Triplet pregnancies

| Updated 1 Jul 2020

Triplets can be non-identical, identical, or mixed chorionicity (e.g. 2 identical and 1 non-identical). They carry higher risks of miscarriage and very early labour than twins, are often smaller than twins, and can also predispose the mother to more risks (pre-eclampsia, bleeding after birth). Identical triplets also carry the risk …
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Monochorionic monoamniotic twins (MCMA)

| Updated 1 Jul 2020

This rare type of identical twins not only share a placenta, but also share the same amniotic sac (pocket of fluid). They carry a higher risk of complications, such as miscarriage, stillbirth, fetal anomalies than identical twins, but also have a risk of cord entanglement. Due to the small numbers …
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Twin anaemia polycythaemia sequence (TAPS)

| Updated 3 Mar 2021

TAPS is an uncommon condition that occurs in identical twins. It results in one twin becoming very anaemic (low blood level), and the other polycythaemic (high blood level). This can occur either on its own, or after laser treatment for TTTS. So far, the best way to treat this condition …
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Selective fetal growth restriction (sFGR)

| Updated 1 Jul 2020

sFGR is when one baby is very small, but the other is (often) growing normally. This can occur in identical or non-identical twins, and the cause for this differs between the two types. The smaller twin has a risk of stillbirth if it remains very malnourished, which can have an …
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Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS)

| Updated 1 Jul 2020

TTTS is a serious condition that can occur in 10-15% of twins sharing one placenta (identical). In severe cases, it can result in death or handicap in 90% of twins if left untreated. Numerous research projects have been carried out to identify the best therapies and techniques to treat this …
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Twin and Multiples Priority Setting Partnership

| Updated 1 Jul 2020

Multiple pregnancies have been increasing in prevalence over the last 40 years, and are known to carry higher risks of stillbirth, premature birth, cerebral palsy, and risks to the mother. It can also put immense strain on the physical and mental health of the families, as well as pose an …
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Twin growth charts

| Updated 1 Jul 2020

Twins are known to be smaller than singleton babies, but up until recent years, routine use of singleton growth charts to plot the growth of twins were still being used. This led to healthy, well-grown twins being misclassified as growth restricted, and often resulted in unnecessary early delivery, exposing these …
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Multiple Pregnancy Registry

| Updated 1 Jul 2020

 Multiple Pregnancy Registry This is a UK national initiative endorsed by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), British Maternal Fetal Medicine Society (BMFMS) and the Twin and Multiple Births Association (TAMBA). The aims include: • Systematically tracking complicated multiple pregnancies, triplet and uncomplicated monochorionic twin pregnancies to …
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Emergency Cerclage in Twin Pregnancies at Imminent Risk of Preterm Birth: an Open-Label Randomised Controlled Trial (ENCIRCLE)

| Updated 1 Jul 2020

Twin pregnancies are at an increased risk of early delivery. One of the reasons for this may be due to a weakened neck of the womb (cervix). There are 2 main ways to manage a weakened cervix in pregnancy. One option is to do nothing (conservative approach). The other is …
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Twin and Multiple Pregnancy webinars

| Updated 1 Jul 2020

We are pleased to organise a series of fortnightly twin/multiple pregnancy free webinars over the next few months. To view the webinar dates, click here.