

Given my age and the fact that this is a multiple gestation, should I expect to be placed on bedrest?

At what stage of gestation do older moms of twins typically go on bedrest?

No, you're at high risk for pre-term delivery just because you're carrying twins. Additionally, your age makes you high risk for pre-term delivery due to the possibility of pre-eclampsia (now called gestational hypertension). You can expect bedrest at least by 34 weeks, if not earlier. Typically, bedrest is recommended at or around 30-34 weeks.

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