What are Monoamniotic Twins?

Monoamniotic Twins are identical twins which develop inside the same sac, share the same placenta and have their own umbilical cords. The egg splits late in this case and there is no membrane to divide the sac into two seperate compartments. This may sound like typical identical twins, but almost always with any twin pregnancy there is a membrane between the babies. Monoamniotic Twinning occurs 1 in 35,000 to 1 in 60,000 pregnancies. Monoamniotic Twins occur in 1% of Identical Twins.

Monoamniotic Twins are at a high risk for health complications as the can become entangled in their cords and can compress their own and each others cords as well, endangering their oxygen and food supply. The survival rate was once thought to be 50% for Monoamniotic Twins but with new technology and inpatient monitoring at 24 weeks the survival rate is now 60% to 70% or higher. Upon diagnosis some doctors will actually suggest termination, this however is ridiculous, any time spent with these beautiful babies whether it still be in utero is a blessing from God.

All Monoamniotic Twins are born premature, typically between 32 and 34 weeks but some surviving as early as 23-24 weeks. Medical professionals feel that the risk for cord entanglement and cord compression becomes to great after 32-34 weeks. Monoamniotic Twins are always delivered by cesarean section.

Also it is thought that 75% of Monoamniotic Twins are girls. Ours are boys!

Monoamniotic Twins Support Site