8.11 Multiple Pregnancy Flashcards
What does monozygotic twins mean?
Monozygotic: identical twins (from a single zygote)
What does dizygotic twins mean?
Dizygotic: non-identical (from two different zygotes)
What does monoamniotic twins mean?
Monoamniotic: single amniotic sac
What does diamniotic twins mean?
Diamniotic: two separate amniotic sacs
What does monochorionic twins mean?
Monochorionic: share a single placenta
What does dichorionic twins mean?
Dichorionic: two separate placentas
What type of twins have the best outcomes?
diamniotic, dichorionic - each have their own nutrient supply
What feature identifies dichorionic diamniotic twins on US scan?
they have a membrane between the twins:
“LAMBDA sign or twin peak sign”
What feature identifies monochorionic diamniotic twins on US scan?
they have a membrane between the twins:
with a “T-sign”
What feature identifies dichorionic diamniotic twins on US scan?
no membrane separating the twins
What are the risks of twins to the mother?
- anaemia
- polyhydramnios
- hypertension
- malpresentation
- spontaneous preterm birth
- instrumental delivery / caesarean
- postpartum haemorrhage
What are the risks of being a twin?
- miscarriage
- stillbirth
- FGR
- prem
- twin-twin transfusion syndrome
- twin anaemia polycythaemia sequence
- congenital abnormalities
What is another name for twin-twin transfusion syndrome?
feto-fetal transfusion syndrome
What happens / causes in twin-twin transfusion syndrome?
The twins share a placenta.
Recipient fetus receives majority of blood, whilst donor fetus is starved of blood.
What happens to a the recipient twin in feto-fetal transfusion syndrome?
Can become fluid overloaded; heart failure and polyhydramnios.
