If one twin dies in the womb, the outcome largely depends on when during the pregnancy the death occurs.
First Trimester Loss
- Minimal Impact: If a twin dies in the first trimester, the surviving twin will generally develop without any further complications. This is because the early stages of development allow the mother's body to often absorb the fetal tissue of the deceased twin.
Second Trimester and Beyond
- Increased Risks: If one twin dies after mid-gestation, specifically after 17 weeks, the situation becomes more complex. There are associated increased risks such as:
- Preterm Labor: The mother has a higher chance of going into labor prematurely.
- Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR): The surviving twin may not grow at the expected rate in the womb.
- Preeclampsia: There is an elevated risk of the mother developing high blood pressure and protein in her urine, a dangerous condition for both mother and baby.
- Perinatal Mortality: The risk of death for the surviving twin shortly before or after birth is also increased.
Overview
| Time of Fetal Death | Impact on Surviving Twin |
|---|---|
| First Trimester | Minimal to no impact |
| After 17 weeks | Increased risk of complications |
These potential complications highlight the importance of continued monitoring when one twin dies in the womb, particularly after the first trimester.
