Mono Mono (MoMo), Di Di (DiDi), and Mono Di (MoDi) are terms used to describe different types of twin pregnancies. Keep reading to learn the differences.
Mono Mono (MoMo) Twins:
Mono Mono twins are also known as monoamniotic-monochorionic (MoMo) twins. In this type of pregnancy, the twins share the same amniotic sac and placenta. They develop from a single fertilized egg that splits later than in other types of twins. MoMo twins are the rarest type of twins, occurring in approximately 1% of all twin pregnancies. MoMo twins are always identical twins.
MoMo twins have a higher risk of complications compared to other types of twins due to the shared amniotic sac. The main concern is the possibility of the umbilical cords becoming tangled or compressed, which can lead to serious complications such as cord entanglement or twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). Due to these risks, MoMo pregnancies are closely monitored, and hospitalization is sometimes required.
Di Di (DiDi) Twins:
Di Di twins are also known as diamniotic-dichorionic (DiDi) twins. In this type of pregnancy, each twin has its own separate amniotic sac and placenta. DiDi twins develop from two separate fertilized eggs most of the time. They are the most common type of twins and account for about 70% of all twin pregnancies. DiDi twins are almost always fraternal twins. But in some rare cases, DiDi twins can be identical, due to the fertilized egg splitting very early (within the first 3 days) after conception. When this occurs, each embryo has a chance to develop its own placenta and amniotic sac. Approximately 10% of DiDi twins are identical.
DiDi twins have a lower risk of complications compared to MoMo twins because they have separate amniotic sacs and placentas. Each twin has its own blood supply, reducing the risk of cord entanglement and TTTS. Although DiDi twins still require careful monitoring throughout pregnancy, the risks are generally lower compared to MoMo twins.
Mono Di (MoDi) Twins:
MoDi twins, short for monochorionic-diamniotic twins, are a type of twin pregnancy in which the twins share the same placenta but have separate amniotic sacs. “Mono” refers to the shared placenta, while “Di” indicates the separate amniotic sacs.
In MoDi twin pregnancies, the fertilized egg initially splits into two embryos, resulting in twins. However, unlike DiDi twins, which have two separate placentas, MoDi twins develop with a single placenta that they both share. The division of the fertilized egg occurs early in the pregnancy, typically within the first week after conception. MoDi twins are always identical.
Due to the shared placenta, MoDi twins are at a higher risk of certain complications compared to DiDi twins. The main concern is the potential for the twins to have a condition called twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). TTTS occurs when there is an imbalance in the blood flow between the twins through the shared placenta, leading to one twin receiving too much blood (donor twin) and the other twin receiving too little blood (recipient twin). This condition requires close monitoring and, in severe cases, medical intervention may be necessary.
MoDi twin pregnancies also require regular ultrasound monitoring to assess the growth and development of the twins and to check for any signs of complications. The medical team will closely monitor the twins’ well-being and the functioning of the shared placenta throughout the pregnancy.
In Summary:
The main difference between MoMo and DiDi twins lies in the way they share the amniotic sac and placenta. MoMo twins share the same amniotic sac and placenta, while DiDi twins have separate amniotic sacs and placentas. The type of twin pregnancy can affect the level of monitoring and potential risks associated with the pregnancy.
MoDi twins are twins who share the same placenta but have separate amniotic sacs. This type of twin pregnancy carries a higher risk of complications, primarily related to the shared placenta, and requires careful monitoring during pregnancy.
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