Twin death can be caused by a number of factors, but the most common are cord accidents, decreasing amniotic fluid, and prematurity. Cord accidents refer to incidents in which the umbilical cords of twins become tangled or compressed resulting in an unequal distribution of blood and oxygen and asphyxiating one of the twins.
A lack of amniotic fluid around the babies can lead to ingestion of meconium, restriction of fetal growth, umbilical cord compression, and abnormal cord positioning; all of which can lead to twin mortality.
Low birth weight and prematurity can also be attributed to twin death. Premature birth often stems from failing to receive necessary nutrients and oxygen leading to complications in development, including infection and organ failure.
Overall, such factors can cause increased vulnerability in twins, especially when one twin is at a higher risk of mortality due to either being born early or complications related to birth defects, maternal health, or medical concerns.
What is the most common cause of twin death?
The most common cause of twin death is an intrauterine death, which is when one twin passes away in the uterus before birth. This can be due to a number of reasons, including chromosomal abnormalities, severe birth defects, infections, placental abruption, umbilical cord complications, or other factors.
It can also occur due to a complication known as twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), which is a condition where uneven blood flow is present between the twins. This can be the result of blood vessels connecting their shared placenta which allow blood flow to be uneven.
If this is particularly severe, one twin may be deprived of adequate nutrition and oxygen, leading to their death.
What is the common cause of death in twin to twin transfusion?
The common cause of death in twin to twin transfusion is cardiac failure. Twin to twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is a complication in a multiple pregnancy involving two or more fetuses. It occurs when one fetus receives blood from the other via connecting blood vessels that lead to an imbalance of blood flow between the two fetuses.
The connection can occur within the shared placenta or via umbilical cord vessels. One twin (the doner) is at risk of cardiac failure due to increased blood loss, while the other twin (the recipient) is at risk of cardiac failure due to overloaded blood volume.
The donor twin has a higher risk of death due to complications from preterm labor, hypovolemic shock, or anemia. The recipient twin has an increased risk of neurological and physical problems due to the overload of blood volume, or cardiomyopathy.
Both twins are at risk of death before birth due to the heart complications associated with the imbalance of blood in the umbilical cord. Treatment for TTTS may improve outcomes for the twins, but some neonatal deaths still occur.
What are the chances of dying during twin birth?
The chances of dying while giving birth to twins can vary, depending on the health of the mother and the babies, as well as other factors. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the risks of dying during a twin birth is higher than in singleton births, but still relatively low, ranging from 12 to 72 deaths per 100,000 live births in the United States.
Several things can increase the risk of death in twins during labor and delivery, including:
• Premature birth. Preterm twin births, especially before 34 weeks, are associated with a much higher risk of newborn death.
• Low birth weight. In general, twin babies are smaller than single-birth babies and this can increase their risk of death or disability.
• Complications during delivery. Multiple births can put additional strain on a mother and cause prolonged labor or delivery problems for the twins.
• Placental complications. The placenta is a vital link of nutrients and oxygen between the mother and the babies. To provide for two babies, about two-thirds of the placenta tends to be shared between the two, which can cause problems.
Overall, even though twin births do represent an increased risk of death or complications for the mother and babies, it is still a rare occurrence. Taking extra precautions to prepare for the multiple birth and seeking out early frequent prenatal care is strongly advised to reduce the chances of death or other complications.
What happens to a twin when one dies?
The death of a twin can be an incredibly difficult and traumatic experience, both emotionally and psychologically. While the impact of the loss will vary depending on the individual and their particular relationship, the experience is likely to be painful and can change one’s life forever.
Coping with the loss of a twin can involve a variety of difficult emotions such as shock, disbelief, and guilt. Grief usually follows and can range from mild to extreme. It is normal to experience the full range of emotions and take the time to mourn the loss, seek comfort from family and friends, and find ways to memorialize the deceased twin.
In some cases, a survivor of a twin loss may feel a sense of feeling incomplete, like their identity has been compromised, or they have lost a part of themselves. It is also not uncommon to suffer from nightmares or to continuously dream or think of the deceased twin.
Understanding the impact of the loss and getting the right support is essential for dealing with a twin loss. For some, this can involve seeking professional help such as counseling and support groups.
Having an outlet to talk about their feelings with those who have gone through a similar experience can be a huge help.
Although the death of a twin will undoubtedly leave a permanent void in a person’s life, it can also bring forth a newfound appreciation for life and its preciousness. With the right support and care, it is possible to accept the loss and eventually heal.
What is the riskiest type of twin pregnancy?
The riskiest type of twin pregnancy is one in which the twins are not identical. Identical twins are typically the result of one egg being fertilized by one sperm, which then splits and creates two babies that have the same genetic material.
Non-identical twins, however, occur when two separate eggs are fertilized by two separate sperm cells, and the babies are not genetically alike.
Due to the fact that non-identical twins have their own separate placentas, the risk for complications such as preterm labor and fetal growth restriction is higher compared to identical twins. Further, in some cases, the position of the twins in the womb can cause the cord from one twin to wrap around the other, leading to more severe health complications.
Non-identical twins are also more likely to be delivered by cesarean section and require extra monitoring during pregnancy.
In summary, the riskiest type of twin pregnancy is one in which the twins are not identical. All twin pregnancies should be monitored closely, however, and parents should ensure they receive the appropriate prenatal care and advice.
What is the life expectancy of a twin?
The life expectancy of twins is largely dependent on various factors and can vary greatly between individuals. According to a recent study, the average life expectancy of twins is 78.1 years, compared to the average life expectancy in the United States of 78.9 years.
This means that twins, on average, have a slightly shorter life expectancy than the general population.
For example, lifestyle choices can play a large role in determining life expectancy. Healthy dietary habits, regular exercise, and avoiding unhealthy behaviors, such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, are all important in protecting your overall health and extending life expectancy.
In addition, genetics and overall health can also play a role in life expectancy. Twins who are born with a genetic disorder are more likely to have a shorter life expectancy than twins who are born without any conditions.
Overall, the life expectancy of twins largely depends on individual circumstances. By making healthy lifestyle choices and taking steps to maintain good overall health, twins can help to increase their life expectancy and enjoy a long and healthy life.
What are the most common complications with twins?
Twins present unique challenges and joys to parents, but being born a twin also presents certain medical risks and complications. The most common medical risks and complications for twins overall are:
• Premature birth. Twins are more likely to be born prematurely than singletons, due to the cramped conditions in the womb and the fact that the mother usually has higher levels of the hormone relaxin.
Premature birth can lead to various health problems, including breathing and digestive issues.
• Low birth weight. Twins are also more likely to be born with a low birth weight, which can cause problems with physical and mental development.
• Placental abruption. This is a condition that occurs when the placenta separates from the uterine wall too early. Placental abruption can cause hemorrhages, oxygen deprivation, and even fetal death.
• Abnormal positioning. It is possible for one or both of the twins to be in an abnormal position in the womb, such as a breech or transverse presentation, which can cause birth complications.
• Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). This is a condition that can occur with twins sharing one placenta. When it occurs, one twin receives too many nutrients, while the other receives too few.
This can lead to complications affecting organ development and growth.
• Congenital anomalies. Twins are more likely to be born with certain congenital anomalies, such as spina bifida, club foot, and cleft palate.
Given the higher risks associated with a twin pregnancy, it is important that parents and their healthcare providers closely monitor the development of their twins to ensure the best possible outcome for both babies.
Is twin-to-twin transfusion fatal?
Twin-to-twin transfusion (TTTS) is a condition that affects identical twins who share a placenta. It occurs when one twin (the recipient) receives too much of the blood supply from the other twin (the donor) through their shared placenta.
This often results in the recipient twin having an enlarged placenta, and being at risk for over-circulation and congestive heart failure. If left untreated, the condition is potentially fatal for both the donor and the recipient twins.
Fortunately, modern treatments for TTTS are expanding and becoming increasingly successful. Laser ablation, which is the most common treatment, involves inserting a laser fiber through the mother’s abdomen into the donor’s bladder and burning the blood vessels connecting the two fetuses.
Surgery, transfusion, and amnio-reduction are also used to treat TTTS. Each of these methods seeks to restore normal blood flow between the two twins, reducing the risk of further complications.
In most cases, TTTS can be successfully treated, and both twins can make a full recovery. However, if the condition is left untreated, it can be fatal. Hence, it is imperative that twin-twin transfusion be diagnosed and treated in a timely manner in order to ensure the best outcome for the twins and their families.
Can TTTS cause brain damage?
Yes, Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS) can potentially cause brain damage in some cases. It occurs when the shared placenta of identical twins has abnormal blood vessels connecting the babies and allowing too much blood to flow from one twin to the other.
This can cause low blood pressure in one twin (the donor) and high blood pressure in the other twin (the recipient). If left untreated, the recipient’s high blood pressure can damage the tiny blood vessels in the brain and other organs, leading to brain damage or failure of organs such as the kidneys and liver.
The chances for brain damage are much higher at earlier stages of the pregnancy, increasing dramatically between 24 and 30 weeks gestation. That’s why it’s important to recognize the symptoms of TTTS and seek medical treatment as soon as possible to reduce the risk of complications.
Treatment of TTTS includes selective laser ablation, where doctors use a laser to selectively seal off the abnormal blood vessels to help balance the blood flow between the twins.
How successful is TTTS surgery?
TTTS surgery is very successful in treating Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS). According to a 2011 study published in the Journal of Perinatology, the survival rate for TTTS surgery is 97% for the recipient twin.
Furthermore, it has been found that this form of surgery leads to significantly better long-term outcomes than expectant management, including reduced rates of neurological disabilities and morbidities.
The long-term survival rates are also excellent.
While the immediate perioperative mortality rate for TTTS surgery is significantly lower compared to that of open-heart surgery, in this case, the patient is only at risk of developing short-term morbidity and mortality concerns.
Short-term morbidity concerns are rare and include problems such as pulmonary edema, sepsis, acute renal failure, and cerebrovascular accident. Long-term, the risk of morbidity from TTTS surgery is similar to that of other operations in premature infants.
Overall, TTTS surgery is highly successful in treating Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome and has been found to lead to significantly better long-term outcomes than expectant management. It is important to have a skilled, experienced medical practitioner perform the procedure to ensure optimal outcomes.
At what stage can a twin be absorbed?
The absorption of one of a set of twins or of a multiple gestation pregnancy can occur as early as the first trimester. This may even occur before the gestational sac containing the embryo is visible on an ultrasound.
Malformation of one of the twins, or an unbalanced sharing of the placenta. In cases where a twin passes away in utero, it is generally reabsorbed by the gestational sac and the mother’s body. This process generally happens without any complications.
In other cases, the absorption of a twin may not occur until late in the second trimester or in the third trimester of the pregnancy. It is important to note that although it is rare, some mothers may experience complications due to the absorption of a twin such as preterm labor and significant bleeding.
It is important to alert your doctor or healthcare provider if you experience any physical or emotional symptoms related to the absorption of a twin during pregnancy.
When is twin to twin transfusion most common?
Twin to twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is most common in monochorionic/diamniotic multiple pregnancies. Monochorionic pregnancies occur when embryos share a single placenta, while diamniotic pregnancies are those that occur in separate amniotic sacs.
These pregnancies are at the greatest risk for TTTS because of the abnormal blood vessels that connect the umbilical cord of the babies in the shared placenta. TTTS is most likely to affect pregnancies of two identical twins, when the blood vessels connecting their umbilical cords become intertwined, allowing blood to pass between them.
It can happen in any multiple pregnancy but is more likely to occur in monochorionic/diamniotic pregnancies, occurring in 15-20% of all affected pregnancies.
When a twin dies what happens to the other?
When a twin dies, the surviving twin is usually confronted with a multitude of emotions and experiences. Grief, guilt and loneliness can all be present in unexpected and sudden ways. The experience can be very difficult and demanding and the surviving twin may feel confused and overwhelmed.
Coping with the loss of a twin can be a lonely and isolating experience as there are so few experiences or stories of people that have gone through the same thing. In order to help the twin who has been left behind, it is important for them to find support from family and friends and to develop a supportive and understanding community.
In addition, counseling can provide a place for the twin to openly express their feelings and thoughts about their grieving process and to develop coping strategies. It is also important to talk about their twin who has died and to remember them in healthy ways such as sharing stories, looking at photos and spending time in places that remind them of the twin.
Ultimately, it is important to give the surviving twin love, care and space to process the loss of their twin.
Can one twin die and the other survive in the womb?
Yes, it is possible for one twin to die and the other survive in the womb. This is known as vanishing twin syndrome, or foetal resorption. It occurs when a twin or multiple disappears during pregnancy as a result of the tissue or the entire fetus being reabsorbed by the other twin, multiple, placenta, or the mother’s body.
This phenomenon can occur at any time during a pregnancy, but typically happens during the late first or early second trimester. Vanishing twin syndrome is believed to happen early on in the pregnancy, when the loss of one twin is not identified on an ultrasound.
If a vanishing twin was identified on an ultrasound, usually the surviving twin is closely monitored for the rest of the pregnancy.