What is a MoMo Pregnancy?
A MoMo pregnancy refers to a monoamniotic-monochorionic twin pregnancy. This means the twins share a single placenta (monochorionic) and a single amniotic sac (monoamniotic) within the mother's uterus. This is a relatively rare occurrence, representing less than 0.1 percent of all pregnancies and approximately one percent of identical twin pregnancies. While they share a placenta and amniotic sac, MoMo twins do have separate umbilical cords. This shared environment presents significant risks during pregnancy and requires specialized prenatal care.
- Identical Twins: MoMo twins are always identical (or semi-identical) twins. They originate from a single fertilized egg that splits after the initial formation of the embryo.
- Shared Placenta: Both twins share the same placenta, the organ responsible for providing nutrients and oxygen to the developing fetuses.
- Shared Amniotic Sac: Critically, they share the same amniotic sac, the fluid-filled sac that cushions and protects each twin. This shared space increases the risk of complications.
- Separate Umbilical Cords: Despite sharing the amniotic sac and placenta, each twin has its own umbilical cord connecting them to the placenta.
Risks Associated with MoMo Pregnancies
The shared amniotic sac in a MoMo pregnancy significantly increases the risk of complications, including:
- Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS): An uneven sharing of blood flow between the twins, potentially leading to one twin being undernourished while the other is overloaded.
- Cord entanglement: The umbilical cords can become tangled, potentially restricting blood flow to one or both twins.
- Premature birth: MoMo pregnancies often result in premature births due to the increased risk of complications.
- Fetal death: Unfortunately, the risks associated with MoMo pregnancies can lead to the death of one or both twins.
Management of MoMo Pregnancies
Due to the high-risk nature of MoMo pregnancies, close monitoring throughout the pregnancy is crucial. This typically includes:
- Regular ultrasounds: To monitor fetal growth, amniotic fluid levels, and cord entanglement.
- Fetal echocardiograms: To assess the heart health of the twins.
- Specialized care: Management often involves a high-risk obstetrics team experienced with multiple pregnancies.
- Potential interventions: In some cases, interventions such as laser surgery to separate the blood vessels in the placenta might be necessary.
Because of the increased risks, expectant mothers carrying MoMo twins require specialized and continuous medical care from conception through delivery. The specific management plan will vary based on individual circumstances and risk factors.
