I can’t believe we are already embarking on December. This year has flown by.
December is a big month for the TTTS Community. It’s our Awareness Month. And our awareness day is December 7th.
What is TTTS?
- TTTS affects identical twins who are sharing a placenta
Fun fact – did you know that ANYONE can become pregnant with identical twins? I always thought they were hereditary, but that’s fraternal twins. The medical field still does not know what causes an egg to split, but that is what results in identical twins. One egg that splits into two (or more!) identical fetuses. And that can happen to anyone.
- Because the babies share a placenta, the blood supplies can become connected resulting in shared blood circulation.
- This connection allows blood to pass from one twin to another, and with TTTS, the blood is not transferred proportionately
- The “donor” twin winds up transferring blood to the “recipient” twin, reducing the blood flow to the donor, slowing their growth and reducing their amniotic fluid levels
- The “recipient” receives too much blood flow, which can cause polyhdramnios – or too much fluid, and can lead to heart failure and hydrops, along with other complications
- When TTTS develops prior to 26 weeks, it often results in death of one or both babies, or severe disabilities
If you are pregnant with identical twins, or know someone who is, please seek out as much information as you can. And if you do not feel comfortable with the information you are receiving from your OB, FIND A NEW DOCTOR.
Mary at the TTTS Foundation can help you find a specialist in your area.
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