New OB guidelines to be released for identical twin pregnancies

**sarahrach** · April 15th, 2011, 03:33 PM

Today is indeed a happy day for me as I've just heard back (after much lobbying) from RANZCOG (Royal College of OBs) that they are releasing next week a management plan for OBs to work from when they are dealing with identical twin pregnancies.

Amongst the guidelines this plan recommends ultrasounds every 2/3 weeks from 12 weeks and every 2 weeks from 18 weeks (looking for twin to twin transfusion TTTS).

In my case had I been given a scan or two inbetween my NT scan it would have picked up the TTTS and we could have fought it. But today I know that I have done something towards my boys death to ensure in my mind it was not in vain. I hope this reform to the system will now benefit every mum (and dad) that is delivered the news of identicals.

Here's the link - hot off the press: Management of Monochorionic Twin Pregnancy (C-Obs 42)

**Lenny** · April 15th, 2011, 03:36 PM

Oh Sarah. I'm glad you see that this is a happy day for you. What a success for you personally, but so sad that it had to come about after such a personal tragedy.

Well done you for lobbying

**LizLemon** · April 15th, 2011, 04:09 PM

Fantastic news. I'm so sorry about your boys but what a great legacy in your sons' memory - think how many other bubbas will be helped.

**mummydreamer** · April 15th, 2011, 04:13 PM

how awesome, good on you!! im so sorry for the loss of your boys

but what you have done is truly a wonderful thing, you should be so proud, and your boys will be so proud to call you their mumma xoxox

**Liviam** · April 15th, 2011, 04:18 PM

Great work!! Well done on your achievement in loving memory of your gorgeous angel boys

**TwinsMummy** · April 15th, 2011, 06:44 PM

hi sarah
my name is also sarah and i think what you have spoken about is amazing my identical twins werent even picked up until i was 20 weeks pregnanct so i had no clue i was even carrying 2. I developed TTTS when i was 30 weeks and was hospitalized for nearly 3 weeks it wasnt until after i was found to have TTTS that they gave me daily ultrasonds until i was 36 weeks when on one of my ultrasounds they found twins 1 was still not growing i was so mad and sick of being messed around that i demand they induce me as a lovely female dr had told me earlier not to be messed around and that if twin 1 hadnt grown by my next scan i demand being induced. Im glad i did this as i was induced at 36+6 and both twins came out ok a little small but ok. I completely agree with what your saying and think its fantastic you are standing up for this.

**Lily Dust** · April 15th, 2011, 06:58 PM

Wow, your angel boys are incredibly lucky to have a mother as passionate as you! Cant even imagine how proud they would be (and must be) of the work you have done in their honour. You are incredible

**sarahrach** · April 16th, 2011, 08:32 AM

hi sarah
my name is also sarah and i think what you have spoken about is amazing my identical twins werent even picked up until i was 20 weeks pregnanct so i had no clue i was even carrying 2. I developed TTTS when i was 30 weeks and was hospitalized for nearly 3 weeks it wasnt until after i was found to have TTTS that they gave me daily ultrasonds until i was 36 weeks when on one of my ultrasounds they found twins 1 was still not growing i was so mad and sick of being messed around that i demand they induce me as a lovely female dr had told me earlier not to be messed around and that if twin 1 hadnt grown by my next scan i demand being induced. Im glad i did this as i was induced at 36+6 and both twins came out ok a little small but ok. I completely agree with what your saying and think its fantastic you are standing up for this.

Wow TwinsMummy - not found until 20 weeks, that's amazing!!! You might find interesting that also in the guidelines is making 37 weeks full term for identicals as the incident of still birth above this date is dramatically high. It does sound like your care once they picked up TTTS was really good. There is so much more to consider with identicals that it makes this new statement so important for ensuring consistent care will be provided.

And thanks ladies for your congratulations - I do feel really proud to have been the trigger to get this into writing.