Growth of twins baby during Pregnancy: According to a recent study, twins are growing at a slower rate than before in the early stages of pregnancy. Researchers at the National Institute of Health (NIH) found that twins are, on average, smaller at birth than single babies, that is, their size is found to be smaller during pregnancy than it was earlier. Let’s know what the experts found in their entire research.
It is generally believed that the growth of twins during pregnancy is exactly the same as that of a single baby. But the latest study by NIH found that twins grow at a slower rate than before in the early stages of pregnancy.
Know what was found in the study of twin pregnancy
After studying ultrasound, the researchers found that in the first 15 weeks of pregnancy, twins had less fat and less muscle mass as compared to singletons. This information can be very useful because in future doctors will be able to monitor and manage twin pregnancy well according to this study.
The researchers analyzed the previous ultrasound studies done by them and obtained data on fetal development. In their studies, they took 2604 single pregnancies and 315 twin pregnancies for 3D ultrasound scan. They studied only those twin pregnancies which had separate placentas, they did not include pregnancies with a single placenta.
Ultrasound Studies of Fetal Development
Beginning at 15 weeks, thigh volumes were significantly smaller for twins than singletons. Twins had smaller fat and lean thigh volumes than singletons. They also had a lower thigh fat to lean ratio than singletons, having proportionately 2.7 to 4.2% less fat from 15 to 37 weeks.
Previous studies of twin growth in the womb that involved 2D ultrasound scans only showed reduced growth in twins compared to singletons in the early third trimester (28 to 40 weeks).
Scientists speculate on reduced growth
One thing that has been confirmed here is that scientists do not agree that the twins’ size is due to lack of nutrition because the study was done on twins with separate placentas and by the third trimester, the placenta is developed enough to supply the necessary resources.
Instead, they speculated that the smaller size of twins early in pregnancy may be viewed as an adaptation to meet the increased resource requirements of two fetuses later in pregnancy. The study was conducted by Jessica Gleason and Katherine Grantz, and their colleagues.
Fetal Growth in Twin Pregnancy
In twin pregnancies, the growth of the fetus varies greatly in single pregnancy due to the shared intrauterine environment. The twins usually grow at the same speed of Singleton during the first and second trimesters, but the developmental deviation often begins in the third trimester.
Types of Twins and Growth Patterns
- Dizygotic Twins
- Monozygotic Twins (Identical)
Normal Growth Expectations
In general, twin fetuses grow similarly to singletons until 28–30 weeks.
After that, growth slows down, especially in the third trimester due to:
- Limited uterine space
- Placental insufficiency
- Increased fetal demand
Clinical Significance
Poor fetal growth can lead to:
- Preterm delivery
- Low birth weight of newborn
- Other Neonatal complications
Timely detection and management of twin pregnancy can significantly improve perinatal outcomes.
Twin pregnancy requires more attention than a single pregnancy because it can affect the lives of the babies as well as the mother. Proper growth monitoring and proper management of twin pregnancy is very important. It is very important to do regular ultrasound, check the type of proper placenta, and identify any complications at the earliest. This is a good step for the health of both the babies and the mother. Read more articles here.
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