Monochorionic monoamniotic (MM) twins share the same placenta and same amniotic sac. Researchers from the Osaka Medical Center recently published a study in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research reviewing the most common complications and causes of fetal risk/death in cases of MM twins.
Researchers were able to local medical data on 38 sets of MM twins (76 fetuses). Cord entanglement was the most common pregnancy complication, occurring in 88% of pregnancies. Nine women experienced fetal death with eight including both fetuses and one including a single fetus. About 65% of deaths were attributed to cord entanglement. The average age of viable birth was 32 weeks gestation.
Conclusion: MM twins are at increased risk of cord entanglement, but despite the condition affecting 88% of the MM pregnancies studied, the survival rate was 75%. With proper monitoring and prenatal care, MM twin pregnancies can successfully reach a viable gestational age.
Source: Murata M, Ishii K, Kamitomo M, Murakoshi T, Takahashi Y, Sekino M, Kiyoshi K, Sago H, Yamamoto R, Kawaguchi H, Mitsuda N. Perinatal outcome and clinical features of monochorionic monoamniotic twin gestation. J Obstet Gynaecol Res. 2013 Mar 20. doi: 10.1111/jog.12014.
