Should I be worried? Is this the start of TTTS?

Hello all - I am fairly new here and have learned so much since learning about this wonderful twin website. I am currently pregnant with identical twin boys. I just got back from the dr's and had an ultrasound. I am at 25 weeks and there is a 3 oz discrepancy with the boys. Does anyone think this is leading to TTTS? A tech did my u/s and would not share much info with me and said all looked okay, and is passing the info to the dr. We saw the bladders for both babies which I know is important. Here is my history so far:

18 weeks: Baby A 10 oz and Baby B 10 oz
22 weeks: Baby A 1 lb 1 oz and Baby B 1 lb
25 weeks: Baby A 1 lb 12 oz and Baby B 9 oz

It seems like Baby B is starting to lag behind. I am starting to worry a little. My next u/s isn't until the 23rd. What do you all think? Should I be concerned.

Thanks so much for any advice or opinions!

 

QUOTE(Cynthia502 @ Jan 2 2008, 04:21 PM) [snapback]554805[/snapback]
Hello all - I am fairly new here and have learned so much since learning about this wonderful twin website. I am currently pregnant with identical twin boys. I just got back from the dr's and had an ultrasound. I am at 25 weeks and there is a 3 oz discrepancy with the boys. Does anyone think this is leading to TTTS? A tech did my u/s and would not share much info with me and said all looked okay, and is passing the info to the dr. We saw the bladders for both babies which I know is important. Here is my history so far:

18 weeks: Baby A 10 oz and Baby B 10 oz
22 weeks: Baby A 1 lb 1 oz and Baby B 1 lb
25 weeks: Baby A 1 lb 12 oz and Baby B 9 oz

It seems like Baby B is starting to lag behind. I am starting to worry a little. My next u/s isn't until the 23rd. What do you all think? Should I be concerned.

Thanks so much for any advice or opinions!


Congrats and welcome!

A size discrepancy could be a first sign of TTTS, but it could also just be your babies growing differently. The size discrepancy is only 10% right now, and I think they start to get concerned at 20%. There are some other things to be on the lookout for with ID (mo/di) twins in addition to the size:
1. Fluid levels - can they see the membrane? is the maximum vertical pocket between 2cm and 8cm? An excess of fluid in one and little to no fluid in another is a big sign of TTTS.
2. Bladders - visible in both babies? this goes along with the fluid stuff.
3. Doppler - are the cord dopplers normal? if one develops absent or reverse end diastolic flow, that is also a sign or symptom of TTTS.
4. Hydrops - any sign of fluid around the brain or heart or enlarged heart?

I would call your dr and get this info if you are worried - the dr shoudl be able to give it to you even if the tech can't. Just say you are worried about TTTS and want to know if things are normal. You are the best advocate for your babies. TTTS is very scary and can develop quickly. I'm sure everything is normal in your case if the tech wasn't alarmed, but it never hurts to ask. I hope you can avoid it - the odds are on your side that everything will be fine - only 10-15% of ID twins develop TTTS. I would say the biggest thing to look for is the fluid levels. and if you want to help your babies, drink lots of water, rest as much as you can, eat enough, and boost your protein intake. It worked for me!

Hugs,
jenny

 

Thanks Jenny - I think I will call the dr tomorrow and make sure all is well based on her analysis of the report. I am hopeful all is well too, but I am such a worrier!

 

I second everything Jenny said. The babies haven't been truly identical since the moment the embryo split so they could just be growing differently. Definitely call you doctor and get the all information you need to make an informed decision about whether or not this is something to worry about.

In the meantime, I suggest you sip a couple of Boost drinks throughout the day. The added protein and nutrients often helps with TTTS and other size issues. Keep us updated please!

 

I doubt 3oz diff is enough by itself to be concerned. I know that when we were dealing with this, the overall growth, fluid levels, cord doppler readings, and many other things came in to play.
I hope you got good answers from your doc!

 

I am having id. twin girls. The difference between them last time was greater than your difference ...can't remember numbers sorry ! I agree with the above poster, so many other things besides weight need to be taken in to account. And 20% is when they start to worry, adn you are at 10%.
Ask the dr, ASAP, so that you don't stress yourself out :hug99:

 

Thanks so much ladies! I am putting in a call to my dr's office tonite so hopefully they will return my call tomorrow morning sometime! I really appreciate all your help.