Monoamniotic

Monoamniotic is a term used to describe a specific type of pregnancy in which the fetuses share a single amniotic sac. This condition occurs in approximately 1% of all monozygotic twin pregnancies and is associated with a higher risk of complications, including cord entanglement, cord compression, and twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome.

Overview

Monoamniotic pregnancies occur when a single egg is fertilized and then splits into two embryos that share the same amniotic sac. This is different from dizygotic or fraternal twin pregnancies, in which two separate eggs are fertilized and each fetus has its own amniotic sac.

Risks and Complications

Monoamniotic pregnancies are associated with a higher risk of complications due to the close proximity of the fetuses and their umbilical cords. The most common complications include:

• Cord entanglement: This occurs when the umbilical cords of the fetuses become twisted or knotted. This can restrict blood flow to one or both of the fetuses, leading to serious health problems or death.
• Cord compression: This occurs when one of the umbilical cords is compressed, reducing blood flow to the fetus. This can lead to fetal distress or death.
• Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS): This is a condition in which one twin receives more blood flow than the other, leading to an imbalance in growth and development.

Management and Treatment

The management of monoamniotic pregnancies often involves close monitoring to detect any potential complications early. This may include regular ultrasound scans and non-stress tests. In some cases, early delivery may be recommended to reduce the risk of complications.

Treatment options for complications vary depending on the specific issue. For example, cord entanglement may be managed with careful monitoring and potentially early delivery, while TTTS may require more invasive treatments such as laser therapy or amnioreduction.

See Also

• Twin pregnancy
• High-risk pregnancy
• Amniotic fluid

Monoamniotic Resources
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