Twins Flashcards
What is zygosity
Monozygotic if embryo splits and creates identical twins
Dizygotic if 2 eggs are fertilised
What is chorionicity
Number of placentae
What is amniocentesity
Number of gestational sacs
What is lambda sign on US
Roughly 4mm thickened membrane between 2 separate gestational sacs
Confirms diamniotic, dichorionic twins
Complications of twins
1st trimester: anaemia, hyperemesis, miscarriage
2nd trimester: GDM, preeclampsia, prematurity, IUGR, APH, twin-twin transfusion
Term: PPH, c section, stillbirth, PND
Antenatal requirements of twins
Specialist midwife care Consultant care USS every 4 weeks from 24/26 weeks Iron tablets Folic acid Aspirin 75mg from 12 weeks Down syndrome screening 1st trimester only
Delivery of twins
At 37 weeks
NVD if twin 1 cephalic, otherwise C section
Antenatal requirements specifically for monochorionic twins
Screen for twin twin transfusion every 2 weeks from 16 weeks
Management of twin twin transfusion
Ablation of connection with laser
As early as possible, need early detection for improved outcome
Features of twins in twin twin transfusion
Recipient - large, cardiac overload
Donor - small, anaemia