Around 90% of twins are fraternal, or non-identical. Of course, this doesn’t mean that your fraternal twins won’t look very similar. After all, brothers and sisters can look very similar anyway, and your twins, being twins, might be even more alike than this. So do fraternal twins look alike?
What’s the Difference Between Fraternal and Identical Twins?
Fraternal twins occur when a woman releases two eggs as part of her monthly cycle, and they both get fertilised by two different sperm. This means the genetic code that will eventually become your babies is different for both of them.
Identical twins happen when one egg gets fertilised by one sperm, which then splits a few days after conception, which means their bodies have the same source of genetic information so they’re going to be very similar.
Because fraternal twins come from different eggs and different sperm, they only share around 50% of their DNA with each other, rather than the 100% of DNA that identical twins share because they come from the same egg that splits after conception.
This is important, because it’s the reason why fraternal twins can look different, and identical twins look the same.
So What Causes Fraternal Twins to Look Alike?
The same thing that causes brothers and sisters to look similar. The fact that their genes all comes from the same place.
Everything about us is formed from our chromosomes and DNA. This is what controls how we look, how tall we are, the color of our eyes, hair, and so on.
Because your twins come from the same parents, their DNA is going to be very similar, which means that they’re probably going to resemble each other in some way, the same way that you can see similarities in a lot of siblings.
It is possible for fraternal twins to have identical chromosome profiles, which is almost like being identical twins, and this leads to them looking incredibly similar.
This is entirely down to chance, and happens because mom and dad only have 46 chromosomes in 23 pairs, and luck can have it that both eggs and both sperm that form your twins just happened to carry the same sets of chromosomes from each parent.
Even if your fraternal twins don’t share that many chromosomes, they can still look alike because they were born at the same time and age at the same rate, so it’s natural for them to resemble each other.
This is especially likely if your family has particularly dominant genetic traits, for example, dark hair is a dominant gene and red hair isn’t, so if you’re dark haired, don’t carry a recessive red head gene, and your partner is a ginger, it’s likely that both of your children will have dark hair.
How Can You Tell If Your Twins Are Identical?
The most accurate way is with a DNA test. If your twins share all of their DNA, then they’re completely identical. Your doctor can easily set you up with one of these, if you want to be sure what sort of twins you have.
Your doctor should also have a fair idea of your twin zygosity, or what type of twins you have, when they’re delivered by examining your placenta. But this isn’t always 100%, because there are rare cases that can change this.
It’s Also Possible to Have Semi Identical Twins
Semi identical twins have now been discovered. Rather than sharing 50% of their DNA like fraternal twins, or 100% of their DNA like identical twins, semi identical twins share 75% of their DNA.
This is really unlikely, but happens when two sperm fertilise the same egg, which then splits like normal identical twins.
Because they’re not completely identical, your twins will look similar, but not exactly the same, so if you’ve got fraternal twins who look so close, but not quite, identical, then they might be semi identical!
So, Do Fraternal Twins Look Alike?
Well, they can, but they don’t have to. But whether your twins look alike or not, you should count yourself lucky.
After all, you’ve been blessed to have twins, a privilege that most mothers are never lucky enough to experience. So take full advantage and give your twins as much love and affection as you can!
Have you got twins that aren’t identical, but they look so similar that they probably should be? Or maybe your twins are identical, but act so differently you wonder how that happened?
We love hearing your stories, so don’t forget to join our online community before you go, where you can leave a story and ask questions.
In fact, this happens often enough that up to 70% of identical twins might end up sharing a placenta.
But, Can Fraternal Twins Share a Placenta?
Just a few years ago, scientists discovered a pair of fraternal, or non-identical twins, that actually shared a placenta! It happened in Seattle, and was discovered by the New England Journal of medicine.
It’s worth pointing out that the chances of this happening are so small as to be vanishingly unlikely. So if you’re having fraternal twins, you can relax, because the chance of your twins sharing a placenta is so small it’s almost impossible. You’d be more likely to win the lottery and then immediately get hit by lightning.
Share a Placenta: Why Is This Important?
When babies share a placenta, it can cause problems in the pregnancy. Because the placenta is essential for providing oxygen and nutrients to your developing babies, if something goes wrong with the placenta, then it can affect the correct development of the embryo.
Your doctor will know if your babies sharing a placenta is going to be a problem, and if anything needs to be done, then he’s going to know what’s best and will give you the recommendations for what to do, so don’t worry.
But What Can Happen When Your Babies Share a Placenta?
There’s two main situations where your babies will share a placenta. These are monochorionic diamniotic twins, or mono di, where the babies share a placenta but have their own amniotic sacs, and monochorionic monoamniotic twins, or mono mono, where the babies share both their placenta and amniotic sac.
We have articles on both of these conditions that go into far more detail, but we’ll give you a quick primer below.
Mono Di Twins
Mono di twins are the most likely situation where your twins will share a placenta, and if it happens you shouldn’t worry, because most of the situations that come from mono di twins can now be dealt with.
Problems that can arise from mono di twins include:
Twin to twin transfusion syndrome, or TTTS. In some occurrences, this won’t be that much of an issue, but if it is then doctors can solve this issue with laser surgery.
TRAP sequence: This is a sad problem where one twin doesn’t develop properly, and relies on the other for all of their blood flow. Unfortunately, the dependant twin cannot survive if this happens, but the other twin is incredibly likely to go on to live a healthy, happy life.
Mono Mono Twins
Mono mono twins are much more likely to have problems than other types of twin pregnancy. However, this doesn’t mean that your twins aren’t going to be healthy, and once your doctors realise you’re having mono mono twins, it’s likely that they’re going to place you under the best care possible, to give your twin gifts the best chance possible.
Health problems that can happen because of mono mono twins are:
Umbilical cord entanglement. Because both babies are in the same amniotic sac, they’re free to float around in contact with each other and each other’s umbilical cord. It’s possible for one baby to become entangled in the umbilical cord of the other. This will normally rectify itself, but it’s a situation that will be carefully observed by your medical team.
Umbilical cord compression. This is similar to the above. One baby puts pressure on the umbilical cord of the other, restricting blood flow.
Twin to twin transfusion syndrome. Just like mono di twins, this is a situation that’s possible, and it’s an imbalance in blood flow between both twins.
What Can I do for my Twins that Share a Placenta?
If your doctors discover that your twins share a placenta, then you’re probably going to be referred to a specialist who is skilled in difficult pregnancies.
It’s natural to feel scared, and you might even feel slightly guilty, as if you failed your babies, or you’re somehow responsible for their situation. Remember, there’s nothing you could have done to prevent this from happening, and it doesn’t mean you’re a bad parent.
The best thing you can do is to do exactly what your doctors recommend. If your babies need anything, then you’ll be told the best thing you can do for them.
Expect more regular and detailed twin ultrasounds, and probably to spend more time than usual in hospital, making sure that everything is okay and giving you and your children to be the rest you need.
More about Twin Pregnancy
Did you have a mono mono or mono di pregnancy? Or maybe you’re one of the ultra rare cases that answer the question of can fraternal twins share a placenta? How did it make you feel? I’m sure there’s a lot of expectant mothers in your situation that would love to hear your words and stories of reassurance, so please leave a comment and also join our online community!
As a new mother, you’re looking out for your little ones, and considering how often your babies are going to be feeding, getting the right bottle for their needs can be a really major contributor to how comfortable and healthy they’re going to be. This goes doubly true when you’re a mom that’s trying to breastfeed your children, and you’re looking to introduce a bottle. This is why you need the best bottles for breastfeeding moms.
Can Babies Drink Breast Milk and Formula?
If your babies are used to your breasts, then using a bottle for the first time can be a difficult experience. They might not want to take it, you might not know how you’re doing, and you might worry about things like whether they’re getting enough milk, or whether they’re going to be spending the rest of the night restless and in pain from colic.
Pus, there’s always that nagging feeling in the back of your head that maybe you should exclusively breastfeed.
Well, you don’t need to worry. We’re here to put all of these fears to bed, and give you our top 5 bottles for breastfeeding. Let’s discuss what you should look for when you’re buying a bottle as a breastfeeding mother. But first, here is a quick comparison to see how they compare:
Best Baby Bottles for Breastfeeding Moms Comparison
Disclosure: The links to Amazon.com within this article are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. This does not affect the price nor does it influence the products we feature.
What Should You Look for in Baby Bottles If You’ve Been Breastfeeding?
How Easy Is It to Transfer and Latch on To?
This is the first, and probably biggest thing I’d recommend looking for as a breastfeeding mom. If your baby is already used to your nipple, then introducing a new sensation into their mouth can be a time fraught with tension.
You’ll be wondering whether they’ll take it, and sometimes it’s almost down to chance. Some days, everything progresses smoothly. Others, there’s just nothing you can do.
But a lot of manufacturers are wising up to this, and a lot of bottles for breastfeeding today are designed with a range of natural feeling materials, with ergonomically designed nipples that feel right in the mouth.
All of the bottles we’re reviewing were chosen with this in mind, so it’s not something you have to worry about here, but it’s definitely something to consider.
How Easy Is It to Keep Clean?
Because you’ve made the great decision to also breastfeed your babies, you might not be using your bottles as much as other moms, but that doesn’t mean that cleaning is something you can ignore.
Good bottles for breastfeeding will come apart easily, and break down into the minimum number of parts. We’ve got bottles that are only 3 and 4 parts in our reviews, which means that there’s less places for germs to hide.
Plus, a lot of bottles are also safe to be put into the dishwasher, and some are even safe to sterilise in boiling water. Whatever you’re buying, there will be a way to keep it clean. It’s just worth checking, otherwise you might sling your bottles into the dishwasher and have them come out broken.
How Tough Are They?
Bottles are going to end up on the floor, slung out of prams and strollers whilst you walk down the street, bumped into walls, bounced off of you, you name it.
You’re going to want something that lasts. The best bottles for breastfeeding are made from high quality materials and high density plastic and silicone.
Does It Fight Colic and Gas?
All babies cry, and sometimes even though you’re doing everything you can, there’s nothing you can do to comfort your child. That’s just the uncomfortable reality that all new parents face. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t do everything possible.
One of the things linked to colic is excess air intake, and one of the times that this happens is when your baby is busily sucking on a bottle.
A lot of new bottles for breastfeeding are designed with measures to stop this, like air vents and special nipple designs. It’s worth checking out what you’re buying to see if this is something it comes with, because it can save a lot of pain in the future!
What About Breast Pumps and Long Term Milk Storage?
If you’re a mom who uses a breast pump, then good on you. Of course you’re interested to see how simple it is to get the milk from your breast into a bottle, then into your baby.
Some bottles are designed specifically to work with breast pumps, so look out for this if it’s something you specifically want. We also know that some bottles are designed around safe, long term hygienic storage of your breast milk, so if you’re looking to use a breast pump, this is definitely something you should want.
Will It Age with My Babies?
As your children get older, their needs change. Sometimes, they change so fast that it feels like they want something different on a day by day basis!
Some bottles can be modified as you go, with different nipples, flow speeds and bottle sizes available. This is great if you find a bottle that both you and your babies love, because you can stick with it until they want to give it up, with no risks of tantrums because of unnecessary change.
Really easy to clean by hand, with a really wide neck design
Safe to use with dishwashers, microwaves and boiling water
Anti colic vents reduce the chance of colic
Anti leak design stops drips and waste
Made of 100% medical grade materials
Cons
Be careful you get the right flow speed for your baby’s age
Don’t squeeze, or it goes everywhere!
This is our favorite choice for bottles for breastfeeding, because there’s just so much to love about this odd little thing, this are the best bottles for newborns.
First off, why are we calling them odd? Well, once you’re holding one, you’ll realise. They’re completely made from silicone, which means it’s all flexible and squishy. (Yes, you can squeeze these, and yes if you squeeze it hard enough, milk goes everywhere. So be careful.)
But this does mean that baby will love it. One, you can give it a gentle squish to coax a little someone into taking milk, and once they’re old enough to hold it themselves, they’re going to find it really simple to deliver as much milk as they want. Plus, the soft, warm silicone just feels so much more natural than a hard plastic bottle, so it’s a great transition bottle.
Because it’s all silicone, and a really wide shape, it’s simple to clean, whether that’s by hand, because you can get inside it and round all the edges, or just by throwing it into the dishwasher.
The nipples are specially designed to encourage latching, and have built in anti-colic vents, but somehow are one of the most leakproof bottles we’ve ever seen.
Plus, there’s options for multiple sizes and flows, so no matter what age your children are or their needs, you’re going to be able to find the right bottle for them. That makes this the best baby bottle for newborns, as well as any other ages.
Whatever you need, this bottle delivers it, in a safe, easy to use and really unique package. I’d recommend it to any mom who’s unsure about what bottle to buy, any time.
Medela make great breast pumps, and these bottles for breastfeeding are designed to work alongside them, and especially created to store and deliver breast milk safely. So if you’re a mom who wants their little one to have all natural, with no formula, then this is our number one choice.
Like we said, these are designed to work with Medela brand breast pumps, and they’re compatible with all of their range. Smart design choices also make storing breast milk over longer term much safer and more hygienic, which means less work for you and less chance of cracked, sore nipples.
The bottles themselves are good, with an easy to grip and hold design, a great nipple that’s simple to keep clean, and simple to read measurement markers.
The whole thing comes apart easily, and they’re completely dishwasher safe, though I’d make sure you keep the collars in a separate little compartment, because if they move around a lot they’re liable to crack after a few weeks, one of the few downsides with these bottles.
You get three in the pack, all with travel caps to reduce leaking, not that that’s ever been a problem I’ve seen. If you’re a mom who uses a breast pump, or even if you’re not, there’s a lot to love with these bottles.
Slow flow nipple and venting valve reduce colic and discomfort
Comfortable to hold, fill and read
Really simple to clean
Cons
Hard to get the lids off sometimes
Can leak from the vent if upside down
Tommee Tippee make great baby products, and we’ve recommended a lot of their stuff on here before. These bottles for breastfeeding are just as good as what you’d expect, with a simple, foolproof design that’s comfortable and well designed.
First, they’re really easy to hold and use, even for the tiniest hands. The nipple is wide and designed alongside breastfeeding experts to move and feel as natural as possible to encourage latching, and it’s got a smart valve that’s great for fighting colic. I also loved the fact that these are so leak resistant you can basically hold it upside down and shake it about without anything coming out.
It’s incredibly quick to clean, too, with just three parts. It can sometimes be a struggle to get it apart, though, so watch out for that. They’re completely safe to use in the microwave and dishwasher, so you can throw them wherever you need to without worry. Plus, they’re really pretty, and you get a set of 6 different colors when you buy these.
Out of all of the bottles we’ve looked at, in our opinion these are the best for babies who are transitioning or struggling with bottle feeding. But even if that’s not a problem for you and yours, these are still great all round.
Natural, uniquely petalled nipples promote easy latch on
High quality, tough glass construction
Simple and easy to clean
Cons
Tough to open
Vulnerable to extreme temperatures
The only glass bottle on our list, Philip’s Avent bottle are made from completely natural, pharmaceutical grade material, so if you’re concerned with what you’re keeping around your newborn, and what might end up in their mouths, this is the best, most natural choice.
With a wide nipple with unique petals and natural feel material, the bottles are easy to latch on to, and the built in vent valves make colic a problem that you’re likely not going to have to deal with often.
The bottles for breastfeeding are easy to hold, and because they’re glass with only 4 parts, they’re also incredibly easy to clean. There’s little risk of discoloration from long term use, so nothing can hide in the nooks and crannies, and because they’re glass you know they’re absolutely 100% dishwasher and microwave safe.
But because they’re glass, they’re vulnerable to sudden temperature changes, so be careful if they’re cool and you suddenly go to clean them with boiling water. They might crack!
A great advantage these have is their full compatibility with every other bottle and accessory in the Philips range. As your little ones grow, you can switch between bottle sizes and nipples as the needs of your children change.
If you’re looking for the most natural material to keep your babies safe and secure, and you want a good bottle to go along with it, these are a great choice. They’re the top glass baby bottles we’ve seen, and that’s really something.
Clinically proven to mimic natural breastfeeding patterns
Disposable liners get rid of all air, dispensing with colic
Can assemble the bottle with just one hand
Really simple to wash
Cons
Have to buy the liners, as they’re one use only
Occasionally leaks
The unique liners in these bottles are the selling point, but I bet you’re asking, are they worth it?
Well, yes. The bottles themselves are as good as you’d expect, with a clinically proven nipple design that works alongside the liners to encourage easy latching and a natural rhythm to your baby’s feeding pattern.
The bottles themselves are simple to use, with a one handed set up that’s great when you’re busy with other things, as well as being easy to hold and requiring almost no cleaning. (Just wash the nipple and collar.)
But I can hear you asking what about the liners? How do they work? Well, it’s simple. You fill the liner with formula or milk, then drop it into the bottle when you’re ready to go. As your baby feeds and milk is taken from it, the liner collapses down, leaving no air inside the bottle.
What this means is there’s no air in the bottle to cause colic or gas, it’s easier to get milk from the bottle because pressure is regular, and supposedly it promotes a more natural feeding pattern.
The only downsides? The liners take a little getting used to when setting them up, and you have to buy more of them. But apart from that, these are a really good bottle, especially if you’re on the go and don’t have time to set up a normal one.
Wrapping Up Our Choices for Best Bottles for Breastfeeding Moms
That’s the end of our top 5 reviews. We hope we’ve helped you find the perfect bottle for you and your children. After all, that’s why we do what we do, to help new moms adjust and do the best they can for their families.
Do you have any hints or tips for moms making the jump to bottle feeding? Did you use any of these best bottles for breastfeeding and have a good experience? We’d love to hear your story, so talk to us in the comments!
Two twins in one sac? You might never have heard about this. Might never have thought about it. You might not even have realised that this was possible. But it can happen.
It’s incredibly unlikely, but in any case of twins there’s a small chance that your twins could be sharing the same sac, as well as the same womb. What causes it, what does it mean, and what can you do about it? Read on to find out!
Multiple Gestation Pregnancy: What Causes Both Twins in One Sac?
If your twins are both in the same amniotic sac, your doctor is going to tell you in your twin pregnancy ultrasound. Twins sharing an amniotic sac is caused by the fertilized egg that’s going to become an embryo splitting very late into term.
Firstly, mono mono twins are always identical, so if you wanted identical twins, congratulations!
It’s unfortunate, but mono mono twins are the riskiest form of pregnancy, with the highest chance of issues forming that require medical intervention.
This is because your twins are literally right next to each other within your womb. In all other types of twin pregnancy the twins have separate amniotic sacs, which means there’s a barrier between both babies.
Mono mono twins don’t have this, which puts them under threat from things that wouldn’t affect other types of twin.
As soon as it’s discovered that you’re carrying mono mono twins, then you should be referred to a perinatologist; a doctor that specialises in high risk pregnancies.
What Are the Risks of Complications for Your Identical Twins?
Because both twins are in the same environment with no barriers to separate them, there’s several problems that can be caused that you wouldn’t see in any other kind of pregnancy, including:
Cord entanglement: This is the most common type of issue you’ll see in mono mono twins, and it’s caused when one twin becomes entangled in the other’s umbilical cord. Sometimes, this won’t cause problems, but in certain situations like neck encirclement, it can be life threatening. It’s a situation your doctor will monitor closely, including potentially bringing you into hospital for constant scans.
Cord compression: Because they’re so close, it’s possible for one twin to put pressure on the cord of the other and prevent the flow of nutrients and blood. Over a long enough period, this can cause serious harm to the fetus which is being denied the things it needs to grow.
Twin to twin transfusion syndrome: Because your babies share a placenta, there’s a chance one of them will receive more blood than the other. If this is discovered early, there are now ways to treat this, with an incredibly high success rate.
You’re also more likely to have a premature birth or preterm labor with mono mono twins, and mono mono twins tend to have a lower birth weight even than standard twins, which is already generally lower than single babies.
Bear in mind that twins, especially mono mono, are also far more likely to be delivered by C-section. Just something to consider if you’ve got your heart set on a natural birth.
What Can You Do?
The best thing you can do for your twins is try and relax, cut stress out of your life, eat well and live as healthily as possible. Your doctor will recommend anything specific that you need to do, so in the meantime just do what you can.
If you’ve been told that you’re having mono mono twins, then don’t worry. Your doctor will be doing everything he can to make sure your pregnancy is as calm and problem free as possible. But the more you know, the more you can do to make sure that your pregnancy goes as smoothly as possible.
Bear in mind that you’re actually incredibly lucky, because even 20 years ago having both twins in one amniotic sac was a huge deal that could threaten the life of both mother and baby, but today, with all of our modern science and medicine, you’ve got by far the best chance possible of everyone pulling through and delivering two healthy, happy twins!
So take a look around our site, because we’ve got all the information on twins you could ever ask for. And if you’ve got any questions about both twins in one sac, drop them in the comments below or let our wonderful community find an answer!
Can an ultrasound miss twins, and how does it happen? When one of my friends was going for her 8 week scan, she was desperately excited.
‘It’s twins!’ she would say to anyone who would listen. ‘I know I’m having twins. I can feel it!’
But when she got back and everyone asked her if her suspicions were true, she seemed almost disappointed when she said she was only having one child.
Of course, she was still amazingly happy that her baby was healthy, and felt incredibly blessed to be having her child.
Of course, when she went in for her first scan in her second trimester and it turns out that she was having twins, it made the surprise all the sweeter!
What Goes on When You Have an Ultrasound Scan?
Ultrasound scans are harmless regular procedures that you have to check on your baby, and make sure that everything is progressing like it should.
It can be external (the one you see on television), where the medical examiner uses a handheld device that produces high frequency sound waves, way beyond the limit of human hearing, then picks up on the reflections of these sound waves to create a picture of what’s going on inside your body.
You can also have internal scans, where a tiny little probe is inserted into your body so the doctors can get a more detailed picture of certain areas. This is less common, but just as safe and nothing to worry about.
Not all women have ultrasound scans in the first trimester, and if you do, it will generally be just a simple check to determine the age of your fetus. It’s the second trimester ultrasounds, normally performed between your 18th and 22nd week, that are more detailed, and used to check for fetal heartbeat and breathing, your child’s movement and size, gender, peculiarities with amniotic fluid and placenta, and if there’s any problems.
So Can an Ultrasound Miss Twins?
It can, but it’s pretty unlikely, especially with the second set of scans. Advances in ultrasound technology and the rise in the amount of twins being conceived mean that the medical professional performing your scan is far more likely to be familiar with the signs of twins.
If your scans miss twins, it will generally be the early scans, and bear in mind it’s still really unlikely that they’re going be missed.
You’ve also got to consider that there’s a large amount of signs that you’re going to have twins. You might have some of these signs already, or you might just have a strong feeling that you’re going to have twins.
If you do have a strong feeling that you’re having twins, and a scan only shows one, it’s not cause for alarm.
If It’s Really Unlikely, Then How Can an Ultrasound Miss Twins?
Sometimes, especially early on, your twins might be doing what’s called ‘shadowing’ each other. What this means is that one is sitting behind the other, which can lead to twins not seen on ultrasound scans. Because an ultrasound essentially makes a two dimensional picture, if one embryo is behind the other, then it might be invisible on the sonogram.
This is much more likely in the first trimester, when the embryos are still small. After all, if there’s less to hide, then it’s easier for one to slip behind the other.
This happens a lot more often in mono-mono twins, which share the same amniotic sac and placenta (find out about the different types of twins here). Because they’re so close together in the womb, it’s much easier for one twin to slip behind the other and avoid prying eyes.
You might also ask yourself how a doctor can miss two separate heartbeats? Well, the first thing you have to realise is that in the case of twins, there would really be three heartbeats. Unless you’ve developed some magic zen buddhist technique to stop your heart as you have your scan. With so much noise, it can be difficult to differentiate between the heartbeats of you and your baby.
It’s also possible that one or both heartbeats can be drowned out by your own, or beat almost perfectly in time with one another or yours, so they can’t be heard separately.
So How Often Are Twins Missed on Ultrasound?
Not very often.
Like we said earlier, it’s far more likely that one twin can be missed early in your pregnancy, and gets less and less likely, until it’s almost impossible at about the 20th week.
Of course, all pregnancies are different, so never write anything off. I once heard a story of twins only being discovered as the mom to be was giving birth. Now there’s a surprise you wouldn’t forget!
So, to recap:
Twins can be missed on ultrasounds, but it’s unlikely
It’s more likely in the first weeks of pregnancy, and gets less likely as you go
Just because your scans miss twins isn’t a reason to worry. No scan is completely foolproof
So even though it doesn’t happen often, can an ultrasound miss twins? The answer is yes. Have you ever had this happen to you? Or maybe your ultrasound picked up twins really early, which was completely unexpected! Either way, we’d love to hear your story, so let us know in the comments!
Twins in separate sacs. You might have heard your doctor or another medical professional talking about this, or maybe they mentioned it to you directly, and you’re wondering what it means.
What Does It Mean When Twins Are in Separate Sacs?
No matter how you heard about it, relax. It’s nothing to worry about, because it’s mostly just medical jargon.
Twins in two separate amniotic sacs is normal. It’s the most regular type of twins, the most regularly occuring, and it comes with the least amount of side effects and possible problems, so you should feel good! This is a good sign for you and your babies!
There are actually two types of situation where your twins are in separate sacs, called dichorionic diamniotic twins, where your twins have separate sacs and placenta, and monochorionic diamniotic twins, where your twins share a placenta, but have separate amniotic sacs.
We’ll go into the differences below.
Di Di: Twins in Separate Sacs with Separate Placentas
This is the most common type, and like we’ve just explained, it’s the one that comes with the least amount of side effects an unfortunate problems. So that’s good!
Di di twins can be identical or non-identical, but are actually more likely to be non-identical, because of the way this type of twin occurs in your womb.
Now, every pregnancy is hard, but this one, where your twins only share a living space and nothing else, is by far the easiest for both you and your babies.
There’s very few complications that can happen with these types of twins. The most likely thing is the slightly premature birth and low birth weight that’s common with almost all twins, so try to relax.
Mono Di: Twins with One Placenta and Two Sacs
Mono Di twins, or twins that share a placenta whilst having their own amniotic sacs, start as just one egg which splits a few days in, for reasons that are still unknown!
Because they come from the same egg, this type of twin is always identical, so if you really want a pair of identical twins and you hear that your twins share a placenta, you’re getting your wish!
Unfortunately, because this type is a little atypical, there’s a few more problems that can occur.
Luckily, advances in modern medicine and surgical procedures have made these much less likely to cause long term problems, so your chances of going to full term and delivering a pair of healthy identical twins is the highest it’s ever been!
If your twins share a placenta, your doctor might want to bring you in for more regular scans, and other things that friends and family that have gone through pregnancies won’t have had. Don’t worry. This is normal, and they’re experienced in dealing with women in your situation.
To Recap, What Does It Mean When Your Twins Are in Separate Sacs?
Your twins are probably going to be in separate amniotic sacs, this is completely normal.
Your twins being in separate sacs means that your pregnancy is more likely to be safe and problem free.
There are two types of twin situations where your babies can be in different sacs, separated by whether they share a placenta, (mono di) or have separate placenta (di di.)
Di di twins are the most common type, don’t have to be identical, and is most likely to be the easiest.
Mono di twins share a placenta, and so you are a little more likely to have issues, but modern medicine means that as long as these issues are found early, you and your babies are going to be okay.
Whether you’re mono mono, or mono di, you shouldn’t worry.
Remember, the best thing you can do is be informed, so we’re glad you’re here. At Twinstuff, we’ve got articles on everything you might face during your pregnancy, so take a look around.
We’ve also got our Facebook group where you can meet other parents. And if you’ve got any questions about twins in separate sacs feel free to ask us in the comments below! We love to talk to moms and expectant moms to be, just like you!
Twins are caused when the fertilised egg splits in two early in your pregnancy. In extremely rare cases, the egg can split far later than normal, which results in your twins sharing a placenta, and also sharing their amniotic sac.
This is called Monoamniotic-Monochorionic twins, (which literally means they share the same amniotic sac and placenta,) mono mono twins, or sometimes even mo mo twins.
Because both of your twins are sharing the same space, with no barrier between them, mono mono pregnancies carry considerable risks for your babies, and require incredibly careful monitoring to make sure that everything is all right.
Unfortunately, even discovered early, momo twins survival rate is quite low, with an in-utero mortality rate of around 50%, because of risks like cord entanglement and twin to twin transfusion syndrome, (TTTS) which we’ll go into below.
What Does This Mean for You and Your Twins?
As soon as it’s discovered that you’re carrying these twins, you should be referred to a doctor specialising in high risk pregnancies, (a perinatologist.)
Because of the risks involved with this type of pregnancy, you’re likely going to need a higher level of care, with far more scans and much closer monitoring as you go through your pregnancy, to catch any complications as they arise.
Bear in mind that both of your twins should be perfectly healthy. Long term, as long as both are born safely it’s not going to affect their health, and they will both go on to live normal, happy lives.
Mono Mono Twins Complications
Unfortunately, because they share one amniotic sac, they’re at a far greater risk of fetal death than any other sort of twin pregnancy. Possible complications that can affect your twins include:
Cord entanglement: Because both twins are floating in the same sac with nothing in between them, it’s very easy for them to become entangled in each other’s umbilical cords. In the worst case, this can result in a nuchal cord, or an umbilical cord wrapped around the neck of one of your babies. Obviously this poses a pretty big risk. In single pregnancies, nuchal cords generally resolve themselves before birth, but with these twins, this is the main complication that can occur.
Cord compression: It’s also possible for one fetus to compress the umbilical cord of the other, resulting in a lack of blood and nutrients being delivered to the other fetus, which can lead to further problems.
Twin to twin transfusion syndrome: In any twin pregnancy where the babies share a placenta, there’s a small chance that one baby will receive more blood flow than the other. This leads to one of the twins being larger and healthier, and the other smaller and undernourished. TTTS has 5 stages, from minor through to severe, with associated risks. Thankfully, with new advances in scientific medicine, if TTTS is caught early even the most severe cases can be treated, with a success rate of anywhere up to 90%, which is obviously good.
Because these problems can only be detected by scans, it’s especially important for moms to be that are expecting mono mono twins to be constantly monitored, to enable any situations that occur to be dealt with as best as possible.
Will Having Mo Mo Twins Affect Your Pregnancy?
You’re already having twins, so your babies are likely to have a lower birth weight than single pregnancies. By itself this is nothing to worry about, but twins that share a placenta are even more likely to have a lower birth weight.
Premature delivery is also incredibly likely, as it is with all twins. You aren’t more likely to have an early delivery than any other type of twin birth, but the chance of your twins being born very early, (generally before 32 weeks) is much higher, almost twice as high.
Your doctor will likely recommend that your twins are delivered before their recommended due date, and it’s also a lot more likely that a caesarean section will be recommended, to aid in delivery and lower the possible risk of complications.
If a cord entanglement situation is discovered, it is possible that your doctor will recommend an extremely early delivery, potentially as early as 24 weeks, as cord entanglement is a major risk and this gives them the greatest chance of survival.
TTTS has also recently become treatable, using a technique called laser ablation that strategically severs smaller blood vessels in the placenta to balance the blood flow between your babies. Whilst this sounds scary, it increases the chance of both twins making it to full term from around 10% to almost 70%!
What Can You Do for Your Mono Mono Twins?
Carrying them isn’t normally any different for the mother. It generally depends on the needs of your babies, and can change depending on differing situations.
The most significant change is the frequency of scans and other health and observation checks, which your doctor will perform to make sure that nothing major is happening that could threaten the well being of your babies.
In the worst cases, for example cord entanglement, it’s possible that you could be hospitalized to give your doctor the ability to constantly monitor you, but this is only going to happen in the worst cases.
In general, just look after yourself as best you can and follow any advice your doctor gives you. Get adequate rest, eat healthy, try not to overexert yourself, and don’t worry. Remember that you’re in the best hands possible!
What Does All This Mean?
In the past, learning your twins were mono mono was a massive problem. It meant that you were probably going to lose one, if not both. But with advances in medicine and the far greater level of care we have today, having mo mo twins isn’t the sentence it once was.
Of course, you’re still going to need close monitoring, and it’s natural to worry, but just remember than finding our your twins are mono mono early gives them the best survival chance possible, and in all probability you’re going to be giving birth to a pair of happy, healthy babies! That’s awesome!
Did you have mono mono twins? Maybe you’ve just been diagnosed with a mo mo pregnancy and want to ask our advice, or even offer some. Whatever it is, we’re here, and whatever you need, let us know in the comments below.
Almost one third of twins start as just one egg, which then divides and leads to a pair of wonderful identical twins! But depending on how late the egg splits, can lead to very different situations for you and your babies.
In most cases the egg splits early, which leads to a standard and generally uncomplicated pregnancy, but if the egg decides to split later, it can lead to situations like mono di twins.
Monochorionic Diamniotic twins have their own amniotic sacs, but share a placenta.
Because they come from the same egg, they are always identical. Sharing a placenta can lead to complications in your pregnancy, but recent advances in medicine have limited the risks of mono di pregnancies, so now it’s only considered a medium risk, rather than the high risk it would have been even ten or fifteen years ago.
What Does This Mean for You and Your Twins?
Generally, learning that your twins are mono di is nothing to worry about. The mono di twin survival rate is around 97%, with only around 15% of mono di cases developing into a situation that requires close monitoring or hospital intervention.
This means it’s incredibly likely that your mono di pregnancy will progress exactly like any other twin pregnancy, with no complications or problems arising.
And even if problems should arise, scientific advances give your twins the best chance of survival, with a relatively simple and safe medical procedure that’s available now that can deal with the major problem that faces this sort of pregnancy.
What Are the Mono Di Twins Complications?
Because they share a placenta, complications and problems occur with more frequency; the main ones being Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome, (or TTTS) and Twin Reversed Arterial Perfusion sequence, (TRAP.)
TTTS
Twin to twin transfusion syndrome is caused when there’s an imbalance in the blood flow from the placenta to each of your twins. Put simply, one of your twins is getting more blood than the other one, and this means they are also getting more oxygen and nutrients.
This can lead to complications with both twins. The twin receiving the lions share of the blood will produce more urine, which leads to a larger bladder and potentially even heart failure.
[amazon-banner]
Because they’re receiving more blood and producing more urine, this can cause an excess of amniotic fluid, which causes the womb to expand and can lead to premature labor and delivery, which could lead to the loss of one or both babies.
The twin receiving less blood will develop anemia through lack of red blood cells, as well as producing less amniotic fluid, which in severe cases can cause the amniotic sac to stick to the fetus, and the fetus to potentially stick to the inside of the womb.
Even if the twin receiving less blood dies, the surviving twin is still at risk, because the shared blood vessels can cause major complications in blood flow, oxygen and nutrient levels. Over time, this can lead to growth deficiencies and other problems.
TTTS is generally treated with one of two methods, with a third option being taken only in the worst circumstances.
The first is amnioreduction, in which excess amniotic fluid is drawn from the larger twin’s amniotic sac, which reduces the chances of premature birth, decreases the strain on the mother and normally equalises blood flow between your babies.
If surgery is needed, a procedure called laser ablation is used, in which doctors seal off some of the blood vessels in your placenta to even up the amount of blood going to both twins.
In the rarest and most severe cases, it’s possible for doctors to close off the blood supply to the twin receiving less blood completely, so that the twin receiving the most blood can survive. This option is only ever taken when there is no other choice.
Thankfully, all of these options have incredibly high success rates, and caught early enough, TTTS is a situation that can be managed and dealt with, no matter what complications might occur.
TRAP Sequence
In 1% of cases, mono di twins can develop into a situation called twin reversed arterial perfusion sequence, or TRAP.
[amazon-banner]
What this means is that one twin develops without a heart, and normally many other internal organs, and is connected to the healthy twin with a large blood vessel.
Because they have no heart structure, the twin with no heart (called the acardiac twin) receives all their blood from the first twin, or pump twin. This causes the pump twin’s heart to have to work harder, because it is supplying blood to two bodies.
Treated properly, the survival rate for the pump twin is very high, with around 85% going on to live normal, healthy lives. Sadly, the acardiac twin cannot survive with no heart, and will not survive after birth.
Depending on how your twins TRAP sequence progresses, it may require surgical intervention, in the form of radiofrequency ablation. This procedure seals off the blood vessels in the acardiac twin, stopping the pump twin’s heart from having to work so hard.
Thankfully, even a procedure as delicate as this has a fantastic success rate, with a survival rate as high as 9 out of 10 for even the worst case scenario.
Will Having Mono Di Twins Affect Your Pregnancy?
Because you’re having twins, you’re already at a higher chance of premature birth, lower birth weights for your babies, and it’s also likely that your doctor will recommend a caesarian birth.
Other than this, once you know you’re expecting them, it’s normal to face a barrage of scans and tests. This is just to make sure that both of your babies are developing normally, with none of the complications we’ve just talked about.
Happily, as long as your babies are both healthy and don’t develop any of the syndromes we’ve discussed, you can expect a completely normal pregnancy.
Are you expecting mono di twins? Any interesting stories or encouragement for new mothers? Let us know all about it in our comments section.
I don’t have to tell you how susceptible newborns and young children are to colds, dry skin and other complaints. I mean, it seems like every week there’s something new, right?
And this only gets worse in winter, where harsh, dry air leads to sore throats, dry, itchy skin and stuffy noses. Babies are much more vulnerable to these problems, being congestion prone with weaker immune systems, and considering how prevalent colds are in winter, it’s always smart to take every precaution against them you can. You need the best humidifier for babies.
This goes double when you have twins, because you can bet your life that as soon as one of them gets something, the other one will too!
In this post we look into the different types of baby humidifiers and which one might be the best option for you.
But first, here’s a quick comparison of the top products:​
Best Humidifier for Babies Comparison
Disclosure: The links to Amazon.com within this article are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. This does not affect the price nor does it influence the products we feature.
Humidifiers for babies are pretty simple in operation, actually. They all work along the same lines, with a tank of water and some method of dispersing it into the air, increasing the humidity of the room that you’ve put them into.
There are four major types: warm mist humidifiers, impeller humidifiers, evaporative humidifiers and ultrasonic humidifiers.
Warm Mist Humidifiers
The major bonuses of these is that they are cheap to buy, and super quiet when they’re running. They can also come recommended by pediatricians, because the warmer air they emit can be good for killing micro-organisms and opening up airways.
However, because they contain a hot heating element to raise the temperature inside, they can pose a burning hazard, and this is something you’re going to have to take into account when you’re placing it, to make sure it can’t fall or tiny hands don’t go exploring.
Impeller Humidifiers
Impeller humidifiers use a spinning disk, like a tiny fan, to basically throw tiny droplets into the air to humidify your room. They work fine as humidifiers, but have the major problem of dispersing any bacteria or micro-organisms in the water you’re using into the air, which then gets onto skin and into lungs.
It’s for this reason that we don’t recommend impeller humidifiers for use in nurseries.
Evaporative Humidifiers
Evaporative humidifiers work by drawing water up into a wick system, then blowing it from that wick into the air with a fan.
Whilst this is the most natural way to disperse water into your babies nursery, they’re more prone to failure and incredibly loud as they’re running, which can interfere with a decent night’s sleep.
Ultrasonic Humidifiers
We personally recommend these for use in nurseries. Using a high frequency sound far beyond the range of human hearing, they vibrate the molecules in the water and cause it to turn into a mist.
They might be a little bit more expensive up front, but you save that money in the long run because they don’t need any filters for the water; a major expense in all other types of humidifier for babies.
But Isn’t There a White Dust Problem?
You might have heard that ultrasonic humidifier for babies leave white dust everywhere, and it’s a huge pain in the behind to clean even after a few hours of use.
In our experience, nothing could be further from the truth. Most good ultrasonic humidifiers have built in demineralisation cartridges which pull the vast majority of minerals from the water before it’s expelled as mist, which deals with this problem.
Obviously, you can’t remove all trace minerals from water, so it’s still normal to have the tiniest amount of white residue nearby after leaving it on all night, but it wipes up with one swipe of a cloth and leaves nothing long term.
Even if this bothers you, it’s easy enough to fill it up with demineralised or distilled water, which can go even further toward eliminating this problem completely.
And just in case you’re worried, this dust is completely harmless, so searching fingers and mouths aren’t going to cause any mischief.
Why Do Babies Need Humidifiers?
There’s a few great reasons why you might need one. It’s not something you’re likely to need in the first few weeks after you give birth, but in our opinion it’s still worth picking one up when you can. After all, you never know, and it’s something you are going to use in the long run, so you lose nothing by buying early and storing it in the cupboard.
So why buy a humidifier for babies anyway?
Humidifiers, especially ones aimed for babies and young kids, usually have built in features that can help them sleep. Firstly, the white noise really helps your babies sleep, especially when they’re younger. Second, a lot have built in night lights and low lights that can bring a nursery to a low, relaxing set of shades.
The ability to control humidity hugely helps to fight against mold and the problems mold can cause, like asthma.
They are incredible at helping lessen the effects of congestion, colds and other respiratory problems. Rooms that are too dry or humid make these issues far harder for your body to deal with, and the smaller breathing channels of a babies nose and mouth mean they suffer from these problems far more.
Skin conditions like dry skin, chapped lips and dry eyes are easily caused by parched, dry air. Increasing the humidity of your nursery will go a long way to fighting these problems.
What Should You Look for in a Humidifier?
When you’re looking for the best humidifier for babies, there’s a few key things to look out for:
How Much Noise Does It Make?
Consider how quiet it is when it’s working. Bear in mind young babies will actually appreciate white noise, so don’t worry about this. Pay close attention to other noises though, like dripping, mechanical sounds or beeping, because these are the things that could wake up sleeping tots.
How Long Does It Last and Does It Have an Auto Shut Off?
You’re probably going to be leaving your humidifier on all night in your baby’s nursery, so it’s good to pick something up that’s going to last all night.
If it isn’t going to last all night, then make sure it has an automatic shut off. Most good brands will have this feature, but it’s still worth making sure, because a running humidifier with no water in it can damage itself.
Is It Adjustable in Any Way?
Most have different settings, for example only running for half the time, and some of the more expensive models actually have sensors and an adjustable humidistat, which will only turn it on when it’s needed.
How Easy Is It to Refill and Clean?
If you’re using it regularly, you’ll appreciate a humidifier that’s simple to refill, without splashing or getting water everywhere.
It’s also good practice to clean your humidifier every week or so, to make sure it’s pristine and prevent mold or bacteria from growing in the areas that don’t experience any water flow. Being able to take it apart and get right into the components is good here.
Does It Need Cartridges or Costly Components?
Most of our recommendations are ultrasonic humidifiers, so this isn’t something you’re going to have to worry about, but it’s still something to consider, especially if you don’t choose something we like.
Does It Have Any Options for Your Babies, Like Nightlights?
Obviously, this one isn’t essential, but it can add to the atmosphere of a room. Some baby humidifiers have multiple color options that will add the finishing touch to any nursery, no matter how it’s decorated.
Can also be used with essential oils, completely safely
Whisper quiet
Cons
Some of the internals are relatively fragile
Only lasts 6 hours on a full tank of water
The fact that this tiny little device is about the size of your iPhone doesn’t mean it’s not packed full of features. An ultrasonic humidifier that also doubles as an oil diffuser, if you regularly use essential oils around your house you’ll definitely appreciate the fact that you can spread scents across your rooms with just a few drops at a time.
It’s still perfectly suited for nurseries, though. The fact that it’s so small means you can fit it anywhere, plus the 7 different colors and nightlight are ideal for keeping your little one’s room the right light level as well as humidity. It’s also super cute to look at.
It’s got programmed cycles including an intermittent use mode, and an auto off feature, which is good because it only last 6 hours with a full tank, one of the few downsides of this model. Apart from that, it’s quite fragile, so don’t go throwing it around.
If you want a humidifier that’s capable of handling any normal sized rooms and comes with every option we recommend, there really is no better model than this one.
With a large tank and a long running time of up to 16 hours, if you’ve got a larger house or a particularly large nursery, this model is a good choice.
Ultrasonic, the rotating nozzle and adjustable speed controls that mean you can get the exact amount of hydration where it’s needed, which goes well with the size of the reservoir. Once you’ve got this set up the way you need it, it’s incredibly easy to just turn it on and leave it all day and night.
It’s easy to refill, too, which is nice when you’ve got such a large amount of water going into it. Anything less than this could be really unwieldy and hard to use.
There’s a couple of minor downsides, though. One, the buttons that turn it on and adjust the settings are loud and obtrusive, so make sure you don’t use them around anyone who’s trying to sleep!
It’s also quite fragile, so be gentle when you’re moving it.
Apart from that though, this is an amazing humidifier, especially if, like we’ve already said, you’re looking to use it in larger sized rooms.
Can be completely drained, dried and totally cleaned
Automatic shut off
Night light built in
Cons
Needs more cleaning
It’s pretty loud when it’s on
The only non ultrasonic model in our list, this Vicks brand humidifier is a warm mist type, so keep it away from young ones because there’s a higher possibility that they could hurt themselves on the heating element.
If you can deal with that, though, there’s a lot to love. It’s got all the standard features, including a night light and automatic off when it’s empty. But it’s going to take a lot to empty, with a huge one gallon tank that takes at least 12 hours to empty on the most powerful setting.
It takes more cleaning than an ultrasonic model, so you’ll be glad to hear that this one is really simple to take apart. You can get right into it and make sure that everything is completely pristine before you put it back together again.
The real differentiating factor though is the fact that you can use medicated vapors in the water! We all know what Vicks do. I think everyone’s mother rubbed vaporub on their chest at some point in their childhood, but with this humidifier you can disperse it straight into the air, which is so so good when your children (or even you) have coughs and colds.
Whisper quiet, with an easy to read LED screen right on the side that tells you exactly what’s going on with your humidifier and with your room, Taotronics humidifier is a good choice for anyone who wants something a little more technical.
Even if you aren’t the most tech savvy mom though, don’t be put off. It’s actually very simple to use, with a simple set of buttons you’ll get the hang of in just one go.
There’s a built in humidistat, as well as full mist and humidity control, which means that you can set this exactly to the level you want your room to be and know that it will keep it exactly where you want it to be, so your babies are going to get the most comfortable sleeping environment possible.
It’s also got a really good working time, with around 15 hours of humidity from the one gallon tank.
Whilst it’s not the prettiest we’ve ever seen, as the most adjustable of our list, this humidifier for babies is perfect if you’re looking for absolute control, on top of the whole list of solid features it already comes with.
Premium construction, with antibacterial materials
6 different night light colors
Built in auto shut off
Cons
Can’t open it up, so difficult to clean
Pain to refill
Cute, petite and really well put together, Anypro’s baby humidifier is a really sweet little system that’s got a lot to recommend, and a few really irritating quirks that just set it back from being the best there is.
First, I’ve got to mention the running time. It lasts forever. Literally an entire day or more, depending on how you’ve set it.
It’s made well, with solid plastics that have built in antibacterial and antifungal effects, keeping everything clean. Which is good, because this is actually a real pain to clean. You can’t get inside it, so you have to try and work around all of the holes and then just leave it to dry.
It’s got a night light, which is really soft and lights up whatever room it’s in beautifully, and can be set to several colors, too!
I wish I could say this was the top humidifier for babies but it isn’t. It’s still really good though, especially if you can deal with the cleaning side of it, so if you’re looking for one that you can just set and forget, then take a close look at this one.
No matter what you’re looking for, there’s the best humidifier for babies out there for you.
Do you have any tips or advice on keeping your nurseries at the right temperature and humidity? Any secrets you’d like to share with us from hard earned experience? We’d love to hear about it, so let us know in the comments below.
As well as being by far the most common type of twin pregnancy, it’s also the best case scenario, with the least amount of complications and the best chance of both of your twins being born completely healthy without any intervention from your doctor or hospital.
Di Di Twins: What Does This Mean for You and Your Twins?
As any mom who might be expecting twins knows, twin pregnancies are hard! Or at least, much harder than single births. Bear in mind that we’re designed to only carry one baby at a time, and it’s actually pretty miraculous how adaptable we are.
But twin pregnancies still put hugely increased strain on both the mother and the twins growing inside of her.
For the mother in twin pregnancies, her uterus is going to get bigger much faster than with a singleton pregnancy. You can expect to be the size of a woman at full term with just one baby at the start of your third trimester!
Because you’re supplying blood to two babies instead of one, your heart has to work that much harder, and you can expect to be pumping the same amount of blood as a full term single pregnancy at around the 25th week!
You’re also at a higher risk of all the lovely things that pregnant women face already, like pre-eclampsia, as well as likely premature birth and your babies having lower birth weights, so expect more twin sonogram appointments. It’s a fun time all round.
Thankfully, a di di twin pregnancy has the least chance of major problems amongst twin pregnancies, with the smallest list of major complications.
What Are the Complications of Di Di Twins
Whilst having twins is a fantastic event, there are several complications that can occur from carrying more than one child at a time.
The first, and probably biggest complication that’s the most likely to happen is premature birth. Almost 2/3rds of twins are born premature, with lower birth weights than single babies. Whilst being born a little premature won’t affect the health of your babies, the earlier they are born the higher the risk, with very early babies even needing help breathing.
Anemia. Because of the increased demand for blood of carrying two babies, the chance of anemia in pregnancy is more than doubled.
Gestational hypertension. Again, the chance of this is almost doubled. The increased blood pressure also puts women carrying twins at a higher chance of pre-eclampsia, which can lead to serious problems if it isn’t treated.
Birth defects. Multiple births like twins are around twice as likely to suffer from birth defects than single pregnancies.
Miscarriage. The chance of miscarriage is higher than with single pregnancies, with the possibility of losing one or both twins.
Gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes is more likely when you’re having twins, especially if you already had a BMI of more than 30 when you fell pregnant.
Obstetric cholestasis. This is a pretty uncommon condition that affects very few pregnant women. It causes intense itching with no other symptoms, and it’s thought to be caused by high concentrations of pregnancy hormones. As you’re going to be producing more of these (again, twins…) you’re more likely to suffer from this.
Will Having Di Di Twins Affect Giving Birth?
The favored dichorionic diamniotic twins delivery method is caesarian, because there are more complications that can occur with a twin birth. It’s also unlikely that you’ll be recommended a home birth, if that’s an option that you were hoping for.
It’s also normal for there to be more doctors and nurses around you as you’re giving birth to your twins, because of the increased chance of complications.
Your labor is generally going to be treated the same, but your twins are going to be more heavily monitored, normally with an electronic sensor that will be placed on the outside of your bump.
As for the birth itself, if you’re lucky enough to deliver normally, then it’s going to be pretty much identical to delivering a single baby, except twice! The only difference is that once your first child is born, the position of your second child will be checked either manually or with a scan.
If the second baby is in the correct position, you might just give birth completely naturally. If not, you’ll probably be given hormones to induce a second birth.
There’s a whole list of complications that can cause your doctor to recommend a caesarian birth. Don’t worry if this is the case. Like I said, over half of twin births are delivered by caesarian, so it’s completely normal. Just relax, trust that your babies are going to be fine and let the doctors do what they do.
What Can You Do for Your Di Di Twins?
The best thing to do is appreciate that you’re lucky enough to be giving birth to twins!
All of that aside, having di di twins is much the same as a single pregnancy, except you have two! So just follow all of the normal good practices.
Make sure you’re getting enough rest and eating well, taking multivitamins is good, and don’t overexert or overstress yourself. Finally, make sure to follow any advice your medical practitioners give you. After all, they have your best interests in mind!
How was your twin pregnancy? Or maybe you’re currently pregnant with twins, or trying and hoping you’ll be lucky enough to conceive twins! If you’ve got any twin stories or advice for moms to be, we’d love to hear it, so share in the comments below!
