Twin pregnancy: What is it, types, complications, diagnosis

How Does Twin Pregnancy Happen?

A twin pregnancy is type of multifetal pregnancy where you have two fetuses instead of one inside your womb. Although the occurrence of multifetal pregnancy is around 1% of all pregnancies, its incidence is increasing nowadays due to infertility treatments, IVF (in vitro fertilization) and various ART (assisted reproductive technology) procedures.

A Twin Pregnancy May Be of the Following Types:

Monozygotic Twin-It happens when a single ovum is fertilized by a single sperm resulting in the formation of a single zygote which further cleaves into two. These twins are also known as identical twins.

Depending upon the time of division of zygote, Monozygotic twin are further classified as:
- Dichorionic Diamniotic (DCDA) twin- It happens when inner cell mass division occurs within 72 hours of zygote formation.
- Monochorionic Diamniotic (MCDA) twin- It happens when inner cell mass division occurs between 4-8 days after zygote formation. It is the most common type among monozygotic twins.
- Monochorionic monoamniotic (MCMA) twin- It happens when inner cell mass division occurs between 8-12 days after zygote formation.
- Conjoined Twins- It happens when inner cell mass division occurs >12 days after zygote formation.
Dizygotic twin- It happens when two ova are fertilized by two sperms resulting in the formation of two separate zygotes. It is always dichorionic diamniotic and is the most common type of multifetal pregnancy and accounts for 80% cases among twin pregnancy.

Risks Factors for Twin Pregnancy?

Risk factors of having a twin pregnancy includes the following:

Infertility treatment
IVF
ART
Family history of twin pregnancy in maternal or paternal side.
Ethnicity
Increased maternal age
Race
Multiparity
Healthy well-nourished womenm Pregnancy after stopping OCPs (oral contraceptive pills) etc.

What Are the Complications of Twin or Multifetal Pregnancy?

Twin pregnancy is associated with many complications as compared to a singleton pregnancy. Among twin pregnancies, complications are much higher in monochorionic twins as compared to dichorionic twins as monochorionic twins shares a single placenta. Complications are also higher in monoamniotic twins. Given below is a list of complications that can occur in multifetal pregnancy-

Preterm labor
Premature rupture of membranes (PROM)
Higher chances of congenital malformations
Cord entanglement
Polyhydramnios
Increased maternal complications such as-
- Hyperemesis gravidarum
- Hypertension
- Palpitations
- Difficulty in breathing
- Excessive abdominal distention
- Increased wait gain during pregnancy
- Varicose veins
- Increased pedal edema
- Increased risk of hemorrhoids
- Difficulty in daily activities etc.
Low birth weight and prematurity.
TTTS (Twin-twin transfusion syndrome)
TAPS (Twin anemia-polycythemia syndrome)
Acardiac twin
TRAP (Twin reversed arterial perfusion)
Poly-Oli syndrome or TOPS (Twin polyhydramnios-oligohydramnios syndrome)
Vanishing twin
Fetal anemia
Fetus papyraceus
Feus compressus
Increased chances of C-section
Increased risk of placental insufficiency
Conjoint twins
Difficult labor
Higher fetal mortality
Higher perinatal mortality
Higher neonatal mortality.

What Are the Complications of Twin or Multifetal Pregnancy?

Twin pregnancy is diagnosed with the help of ultrasound scan known as Ultrasound twin scan. Best time for the evaluation of the type of twin pregnancy on ultrasound scan is 11-14 weeks of gestation.

Following findings can be demonstrated on ultrasound imaging depending upon the type of twin pregnancy:

1)Twin peak sign- This is also known as Lambda sign, characterized by the protrusion of placenta in the space between the intervening membrane present in between the twins and is seen in dichorionic diamniotic twins.

2)T-sign- It is the presence of thin intervening membrane between the twins and is seen in monochorionic diamniotic twins.

3)In monochorionic monoamniotic twins, there is no intervening membranes between them.

What Are the Uses of Ultrasound in Twin Pregnancy?

Ultrasound play many crucial roles in the diagnosis, monitoring and management of multifetal pregnancy such as:

Diagnosis of twin or multifetal pregnancy
Evaluation of chorionicity and amnionicity
Detection of congenital malformations in fetus
Assessment of umbilical cord insertion for abnormal insertions in placenta such as velamentous insertions.
Detection of fetal anemia
Detection of abnormalities of placenta
Evaluation of amniotic fluid volume
Detection of fetal complications such as TRAP, TOPS, TTTS or fetal demise.
Monitoring of pregnancy
Planning the mode of delivery
Planning the date of delivery etc.

How Do I Prepare for USG Twins Scan?

Follow these simple steps if you are going for an ultrasound twin scan:

Take an appointment- Fix an appointment in a diagnostic center having the facility of Obstetric ultrasound scan or Ultrasound twin scan.
Clothing- Dress yourself in loose and comfortable outfits so that your body parts which need to be scanned can be easily assessed.
Food and medications- You can take your usual food and supplements unless otherwise specified by your healthcare professional. Fasting is not required in obstetrics USG.
You need to drink plenty of water to make your bladder full just before the scan begins.
Smoking/Tobacco- Avoid smoking or tobacco chewing before the test as nicotine in these substances may case vasoconstriction which may alter the test results.
Hygiene- Maintain hygiene and do not apply oils or creams over the area which need to be evaluated.
Reports- Carry your relevant medical and lab reports along with prescription of your obstetrician with stamp while going for USG scan. These may aid in better evaluation of your condition.
Take a company- Get accompanied by a family member or a friend to have emotional and physical support.

What Is the Procedure of USG Scanning for Twin Pregnancy?

The procedure for ultrasound twin scan may involve the following steps:

Before the scan begins you need to remove ornaments and clothes from the body to expose the Abdomino-pelvic region which is being examined.
You will be then asked to lie on the examination table.
Your Radiologist/Obstetrician will then apply gel/lubricant over the Abdomino-pelvic area for the smooth gliding of probe over it. However, the transducer is kept inside your vagina in case of TVS scan.
Then a transducer/probe will be moved over the skin which sends high frequency sound waves to the body parts. These sound waves are reflected back and are recorded by the ultrasound machine and converted into images or graphs. These images will be interpreted by your sonographer to assess your condition.
At the end of scan, tissue paper will be provided to clean the gel/lubricant from the body surface.
You will be allowed to leave once the scan is over.

What Happens After Ultrasound Twins Scan?

Twin Ultrasound usually takes about 30-40 minutes. However, it may last longer if there is any associated co-morbid conditions.
You will be allowed to leave soon after the scan.
After the procedure got over, your Sonographer will analyze the result and make a report of your existing conditions.
You will get the reports on the same day.
These reports will be evaluated by your Obstetrician -
- To check normal fetal growth and development
- To rule out any pregnancy-related complications
- To identify any abnormality and make a proper management plan for your twin pregnancy.
Ultrasonography is a safe procedure with no risks/side effects.

Twin Pregnancy Ultrasound Price in Delhi?

Twin Ultrasound Cost generally vary with city and location. Various diagnostic and imaging centers in the same city charges differently according to the quality of machines they provide and the offers currently availing in them. USG scan charges also vary with the body part which need to be examined and the type of USG scan.

To choose the best diagnostic center for twin pregnancy scans in Delhi. Click Here

Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging center (GDIC) is now offering 50% discount on all types of Pregnancy ultrasound/Sonography tests including twin ultrasound scan, TVS ultrasound, Obstetrical USG etc.

Charges of various types of Ultrasonography scan used in twin pregnancy, in Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging center (GDIC) Delhi are as following:

Which Diagnostic Center Is Best for Twin Ultrasonography in North-East Delhi?

Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging center (GDIC) is the best diagnostic center for twin pregnancy ultrasound/USG scan in Rohini, North-Delhi.

Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging center is now considered one of the most popular and affordable Diagnostic centers in Delhi. We provide high standard quality services to our patients. Genuine reporting and Patient satisfaction are our top priority. We offer seamless integration between diagnosis and treatment planning.

We are also having the facility of different types of Pregnancy ultrasound scans including-

Why Choose Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Center for Twins Ultrasound Scan?

Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Center is a NABH and NABL accredited top diagnostic center situated in ROHINI and various other locations of Delhi. It is equipped with modern, highly expensive machines with latest cutting-edge technologies and highly skilled Radiologists and Pathologists.

Currently, we are offering 50% discount on all types of ultrasound tests.

We are open 24x7 and 365 days. You can also avail free Consultation with our Senior Radiologist, Dr. Ravin Sharma regarding any imaging and scanning test.

We also offer facilities of online reporting, free home blood sample collection and free Ambulance services in Delhi, NCR. We are also empanelled with various departments and organizations. So, you can get the services at panel rate too.

For more details visit your nearest Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging center (GDIC) today or Call us now!

Hurry! Grab the best deals now!

To avail free online consultation with Radiologist. Click here!

To know more about our services. Click here!

FAQs Related to USG Twins:

What are the other names for USG Twins?

USG Twins is known by various names such as:

Twins scan
Ultrasound Twins
Twin pregnancy ultrasound
Twin ultrasound scan
Ultrasonography twin.

Is fasting required for twin pregnancy?

Fasting is not required for twin pregnancy. You can take your usual meals and medications before undergoing ultrasound twin scan.

Can I drink water before ultrasound twins?

Yes, you can drink water before this scan. Infact, you need to drink plenty of water to make your bladder full just before the scan begins.

Is twins scan painful?

Twins scan or Ultrasound for twins is a painless, rapid, non-invasive and safe technique that is used for the diagnosis of twin or multifetal pregnancy, assessment of chorionicity and amnionicity, detection of congenital malformations in fetus and monitoring of twin pregnancy. It also identifies placental pathologies, helps in planning the mode and time of delivery and evaluates if there is any need to terminate pregnancy.

What are the side effects of Twins USG in pregnancy?

Ultrasound twins is a safe procedure with no side effects as it utilizes sound waves and a computer to provide anatomical details of the fetus and maternal pelvic organs. It doesn’t utilize ionizing radiations and thus safe for the mother and fetus.

Advantages of twin scan in pregnancy?

There are several advantages of Ultrasonography/USG twins scan in pregnancy such as:

Rapid technique.
Non-invasive and painless.
Cheap and affordable
Doesn’t utilize ionizing radiations.
No need for intravenous/oral contrast agents which are usually used in the other imaging tools.
Identifies fetal conditions such as fetal anemia, TRAP, TOPS, TTTS or fetal demise.
Help in the assessment of amniotic fluid volume and umbilical cord for abnormal insertions such as velamentous cord insertions.

How much time it takes during twins USG scan?

Twins ultrasound test usually takes about 30-40 minutes for detailed evaluation of both the fetuses. However, it may last longer if there are any associated co-morbid conditions.

How long it takes for Twins Ultrasound report?

Availability of USG level 2 report varies from centre to centre. Ganesh Diagnostic centre provide reports on the same day.

What are Monozygotic twins?

Monozygotic twins are also known as identical twins. This type of twins is produced when a single ovum/egg get fertilized by a single sperm and after formation of a single zygote, it gets divided into two.

What are Dizygotic twins?

Dizygotic twins are non-identical twins. This type of twins is produced when two separate ova are fertilized by two separate sperms, resulting in the formation of two different zygotes. It is the most common type of multifetal pregnancy and accounts for 80% cases among twin pregnancy.