What is Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome?
Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome, TTTS, is a serious complication of the placenta in identical twin/multiples pregnancies. It occurs when the blood vessels from each twin become interconnected in the placenta and the blood flow becomes unbalanced. One twin then receives too much blood and nutrients and the other does not get enough. Approximately 10-15% of shared placenta (Monochorionic-Diamniotic or Mono/Di and Monochorionic-Monoamniotic or Mo/Mo) pregnancies will face TTTS. If left undiagnosed and untreated TTTS has a survival rate of +/- 10%. But when monitored and with appropriate medical intervention the survival rate can improve to 70% or better.
As soon as you have been advised of a twins/multiples pregnancy make sure that you and your doctor know how many placentas you have. All single placenta, multiples pregnancies (Mono/Di and Mo/Mo) are at risk for TTTS, TAPS, TRAP and SIUGR. The number of placentas can be verified through ultra sound. If you have a Mono/Di or Mo/Mo pregnancy make sure you are informed about all types of medical challenges specific to shared placenta multiples, including Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome. Talk to your doctor about frequent ultra sound monitoring, ask about a referral to an MFM and follow a diet full of healthy proteins to support your pregnancy.
Please click HERE for more information on the recommended steps for appropriate monitoring of a shared placenta pregnancy and TTTS.
Please click HERE for the most up to date TAPS monitoring and diagnosing recommendations.
Please click HERE for more information on the diagnosis of Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome, staging of severity and possible treatments.
Please click HERE for easy and healthy ways to add calories and proteins to your diet to support the growth and development of your babies.
Other syndromes that effect identical multiples pregnancies.
Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome, TTTS, is a serious complication of the placenta in identical twin/multiples pregnancies. It occurs when the blood vessels from each twin become interconnected in the placenta and the blood flow becomes unbalanced. One twin then receives too much blood and nutrients and the other does not get enough. Approximately 10-15% of shared placenta (Monochorionic-Diamniotic or Mono/Di and Monochorionic-Monoamniotic or Mo/Mo) pregnancies will face TTTS. If left undiagnosed and untreated TTTS has a survival rate of +/- 10%. But when monitored and with appropriate medical intervention the survival rate can improve to 70% or better.
As soon as you have been advised of a twins/multiples pregnancy make sure that you and your doctor know how many placentas you have. All single placenta, multiples pregnancies (Mono/Di and Mo/Mo) are at risk for TTTS, TAPS, TRAP and SIUGR. The number of placentas can be verified through ultra sound. If you have a Mono/Di or Mo/Mo pregnancy make sure you are informed about all types of medical challenges specific to shared placenta multiples, including Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome. Talk to your doctor about frequent ultra sound monitoring, ask about a referral to an MFM and follow a diet full of healthy proteins to support your pregnancy.
Please click HERE for more information on the recommended steps for appropriate monitoring of a shared placenta pregnancy and TTTS.
Please click HERE for the most up to date TAPS monitoring and diagnosing recommendations.
Please click HERE for more information on the diagnosis of Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome, staging of severity and possible treatments.
Please click HERE for easy and healthy ways to add calories and proteins to your diet to support the growth and development of your babies.
Other syndromes that effect identical multiples pregnancies.
- Twin Anemia Polycythemia Sequence, TAPS, occurs when the red blood cells slowly become dangerously divided between the twins leaving one with too high of a count, polycythemic, and one too low, anemic. This form of TTTS also puts both twins at risk. It can only be monitored and/or diagnosed via ultrasound doplers. Please click HERE for more in depth information on TAPS, monitoring and treatments.
- Twin Reversed Arterial Perfusion, TRAP, occurs in approximately 1% of monochorionic twins. With appropriate care one twin can still be carried to term and born healthy. Please click HERE for more information on TRAP.
- Selective IntraUterine Growth Restriction, SIUGR, occurs in 15-20% of single placenta multiples pregnancies. This is when one division of the placenta is uneven leaving the twins with uneven access to nutrients. This situation can become dangerous to both twins. Treatment ranges from expectant management, watch and wait, to surgical intervention . Please click HERE for more information on SIUGR.
- TTTS has also been medically documented to affect multiple placenta (Dichorionic-Diamniotic or Di/Di) multiples pregnancies, when the placentas fuse, though this is extremely rare.
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Pinterest - Check out our page @tttssupport for meaningful information to help all families wherever they are in their TTTS diagnosis.
YouTube - Check out our channel for videos on the work we are doing and for up to date information on anything TTTS.
Please share any of our social media connections to help build support, community and awareness!
Facebook - Please like and follow our team page and feel free to share any post on your social media.
Instagram - Please like and follow us @tttsteam.
Pinterest - Check out our page @tttssupport for meaningful information to help all families wherever they are in their TTTS diagnosis.
YouTube - Check out our channel for videos on the work we are doing and for up to date information on anything TTTS.
Keep an Eye Out for More Awareness Projects Coming Soon!!