New OB guidelines to be released for identical twin pregnancies

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)

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 :hug:

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.

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

Good for you Sarah :hug:

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

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.

Good for you Sarah :)

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 :hug:

Well done what an achievment you should be very proud.

xoxo

good work!!! its great that you have done something good out of such a horrible situation. you have potentially saved more babies lives.

thats great, well done!!

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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.

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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.

Congratulations Sarah! I hope you don't mind me saying but I read Liam and Dale's story and it stayed in my mind, so when I found out we were pregnant with identical twins, one of the first things I asked about was extra scans etc. My ob refused to do it and said there was no reason for it. A guideline like this would of been so helpful! My girls showed signs of TTTS in the few weeks before they were born, but arrived before anything needed to be done about it.

Great job - I am very proud of you, and sure that your gorgeous angels will be too:hug:

Well done!!! :D

That is awesome Sarah...well done!!
What a special legacy to your little men

What a fabulous legacy for your boys. Well done.

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Congratulations Sarah! I hope you don't mind me saying but I read Liam and Dale's story and it stayed in my mind, so when I found out we were pregnant with identical twins, one of the first things I asked about was extra scans etc. My ob refused to do it and said there was no reason for it. A guideline like this would of been so helpful! My girls showed signs of TTTS in the few weeks before they were born, but arrived before anything needed to be done about it.

Great job - I am very proud of you, and sure that your gorgeous angels will be too:hug:

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This is exactly why this is needed - its just crazy how all over the shop OBs are on this issue!!!

And hon, no I don't mind you saying that, I hope reading my story helped, I needed to write it at the time and get it out.

Just added the link to my first post as it was released today!

Congratulations Sarah. You did fight for your boys after all.

You are inspirational as well. Remind us women that we can fight the good fight. And we can make changes.

For now though, hang up your gloves, put up your feet and enjoy your pregnancy! :hug: