Frat. twins size difference?

We just had another growth scan this morning and our kiddos are measuring 25% difference (up from 21% four weeks ago). The Dr. didn't really seem too concerned except he kept saying that 25% is generally considered the "cut off" for a normal discordance. I go back for another scan in 4 weeks.

I guess I'm just looking to see who else has had this happen, and to hear how things turned out?? I know there is a margin of error on the weight estimates via u/s but as a mommy you can't help but worry! Is there anything I might be able to do to help our baby girl catch up to her brother? :huh:

 

I am by no means an expert on this, but I can tell you from my experience (and stories from others), that unless your OB is concerned, you shouldn't be. Your OB will be cautious enough for both of you.

Since you have fraternal twins, they have different genetic make up. They are going to develop at different rates (esp b/c different sexes) and that starts in utero.

For us, in utero, the boys were similar in size. Now that they are almost 22 months old, one is 2 inches taller and 5 lbs heavier.

 

I dont know the percentile but my twins were born at 7 lbs and 5 lbs 11 oz. They are still very differant in sizes. They are 24 lbs and 18.5 lbs. We just have a big boy and a little girl. If your OB is not concerned.. I wouldnt be.. They told me as long and she is gaining their is not need for concern.

:hug: I know its hard not to worry!

 

I'm going through the same thing. My little girl was 20% 2 weeks ago and now 23%. But last time the Dr told me that can be totally normal and it's at 30% that it's time to worry. I think your Dr would be doing more tests and more u/s if he was really worried about it. I know it's hard not to worry, trust me. I'm worried too. But your not alone. I don't think there's anything you can be doing. At least that's what my Dr told me. This just happens.

Keep us posted!

 

Just recalling all I have read and maybe one of you ladies can clear this up for me...

Aren't all Frat. twins going to be completely different sizes, as they are merely siblings who share the same birthday. With completely different genetic make up on each child?? And that genetic make up is what determines the size of the babies... Again, Im just wondering and would love to get some info.

 

You've gotten some great advice so far. If your OB isn't concerned I wouldn't be either, but they will watch it.

I was also told with frat twins they will develop on their own just as they were if they were a singleton, at their own rate!!! Try not to worry. :hug:

 

Thank you ladies, I'm feeling a little better about things now that I've had some time to think about it.

hardinfamtwins-- what you said definitely makes sense. I wouldn't expect these babies to be exactly the same size especially since they are boy/girl! It's hard not to let yourself worry though when Dr's seem to put so much emphasis on the discordance!! I'm being sent to the high-risk clinic for u/s rather than my regular OB and my Dr. is adamant that I continue to do so as long as there is at least a 20% difference.

I've started to wonder WHAT they're so worried about since when he brought up the growth charts both babies were very obviously following their own patterns. It's not like baby girl has dropped off her curve or anything. As long as she's growing at a good rate we should be fine, right??

 

I'm sure she will be fine! It's good that they are taking good care of you and being pre-cautious.

 

QUOTE(Lindsey @ Sep 9 2008, 01:44 PM) [snapback]971802[/snapback]
Thank you ladies, I'm feeling a little better about things now that I've had some time to think about it.

hardinfamtwins-- what you said definitely makes sense. I wouldn't expect these babies to be exactly the same size especially since they are boy/girl! It's hard not to let yourself worry though when Dr's seem to put so much emphasis on the discordance!! I'm being sent to the high-risk clinic for u/s rather than my regular OB and my Dr. is adamant that I continue to do so as long as there is at least a 20% difference.

I've started to wonder WHAT they're so worried about since when he brought up the growth charts both babies were very obviously following their own patterns. It's not like baby girl has dropped off her curve or anything. As long as she's growing at a good rate we should be fine, right??


HUGS to you MAMA! Im sure things are just fine! Please dont worry. HUGS!!!!!

 

Mine have been measuring differently throughout and the doctor isn't concerned, because they are still growing.

We'll see how much different they are once they are here.

 

My two always had about a pound difference in utero. My OB was never concerned since there was always growth from u/s to u/s and like the other ladies mentioned they grow at their own rate like two singletons.

FWIW, at birth there actually ended up being over a 2.5lb difference....DS was 7.10lbs and DD was 5.3lbs. Born at 38 weeks.

 

My boys started showing a growth discordancy around 34w of about 20%. I started having ultrasounds more frequently because of it. The peri told me as long as they each continued to grow and they otherwise looked okay (NSTs, BPPs) that they would just monitor closely and go from there. I ended up being induced at 37w due to increasing PIH (high blood pressure) and other signs of pre-e as well as crossing my Dr.s line in the sand on the growth discordancy. When they were born they were 1lb 2oz apart (~25%), but less than the ultrasounds estimated. Both are fine and have continued to grow on different curves. One is a chunky monkey that at 6 months is in the 50-75th percetile in all categories, and the other is in the 25% for all categories, except his big head at 50%.

As others have said, frats are like siblings. They are different individuals that will grow and develop differently. I know it is easier said than done, but if your OB isn't worried, try to relax and not worry too much about it.

 

QUOTE(Lindsey @ Sep 10 2008, 04:44 AM) [snapback]971802[/snapback]
Thank you ladies, I'm feeling a little better about things now that I've had some time to think about it.

hardinfamtwins-- what you said definitely makes sense. I wouldn't expect these babies to be exactly the same size especially since they are boy/girl! It's hard not to let yourself worry though when Dr's seem to put so much emphasis on the discordance!! I'm being sent to the high-risk clinic for u/s rather than my regular OB and my Dr. is adamant that I continue to do so as long as there is at least a 20% difference.

I've started to wonder WHAT they're so worried about since when he brought up the growth charts both babies were very obviously following their own patterns. It's not like baby girl has dropped off her curve or anything. As long as she's growing at a good rate we should be fine, right??


I'm also having b/g frat twins. Will be going for our monthly scan this coming sat, I'll ask her and also update on their growth then! But I've read cases where both twins aren't of the same size but they're both doing great and healthy! So, don't worry so much momma! U're doing great!

 

Right now my b/g are only one ounce different......I am almost 25 weeks. I will have another growth scan in a month so we shall see if they change!

 

I just had my twins this weekend after being induced due to the difference in weight found on ultrasound at a peri appointment at 36 weeks. they were estimated to be 4 lbs 9 oz, and 6 lbs+ (i don't remember exactly how many ounces.) They came out to really be 5 lbs 4 oz and 5 lbs 1 oz. The ultrasound measurements are estimates, and it is harder to get accurate estimates the furthAer along in your pregnancy you are. I think I remember reading similar stories on this site, where people were induced because of a perceived size discordance that turned out to be off. Anyways, pics are slowly making their way onto our blog, if you want to see: caseyandjeff.com

 

I have b/g twins and they always measured the same, were born 1 oz apart, are still the same length and they switch whoever is heavier every time ... you wouldn't expect that either with boy / girl twins ... I wouldn't be too worried unless your doc is worried!

 

QUOTE(muscaria10 @ Sep 10 2008, 12:53 PM) [snapback]972498[/snapback]
I'm also having b/g frat twins. Will be going for our monthly scan this coming sat, I'll ask her and also update on their growth then! But I've read cases where both twins aren't of the same size but they're both doing great and healthy! So, don't worry so much momma! U're doing great!


ok, I'm back. I had to go in earlier for an appt cos I had a bad episode of food poisoning and thus saw her 2 days earlier. Anyway, we did an u/s today too and it seems like the boy has grown to be bigger than the girl. 4 weeks ago, the girl was bigger than the boy. Now their weight different is by about 50g or so, we don't go by percentage so I can't realli tell u. But doc's not concern, cos the girl's sooooo active she had trouble trying to measure her length and head circumference, till she had to 'tell' my girl to 'stop fidgeting!!' :rotflmbo:

So, like the pp, if ur doc's not concern, don't worry urself unnecessarily momma!! :bubble:

 

I had a large weight difference between my twins too. The doctor was never concerned as long as both babies were growing at a normal rate. Even though baby A gained a lot more, Baby B was still gaining at a good rate, so he was not concerned.

My weight difference started around my 3rd ultrasound, which was about week 22-24. When they were born Baby B, my daugher, was 4 lbs 9oz and Baby A, my son, was 6 lbs. My daughter had no issues and came home with us immediately. My son was in the NICU for 7 days. So a size difference obviously can mean nothing for their health.

 

I hope you don't mind a "veteran" mom of fraternal twin boys popping in??

When I went in for a growth scan at 35 weeks, baby A was measuring 5 lbs and baby B was measuring 6 lbs 8 oz. The doctor felt at this point baby A would do better outside the womb and delivered the babies. When they were born baby A was 5 lbs. 8 oz. and baby B was 6 lbs. 5 oz.

My twins are almost 6 years old now and A weighs 20 lbs. LESS then B and A is also 5 inches SHORTER then B.

Good luck with your pregnancy!