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Twins & Multiples

Monoamniotic Twins: One Sac, More Risks

The Facts About Monoamniotic Twins

Risks and triumphs of monoamniotic twinsJanet Grant's 7-week ultrasound showed one healthy baby. The same technician at 20 weeks nonchalantly informed her she was having twins.

"I honestly thought she was joking, and this was just some sick sonographer's humor," says Grant, mother of five from Tallahassee, Fla. "My husband exclaimed, 'But you told us 13 weeks ago that there was only ONE!' She was so stunned that she'd missed twins at 7 weeks, she stopped the ultrasound then and there to go look for the old films."

Monozygotic or identical twinning occurs when one sperm fertilizes one egg.

Later that day, the technician tracked them down to tell the Grants that even knowing there was a second baby on the films, she still couldn't find it.

"I asked her if she could tell if they were identical or fraternal," says Grant. "I have identical twin brothers, so I was guessing that mine were, too. She simply said, 'I think they're identical. They look to be in the same sac.' I thought that all identicals were in the same sac. Wrong!"

The Facts About Identical Twins
Monozygotic or identical twinning occurs when one sperm fertilizes one egg. This fertilized egg then divides, resulting in two or more identical zygotes. The timing of the division determines the separateness of the placentas and amniotic sacs. When division occurs after eight days following fertilization, fetuses share a single placenta and a single amniotic sac (monoamniotic). About 5 percent of monozygotic twins are monoamniotic.


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Monoamniotic Twins: One Sac, More Risks

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Nycki says
October 17, 2009

I just found out i'm having momo twins. Right now they're in the same gestational sac. i'm really nervous because i miscarried the last three times. Right now prayer is my best friend.

Dana Pate says
October 4, 2009

I delivered MOMO twin boys last Dec. (2008) and they were the first boy MOMO twins at our big city hospital in B'ham AL. We were seen by a wonderful specialist that performed dopler studies each week to test the blood flow in the cords. When one baby wasn't getting enough blood to his brain, it was time to take them out. I made it to 30 wks. They were 2 lb 9 oz and 2 lb 14 oz..they are 9 months old now and doing well. God is faithful and has the power to protect your babies...just spend more time praying and less time researching!!! Good Luck! Our blog site to read our story is www.patemiracles.blogspot.com

John says
August 3, 2009

My wife and I are expecting MOMOs. They are little girls and when they are seen in the womb sucking each others toes it is quite clear that they are in the same sac. I would agree that there is a lot of dire predictions for this type of birth but with that said a co-worker of my wife was quick to highlight a friend that she has with two perfectly normal daugthers that are now 5 years old and of course were MOMOs. It really is about the monitoring and keeping those little ones in as long as possible. We are hoping to make it to 34 weeks but 32 appears to be doable. I am concerned about the preemie like birth defects but can't worry about that now just need to beaware.

Brian says
July 22, 2009

you are very right damon we just found out we were having identical twins, but were not sure if they will be momo, but everything you read is about all the complications that may arise, to me these sites make me very nervous about the whole thing, but like you said stick to the appointments and all should be well.

Damon Perucich says
May 30, 2009

This article is typical drivel. Monoamniotic twins have a very high success rate as long as they are monitored heavily
In this article, when the woman finds out she has this type of twins, she goes into a bathroom and cries for an hour? That's so ridiculous, and a typical drama Queen response.
Why work yourself up over something that could happen?
My advice as a soon to be father of monoamniotic twins... don't think about the what ifs or buts, just make sure you keep your appointments, ask questions and go to the best equipped hospital.
Articles like this just increase stress, and my advice is ignore most sites like this, they only hype up the possibilities of complications.

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