Understanding Identical Twins and Your Care Plan
You are pregnant with identical twins.
The medical term is monochorionic diamniotic twins.
Monochorionic: Your twins share one placenta (the organ that feeds the babies).
Diamniotic: Each baby has their own protective sac of fluid.
This happens in about 1 in 3 sets of identical twins.
Because they share a placenta, your babies are connected through shared blood vessels.
Sharing a placenta means your twins need closer watching than other pregnancies.
Sometimes the shared blood vessels don't divide evenly.
One baby might get more blood flow than the other.
This can lead to conditions we can detect and manage early.
The good news: Most identical twin pregnancies go smoothly.
About 2 out of 3 identical twin pregnancies have no complications.
Frequent ultrasounds help us catch any issues early when they're easiest to manage.
✓ Both babies are growing well
✓ Both babies have normal heart rates
✓ Both babies have normal fluid levels
✓ Your cervix is normal (low risk of early delivery)
✓ No signs of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome
Twin A: 11 ounces
Twin B: 10 ounces
Size difference: Less than 4% (this is excellent!)
This is even better than your last visit when the difference was 7%.
One baby gets too much blood, the other gets too little.
One baby grows slower than the other.
Remember: You currently have NONE of these conditions.
We check regularly because early detection makes treatment much more effective.
Ultrasounds every 2 weeks
From now until about 26 weeks of pregnancy
Next appointment: In 2 weeks
You'll continue regular prenatal care with your OB doctor as well.
For uncomplicated identical twins like yours, delivery is typically planned between 36 and 38 weeks.
After 36 weeks, the small risk of complications increases.
By this point, babies' lungs are mature enough for birth.
This timing balances safety for both you and your babies.
If everything continues going smoothly, you can expect to deliver around 36-37 weeks.
We'll discuss the exact timing as you get closer.
These symptoms don't mean something is definitely wrong.
But they do mean we should check things out to be safe.
It's always better to call if you're concerned.
These every-2-week visits are the best way we monitor your babies' health.
Your body is working for three people now!
Good nutrition supports healthy growth for both babies.
Twin pregnancies can be more tiring. Listen to your body.
Your care team is here to support you.
No question is too small.
You're doing an amazing job growing two babies.
Your OB Doctor: Routine prenatal care
Your MFM Team: Specialized monitoring every 2 weeks
You: The most important person on this team
We communicate with each other to ensure you get the best care.
If we see anything concerning, we'll discuss it with you right away.
Today's bottom line: Everything looks great. Keep up the good work!
Before your next visit, you might want to consider:
Write down your questions as you think of them.
Bring them to your next appointment.
We're here to help you understand every step of this journey.
✓ You have identical twins sharing one placenta
✓ Both babies are doing great today
✓ You need ultrasounds every 2 weeks for monitoring
✓ Most identical twin pregnancies go smoothly
✓ Early detection helps us manage any issues
✓ You're an essential part of your care team
• Return in 2 weeks for your next ultrasound
• Continue regular prenatal care with your OB
• Call if you have any warning signs
• Reach out with questions anytime
You've got this! 💙