Key Points and Challenges in Monochorionic Twins

Abstract

The frequency of twin gestations has substantially expanded over the past decades, primarily due to maternal age at the time of conception, and the use of assisted reproductive techniques. Twin pregnancies sum up now approximately three percent of all live births. The incidence of monozygotic (MZ) and therefore monochorionic (MC) twins is approximately 1:250 pregnancies. The high risks of monochorionic twins are intensively associated with the angioarchitecture of the common placenta and the presence of interfetal vascular network. Chorionicity is definitely the fundamental element in multiple pregnancy results. Whichever echographic clue suggests the presence of twin gestation, should constitute the investigation of chorionicity a primacy. The proportional rise of the hazard in MC correlated with dichorionic (DC) twins, is of a significance analogous to that of multiple, in comparison with singleton pregnancies. Diagnosing an MC twin pregnancy has essential obstetric significance, part of which impacts the pregnancy and also restrains some therapeutic choices. The aim of this review is to highlight current key points in the diagnosis and management of MC twin pregnancy, on one hand, and also to discuss contemporary challenges regarding this type of multiple pregnancies.