Contents:
- Medical Video: Twin-Twin Transfusion Medical Animation | Cincinnati Fetal Center
- What is twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS)?
- How do doctors diagnose pregnancies for twins at risk for TTTS?
- What is the danger of TTTS for the womb?
Medical Video: Twin-Twin Transfusion Medical Animation | Cincinnati Fetal Center
Identical twins have a relationship between blood in the placenta. But many don't know that this condition can lead to pregnancy complications called twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS).
What is twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS)?
Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is a condition that describes the presence of too many one-way blood connections, creating uneven blood flow imbalance between the twins. One twin may receive too much blood and experience fluid buildup, which places a burden on his heart. These twins then press other twins on the uterine wall. On the other hand, the other twins then receive too little blood, as a result it does not grow well.
Babies who receive too much blood will try to get rid of excess fluid in their body by producing more urine. As a result, he will have too much amniotic fluid around him, while his twin will have little or nothing at all.
However, most twins who share the placenta grow normally. Nearly nine out of 10 monochorionic twins will not experience TTTS. However, complications of TTTS can be very serious if not treated.
How do doctors diagnose pregnancies for twins at risk for TTTS?
If your twins share a placenta, you will have a routine ultrasound scan to look for early signs of TTTS. The scan will take place every two weeks from 16 weeks to 24 weeks. If initial TTTS signs that can develop, you must have a weekly scan and be referred to a fetal medicine specialist for treatment.
Your specialist may recommend treatment to keep your two babies good. One option is to carefully dry the amniotic fluid from the full sac (amniodrainage). This can help to correct imbalances and reduce the pressure in your uterus in mild or moderate TTTS conditions.
In cases of severe TTTS, your doctor may be able to use a laser beam to close the vessels in the placenta. This will make the blood supply to your twins more balanced. Laser treatment is a TTTS treatment that is more permanent than drainage, which sometimes must be repeated. However, laser treatments are only available in some health centers.
What is the danger of TTTS for the womb?
Apart from TTTS, about 10 percent of all monochorionic twins do not grow together and one twin grows slower than the other. This has nothing to do with blood circulation and fluid imbalance. However, it might mean that you will be advised to have a preterm labor if your smaller twin stops growing.
Most monochorionic twins are premature children, born before 37 weeks. Because TTTS can occur until the end of your baby's birth, the midwife or doctor will usually suggest you give birth at the maternity hospital. You and your baby can then receive the care you need.
