What do I need to know about Mono twins (Monochorionic-Monoamniotic) twins?

There are three different types of twin pregnancies: DIchorionic-Diamniotic and that means that you have two babies in two separate sacks and they both have their own placenta. Another type of twin pregnancy which is Monochorionic-Diamniotic, and this means you have two babies in two separate sacks sharing one placenta, a third type is Monochorionic-Monoamniotic twins and this is where you have two babies in the same sack sharing one placenta. There are inherent risks that come with twin pregnancy in general, but the specific type of twin pregnancy is very important in determining the care that you will need during your pregnancy. For example you wanted to know about Monochorionic-Monoamniotic twins. These are really rare, they happen one out of every 10,000 pregnancies and it happens when one single fertilized egg splits about 8 to 12 days after fertilization and becauses you have two babies in the same sack without a separation between the two, the inherent risk is that their umbilical cords can tangle up and it can cut off oxygenization to one or both babies and cause death. And so stillbirth is a huge risk and because of this there are things a doctor will recommend for a woman who is pregnant with mono-mono twins. For example at a certain point in pregnancy a doctor will recommend that a woman is admitted inpatient to the hospital and that both babies heart rates are monitored on a consistent basis to watch for signs of cord entanglement. There are certain heart rate patterns that would indicate that this is happening and delivery could happen quickly if necessary when the women is inpatient and being monitored continuously. There are other things that a doctor may recommend but basically if you are pregnant with mono-mono twins or any type of twin pregnancy and you have questions about it or concerns talk with your OB provider and based on their knowledge of the specifics of your circumstances they will be able to give you tailored information and advice about a plan of care. Good luck with everything and if you have more questions in the future for me, feel free to ask them on our Facebook page at facebook.com/intermountainmoms and recommend us to your friends and family too.