Monoamniotic twin pregnancy

I posted this on the multiple births board but I was hoping someone here has some insight.

I was wondering if anyone has ever heard of or had any experience with this type of twin pregnancy. I had my first sonogram yesterday at 7 weeks and was told that it looks like I have this extremely rare condition. Identical twins should have a thin membrane separating them but they couldn't see that on my sonogram. It is extremely risky because if they are swimming around together it is highly likely they will get tangled in each other's cords. They also told me that it is still early and I am being sent to a specialist who has a better machine with higher resolution because they just might not be able to see it yet. I am so worried over this and cannot find any comfort in anything I've read on this condition. I also read that if this is diagnosed before 12 weeks it may just be too early to see.... Does anyone know of anything about monoamniotic twin pregnancy??? TIA!

Re: Monoamniotic twin pregnancy

I saw this on the National Geographic Special 'In the Womb: Multiples'. From what I remember, they just monitor you more at the doctor to make sure they don't get tangled. I don't remember them saying it was risky.

Re: Monoamniotic twin pregnancy

I do not have experience with this condition -but I had a bad scare recently with my baby and we are still monitoring her but it looks like it will be okay or at least better than expected.

I just wanted to say - if you have any doubts - go to the Prenatal Pediatric department at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital- they specialize in disorders, multiples, various fetal conditions - they will either treat you solely or will work with your OB/GYN and they are supposed to be the best in NY. They will be able to evaluate you and get you into whoever you need and will coordinate your care with your MD if you don't want to switch.

They get a high volume of patients with various issues so they see rare conditions more frequently than anywhere else in NY

FM if you want any information.

Re: Monoamniotic twin pregnancy

Unfortunately, I've been doing some research and found out that about only 50% of these pregnancies are successful. There is a really high risk of cord entanglement or cord compression. My only hope is that the membrane is there and they just can't detect it yet.

Re: Monoamniotic twin pregnancy

Re: Monoamniotic twin pregnancy

Posted by waterspout4

Posted by clockisticking

Unfortunately, I've been doing some research and found out that about only 50% of these pregnancies are successful. There is a really high risk of cord entanglement or cord compression. My only hope is that the membrane is there and they just can't detect it yet.

Sometimes research is the worst thing for expectant moms to do. We worry too much and research usually compounds that.

Re: Monoamniotic twin pregnancy

I have a set of twins that were monochorionic so I know a little bit.

In my experience with my girls I had several technicians who couldnt find the membrane that separated them...we knew that it WAS there but b/c it was so thin they couldnt always see it.

There was a case of a Monoamniotic Twin Pregnancy on "Taking Home Baby" on TLC. It was on early this week. (Twin girls I remember that one of them was named Charlotte) The mother had to stay in the hospital from about 24 weeks on and constantly have a fetal monitor on her..I want to say that the girls were also delivered early at about 33 weeks or so.

Here is the thing stop looking this up on the internet...you are going to drive yourself crazy and a lot of the information that you find might be outdated.

Re: Monoamniotic twin pregnancy

I saw that special. Seems to me they just monitor very closely till your babies are viable enough to survive, then sometime after 20 weeks, you will be monitored 24/7 at a hospital. They have a heartrate monitor on the babies all the time. I'm sure you doc will take you through this pregnancy every step of they way.

Re: Monoamniotic twin pregnancy

I work with a woman that was pregnant with twins with the same condition. Unfortunately hers did not end well, they passed away in utero and she ended up giving birth to them naturally at 25 weeks.

Hugs and prayers that your twins will stay safe -

Re: Monoamniotic twin pregnancy

that everything works out for you, I'm sure it will.

Re: Monoamniotic twin pregnancy

Re: Monoamniotic twin pregnancy

Hi everyone,
Thank you so much for the prayers, well wishes, and FMs. I will be seeing a specialist today at Stony Brook University's Maternal Fetal Medicine at 1:15 p.m. They have a high resolution sonogram machine so hopefully I can get a better idea of the chances of this being a monoamniotic twin pregnancy. I will keep you updated on my situation!! Thanks again!!

Re: Monoamniotic twin pregnancy

good luck today -

Re: Monoamniotic twin pregnancy

My brother and SIL had the same thing happen to them at their 7 week sono-they were also sent to Stonybrook for the better sono machine. A thin membrane did finally form btwn the two of them and they were born 100% healthy and will be 2 yrs old in June.

Re: Monoamniotic twin pregnancy

My cousin actually had this with her twins. She was put on bed rest at 26 weeks and delivered at 32 weeks. The twins were in NICU for about 4 weeks before they came home. Now 5 1/2 years later, the girls are fine. I'll ask her if she has any information for you.

Re: Monoamniotic twin pregnancy

Hoping for a great doctor visit!!!!!!! Any updates?