MULTIFETAL PREGNANCY Flashcards
What is the mechanism of dizygotic or fraternal twin formation?
Dizygotic twins result from the fertilization of two separate ova.
What is the mechanism of monozygotic or identical twin formation?
Monozygotic twins result from the fertilization of a single ovum and are genetically identical.
What determines the outcome of monozygotic twinning?
The outcome depends on when the division of the zygote occurs.
When does diamniotic, dichorionic twinning occur?
It occurs when the zygote divides within the first 72 hours after fertilization.
When does diamniotic, monochorionic twinning occur?
It occurs if the division occurs between the 4th and 8th day after fertilization.
When does monoamniotic, monochorionic twinning occur?
It occurs approximately 8 days after fertilization when the chorion and amnion have already differentiated.
What usually results if division occurs beyond 8 days after fertilization?
Conjoined twins.
What is chorionicity?
Chorionicity refers to the type of placenta and determines the likelihood of twin-related complications.
What type of placenta is monozygotic until proven otherwise?
Monochorionic placenta.
What types of placenta can be either dizygotic or monozygotic?
Dichorionic placenta.
What factors influence twinning?
Race, maternal age, parity, heredity, nutrition, fertility treatment, and pituitary gonadotropins.
What increases the likelihood of twinning due to heredity?
A history of twins in first-degree relatives.
How can sonography help determine chorionicity early in pregnancy?
By assessing the number of gestational sacs and placental masses.
What sonographic feature indicates dichorionic twins?
Thick dividing membrane (≥2 mm) or the twin peak sign/lambda sign.
What sonographic feature indicates monochorionic twins?
Thin dividing membrane (<2 mm) or the T-sign.
What does the twin peak sign or lambda sign suggest?
Dichorionic twins.
What does the T-sign suggest?
Monochorionic twins.
What is the appearance of a dichorionic-diamniotic pregnancy on ultrasound?
Two separate compartments for the babies.
What is the appearance of a monochorionic-diamniotic pregnancy on ultrasound?
Two yolk sacs with a thin membrane dividing them.
What is the appearance of a monochorionic-monoamniotic pregnancy on ultrasound?
One yolk sac and a single amniotic cavity.
What is the relationship between chorionicity and gender in twins?
Different genders indicate dichorionic twins, while same genders could be dichorionic or monochorionic.
What clinical signs suggest multifetal gestation during the second trimester?
Uterine size larger than expected, palpable two fetal heads, and >1 fetal heart beats noted.
What sonographic technique confirms twin pregnancy?
Identifying two fetal heads or abdomens in the same image plane.
What imaging modality is preferred for conjoined twins?
MRI provides detailed assessment of pathology in conjoined twins.
How do B-hCG and maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) levels differ in twin pregnancies?
Both are generally higher with twins compared to singletons.
What condition can also present with high levels of B-hCG?
Hydatidiform mole.
What imaging feature can differentiate dichorionic from monochorionic twins?
Membrane thickness: dichorionic membranes are thick (4 layers), while monochorionic membranes are thin (2 layers).
How should a pregnancy be managed if chorionicity is uncertain?
It should be managed as monochorionic until proven otherwise.
Why might MRI be used in twin pregnancies?
To assess pathology in twins, especially in cases of conjoined twins.
Why are fundic heights larger in multifetal pregnancies?
Between 20 and 30 weeks, fundic heights are approximately 5 cm greater than expected for singletons of the same fetal age.
What is the accuracy of sonographic determination of chorionicity based on gestational age?
It is most accurate in the first trimester and decreases with advancing gestational age.
What biochemical markers are unreliable for identifying multiple fetuses?
Serum and urine levels of B-hCG and maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) are not reliable due to variability.
What are some maternal physiological burdens in multifetal pregnancy?
Increased risk of serious complications, hyperemesis gravidarum, hypervolemia, anemia, increased cardiac output, decreased vascular resistance, greater uterine growth, and compression of abdominal organs and lungs.
What is hyperemesis gravidarum?
Excessive nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.
Why is the iron supplement dose doubled in multifetal pregnancy?
Due to higher blood volume expansion and increased risk of anemia.
By what percentage does cardiac output increase in multifetal pregnancies compared to singletons?
Another 20% above singleton pregnancies.
Why is vascular resistance lower in twin gestations compared to singleton pregnancies?
Due to physiological adaptations to accommodate multifetal growth.
What is the risk of spontaneous abortion in singleton pregnancies?
0.009000000000000001
What is the risk of spontaneous abortion in multiple pregnancies?
0.073
Which type of placentation is more common in miscarriages involving multiple gestations?
Monochorionic placentation.
How does the incidence of congenital malformations in twins compare to singletons?
406 per 10,000 twins versus 238 per 10,000 singletons.