Multiple pregnancy is a term used if you expect two or more babies.
Twin pregnancy is a term used if you expect two babies.
Triplet pregnancy is a term used if you expect three babies
What are the types of twins?
Twins are classified into different types based on their sharing of after birth (placenta) which is called as chorionicity. An early ultrasound scan will be done in your pregnancy to know the chorionicity, because if your babies share placenta they are expected to have complications and need frequent follow up during your pregnancy.
- Dichorionic diamniotic twins (DCDA) – This is formed if two eggs are fertilised or if one egg splits soon after fertilisation. Here each baby has its own placenta with its own outer membrane called a ‘chorion’ and its own amniotic sac (amnion).
- Monochorionic diamniotic twins (MCDA) –These type of twins are formed if the fertilised egg splits a little later after fertilisation. Here the babies share a placenta and chorion but they each have their own amniotic sac. These babies are always identical.
- Monochorionic monoamniotic twins (MCMA) – These type of twins are formed if the fertilised egg splits later still and the babies share the placenta and chorion and are inside the same amniotic sac. These babies are always identical. This is very rare and has got more complications.
Most women who have multiple pregnancy have healthy pregnancy and healthy babies, however as complications are more common you need to be monitored frequently during your pregnancy.
