The least risky time to have twins? A new study says 37 weeks into pregnancy

Twin pregnancies are extremely rare, yet such pregnancies also carry the highest risk for infant mortality and complications. Now, a new study finds that delivering twins after 37 weeks of gestation carries the lowest risk of deadly complications. Looking at a cohort of more than 43,100 twins born in Scotland between January 1980 and December 2015, scientists found that twins born between 34-37 weeks into the pregnancy had more than twice as much of a risk at dying shortly before or after birth than twins who remained in utero during that time period. Those born at 36 weeks also had a 40% increased chance of having special education needs during their schooling compared to those born after 37 weeks. However, researchers found that the risk for neonatal deaths was lowest at 38 weeks.