Multiple pregnancy

Carrying more than one baby is very exciting. We realise that twin pregnancies do carry some additional risks to you and your babies so we will offer you specialised Consultant led care in the hospital. 

The main type of twin pregancies are: 

  • Dichorionic diamniotic twins (DCDA) - twins who do not share a placenta.
  • Monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) - twins who share a placenta but are in separate sacs. These babies are always identical.
  • Monochorionic monoamniotic twins (MCMA) - twins who share a placenta and sac.

All women carrying twins will require extra scans in pregnancy to measure the growth of their babies. The frequency of these will be determined by the type of twins that you are carrying and any other complications that you have had in the past or develop in this pregnancy.

Women having DCDA twins are seen at NUH regularly through their pregnancy and will be seen in the general antenatal clinic. Women having MCMA twins, triplets or more will be seen through the Fetal medicine service.

Women carrying MCDA or MCMA twins will need more frequent surveillance. Women are seen every two weeks from 16 weeks into their pregnancy. Regular scans are carried out to monitor the growth of the babies and look out for twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome. This condition only occurs in pregnancies where the twins share a placenta.

Women carrying twins are more likely to develop pelvic and back pain during pregnancy as they are carrying two babies. If you are having these problems we would encourage you to contact the Physiotherapy Maternity Team

Many women worry about the challenge of feeding two babies. Our Infant Feeding Team are very happy to see you while you are pregnant to discuss feeding your babies. They will also be able to support you after birth.