If you think you may be about to experience ‘double the trouble and twice the pleasure’ then it may be a good idea to learn more about having twins.
The incidence (rate) of multiple pregnancy is rising. Twin birth rate increased from 19 per 1000 live births in 1980 to 32 per 1000 births in 2006 (ISOUG Guideline 2016). In Australia, twin pregnancies represent 1.4% of all births (Australia Bureau of Statistics, 2013).
Twins are two offspring produced by the same pregnancy. Twins can either be:
- Identical (monozygotic): these comprise one third of twins and the majority (80%) are monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA); these share the same placenta but have different amniotic sacs. Very very few are monochorionic monoamniotic (MCMA); these share a placenta and amniotic sac.
- Non-identical (dizygotic): these comprise two thirds of twins and are referred to as dichorionic diamniotic (DCDA). Non-identical twins carry less risk compared to the identical type.
There are some additional risks to having twins, so it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions for the safe management of your pregnancy, such as:
- Twin pregnancies should have a dating scan between 11 and 13 weeks 6 days of gestation.
- DCDA (non -identical twins): require first trimester screening for chromosomal problems; detailed 18-20 week scan and thereafter scans every 4 weeks.
- MCDA/ (MCMA) – (Identical twins): require first trimester screening for chromosomal problems and then should be scanned every 2 weeks after 16 weeks to detect possible complications.
- Screening for chromosomal problems in twins e.g. Downs Syndrome can be done in the first trimester using maternal age, nuchal translucency (NT) and hormonal blood results.
- Structural anomaly scan should be done at 18-21 weeks.
It can be challenging for parents as more medical investigations are necessary than when you are having one baby. By listening to advise from midwives and obstetricians and being sure to attend all medical appointments, you may lessen any risks and have a good health outcome, or two healthy outcomes that is!