36 Weeks Pregnant with Twins: Effacement, Mucus Plug & Water Breaking - What to Expect

Question
Hello,

i went to the Dr. this am for a pelvic exam, I am 36 weeks with twins.  One has the head down in the cervix already.  I was told today I am 90% effaced, but not dilated at all.  Do you think I may have already lost my mucus plug and didn't know it?  Could my water break any day?  and what can i lay on my matress to keep from ruining it in case my water breaks while i am sleeping?
Thanks, Kelly  

Answer
With any twin pregnancy, there is always the chance of preterm labor or of early delivery (prior to your due date). As long as your cervix is not dilated, it is common for it to be almost fully effaced at 36 weeks. YOu can go into labor at any time, and there is no way to predict if and when your water will break. You can put some rubber pads under your sheets to protect your mattress. If you start to have contractions at the level of your belly button that occur every 8 minutes (from the beginning of one contraction to the beginning of the next contraction) and each contraction remains hard for at least 45 seconds, call your doctor to check you. You may or may not notice the loss of your mucus plug. Good Luck.