Surveillance and monitoring of twin pregnancies
Attending all your scans and tests is important if you are expecting twins. You are at more risk when you are carrying twins. Due to a higher risk of problems, such as twin-twin transfusion syndrome, selective fetal development restriction, and preterm labour, twin pregnancies are watched more closely than singleton pregnancies.
What are the Types of Twins?
There are usually three types of twins –
- Dichronionic Diamniotic (DCDA) – These twins have separate placenta and amniotic sacs.
- Monochromatic Diamniotic (MCDA) – These twins share the same placenta but have different amniotic sacs.
- Monochorionic Monoamniotic – These twins have the same placenta and sac and are a very rare type of pregnancy.
How is twin pregnancy monitored?
The type of screening and monitoring you will be offered will depend on the type of twins you are having. To monitor twin pregnancies, the doctors usually recommend ultrasound or aneuploidy screening.
Ultrasound Monitoring
Ultrasound is a non-invasive procedure used for screening, monitoring, diagnosing, and managing any potential complications. It uses sound waves to create the image of the baby in the womb. The doctor will ask you to lie down on your back to perform the test. Then, they will apply a water-based gel on your abdomen and pelvis area. A probe is used, which will be moved on the area to get the baby’s image. It identifies problems in the cervix, uterus, placenta, or twins.
In some cases, ultrasound is done by placing the probe into the vagina – mostly done at the early stage of pregnancy. This is known as vaginal ultrasonography.
Aneuploidy Monitoring
Women carrying twins are the candidates for routine aneuploidy screening. If you are carrying dizygotic twins (two siblings who come from separate ova, or eggs), there is a higher chance that one twin will have a trisomy, which results in pregnancy complications. Doctors at Giggles recommend integrated serum screening with a first-trimester nuchal translucency measurement. You can also undergo invasive diagnostic testing with chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis.
The congenital anomaly incidence is 3-5 times higher in monozygotic twins. Thus, it is advisable to go for an early ultrasound.
What additional measures are necessary for a twin pregnancy?
For a twin pregnancy, additional monitoring and precautions are necessary, especially if the babies are MCDA (Monochorionic-Diamniotic). These twins face a higher risk of TTTS (Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome), so closer surveillance is needed. In the case of MCMA (Monochorionic-Monoamniotic) twins, frequent ultrasounds every four weeks are required. It is crucial to attend all antenatal appointments to detect and address any complications promptly. Regular monitoring ensures the well-being of both mother and babies during a twin pregnancy.
Why Choose Giggles Hospitals?
Giggles Hospitals excels in caring for the mother and the fetus. Our doctors are experienced in monitoring twin pregnancies and can handle any complicated cases related to your pregnancy. So, book a consultation with our doctors and have a stress-free pregnancy.
