Ultrasound today - Start of TTTS?

Okay, so I had an ultrasound today at the mfm. As some background, I am 20 weeks today expecting mono/di identical girls and had an ultrasound two weeks ago that showed the girls were the same size and doing great.

So I had another one today and they just measured bladders and fluid checked their positions and did a cervical check (Cervix is 3.4, so looks good). The doctor said that their bladders and fluids are measuring different now though. Little girl B has a bigger bladder and more fluid than A, which isn't good. He said it isn't critical right now, but between now and 26 weeks is when TTTS is most likely to present. Now I wish I had a tape recorder because you know you hear something but then can never get the wording right, but he said that it looked like they had a small case of TTTS or that it was the start of TTTS - something along those lines. I asked if there was anything I could do to help - drink more water or whatever and he said no.

So I guess here are my questions:
1) Anyone else experience anything like this and not have it progress any further than that or even go away (not sure if that is a stupid question, not knowing much about TTTS)?
2) If you have experienced it, is there anything I can do to reduce the risk of it getting worse?
3) I am not freaking out about this right now - but should I be?
4) He said he wants to see me every week now so he can keep an eye on it. He scheduled me next week for fluid measurements and a doppler. What's a doppler - just the ultrasound?

Any other advice or words of wisdom you can give me would be great. I am not sure how to feel about it - take it in stride as it will probably be fine or start taking it more seriously and get worried.

TIA!

 

My fluids measured different and we didn't have TTTS. We had a cord defect that caused baby b to have both lower fluid and IUGR problems.

 

I'm sorry to hear that you are going through this. We had a threat of TTTS. One baby was measuring small with less fluid as well. They monitored me weekly and later realized it was due to a 2 vessel cord and placental problems causing IUGR. First of all, if it is TTTS, there's not a lot you can do. A lot of people recommend taking it easy, drink tons of water and even drink high protein supplements like Boost or Ensure. It's great that your MD wants you to come weekly, that means they are going to stay on top of things for you. At this point worrying isn't going to help much, just take peace in the fact that you are in good hands. Treatment for TTTS isn't an option until you pass stage II. The MD will want to monitor size discordance and fluid levels of both babies to be able to make a definitive diagnosis of TTTS. TTTS is unpredictable, it can progress quickly, stay the same and even level back out. Good luck, I hope everything goes well for you. IF you google TTTS you can find a lot of helpful info, but try not to let it scare you right now.

 

Well, I feel a little better after reading your replies to know that it might be something other than TTTS and that even if it is TTTS, it could wind up not progressing to a critical point. The doctor said he would monitor the cord blood flow at the next appointment so hopefully that would show up if it were the issue. I did a search on the site yesterday for TTTS and scared myself silly reading the information out there. I woke up last night and couldn't get back to sleep for worrying about it, so I think I am done researching until at least the next appointment when I can see how they progressed from one week to the next. Thanks again for your replies.

 

sounds like you are in really good hands with your doctor monitoring you well... I can only add that I was a mono-mono twin born in '79....no monitoring...they didn't even know my mom was having twins... we turned out okay... each over six pounds.. I was 3 or 4 oz heavier than my sister... so even mono-mono twins can turn out okay, regardless of monitoring or worrying! You are in good hands..and just count those weeks until you are in a safer zone... make your goal 24 weeks..it's not so far...then 30 weeks....

 

I really would like to reiterate that TTTS CAN be treated and that there are things that you can do to help. Boost High Protein and bedrest have been really helpful to many mothers -- it could help you physically, it WILL help you emotionally (knowing you are doing something) and it can't hurt you so why not? I would highly recommend that you contact Dr. Julian DeLia in Milwaukee to discuss your case and ask for his help in monitoring you. He helps every mom who contacts him!! I am sorry that the TTTS sites frightened you -- the whole purpose for them it to provide education and HOPE -- with proper care, many babies are surviving this. I would recommend that you go to the TTTS message board "Expecting Twins" and start getting support from parents who have actually gone through this. There is tons of misinformation out there and they can help make sure that both you and your doctor are fully educated. I know it is frightening but know that TTTS CAN BE BEAT. I know -- I live with two survivors myself.

Brook - Proud mommy of 5 beautiful sons including TTTS survivors Lucas & Matthew born at 29 weeks, 8 weeks 3 days after PPROM!!!

 

My boys had TTTS that didn't progress past stage 1 thank goodness. We were diagnosed at 18 weeks.

I would suggest to up your protein and add in a couple protein shakes/day because we swear this is what helped. - I did stop with the shakes around 32 weeks and they had to be delivered at 34 weeks because it started progressing again.