Types of Twins
DCDA
Dichorionic Diamniotic twins are not identical. They have their own placentas and amniotic sacs.
MCDA
Monochorionic Diamniotic twins are identical. They share a placenta but have their own amniotic sacs.
MCMA
Monochorionic monoamniotic twins are identical. They share a placenta and are in the same amniotic sac.
If you are pregnant with more than two babies, the team will explain their type. In some circumstances, you may be referred to a different hospital with more advanced facilities.
What Will My Recommended Care Be?
- ensure your babies are growing equally
- determine their positions to help you decide how you would like to birth them
- check the blood flow to each of your babies
- make sure they are growing well
With identical twins, you will be offered fortnightly scans from 16 weeks. With non-identical twins, you will be offered scans every four weeks from 24 weeks. After each of your scans, you will see the specialist team, which will be a doctor and a midwife. They will explain the results of your scan and make a plan with you.
Before 24 weeks, further discussions will be planned with you and your partner to inform you of potential risks and treatments. For example:
Premature Birth
Signs of Early Labour
Pre-Eclampsia & Anaemia
Your Birth
Non-identical twins are offered birth at 37-38 weeks if they remain uncomplicated.
Identical twins in the same amniotic sac are offered birth at 32-34 weeks.
Triplets are offered birth at around 35 weeks.
About 5% of all twin births need a caesarean birth for the second twin when the first baby has been born vaginally. In twin pregnancies, the position of your babies will influence what is recommended for you.
Twin positions
Vertex/Vertex
Leading twin head down Vaginal birth offered.
Breech/Breech
Leading twin head not down Caesarean birth offered.
Vertex/Breech
Leading twin head down Vaginal birth offered.
Vertex/Transverse
Leading twin head not down Caesarean birth offered.
Breech/Vertex
Leading twin head not down Caesarean birth offered.
Breech/Transverse
Leading twin head not down Caesarean birth offered.
Other things to consider are:
- If you’ve had vaginal births before
- If you’ve had caesarean births before
- If there any concerns for your babies found during scans
- If there are any concerns for you
If your choice is to have a vaginal birth, there are some extra options we’d like you to think about. Continuous monitoring of your babies is recommended. This may limit how mobile you are in labour.
There is a possibility that your contractions may slow down after the birth of your first baby. A drip with medication will help to ensure that there isn’t too long until the birth of your second baby. It also helps with any bleeding after birth.
Choosing an epidural for pain relief can make you more comfortable if the second baby needs assistance from the medical team. It can be topped up for pain relief should you need a caesarean for your second baby.
A multiple pregnancy will lead to many choices and decisions for you and your family. Your midwife and specialist team will be there to create a maternity journey that is personalised to you.
Explanation Point
Term | Description |
---|---|
Placenta | the organ responsible for nourishing and protecting a foetus during pregnancy |
Amniotic sac | the thin fluid-filled membrane that surrounds and protects a growing foetus |
Ultrasound scanning | a procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image of part of the inside of the body and monitor an unborn baby. |
Pre-eclampsia | A condition that develops in pregnant women,diagnosed by high blood pressure and proteins in urine |
Anaemia | not having enough healthy red blood cells or haemoglobin to carry oxygen to the body's tissues |
Caesarean birth | an operation to deliver your baby through a cut made in your tummy and womb |
Epidural | an injection in your back to stop you from feeling pain in part of your body |