Twins and Malpresentation Flashcards
What is Multiple Gestation?
Any pregnancy where the uterus is occupied by 2+ fetus/embryos
What has increased the incidence of multiple gestation?
Assisted reproductive technology
What are the risks for having Dizygotic (fraternal) Twins?
- Family history
- Maternal age > 35
What are the risks for having Monozygotic (identical) Twins?
Frequency is constant across all populations
Dizygotic (fraternal) Twins
2 ova are fertilized by 2 separate sperm
How will the setup be in the uterus for Dizygotic (fraternal) twins?
Dichorionic Diamnionic
Monozygotic (identical) Twins
Cleavage of 1 ova that was fertilized by 1 sperm
What does the setup in the uterus depend on for Monozygotic Twins?
The time at which cleavage (separation) occurs
If Monozygotic twins split between 0-3 days, what is the setup?
Dichorionic Diamnionic
If Monozygotic twins split between 4-8 days, what is the setup?
Monochorionic Diamnionic
If Monozygotic twins split between 9-12 days, what is the setup?
Monochorionic Monoamnionic
If Monozygotic twins split after 13 days, what is the setup?
Conjoined twins
What is the most common setup in the uterus for Monozygotic (identical) twins?
Monochorionic Diamnionic (split at 4-8 days)
What is the most dangerous setup for Monozygotic twins and why?
Monochorionic Monoamnionic (split between 9-12 days) => risk of cord entanglement
If Conjoined Twins are present, where are the usually attached?
(>13 day split)
- Joined at chest wall (thoracopagus)
Why is it important to determine Zygosity?
Major factor for prognosis and morbidity of twins
Which Zygosity is at the highest risk for issues and abnormalities?
Monozygotic Twins
How do you determine Zygosity?
Ultrasound
How do you determine Zygosity?
Ultrasound
What will be seen on ultrasound with Dizygotic Twins?
- 2 genders maybe
- Thick amnion-chorion septum with a peak/inverted V at base
If you see a thick amnion-chorion septum with a peak/inverted V at the base, what zygosity are the twins?
Dizygotic (fraternal)
What will be seen on ultrasound with Monozygotic Twins?
THIN dividing membrane
If you see a thin dividing membrane on ultrasound, what zygosity are the twins?
Monozygotic (identical)
If ultrasound is unable to determine zygosity of the twins, what are 2 other ways?
DNA analysis
Inspection of the placenta after delivery