When two babies are born physically attached, they are called conjoined twins. KD Blossom Hospital has arguably the best pediatricians in Ahmedabad who can guide you in such delicate times.
When an early embryo only partially splits to become two individuals, conjoined twins develop. Even though this embryo develops into two infants, they stay physically joined, usually at the chest, abdomen, or pelvis. Additionally, internal organ sharing is possible in conjoined twins.
Even though many conjoined twins are stillborn—not alive at birth—or pass away soon after delivery, survival rates have increased due to advancements in technology and surgery. Surgery can be used to separate some conjoined twins who are still alive. The location of the twins' joint as well as the number and types of shared organs will determine how well the surgery goes. It also depends on how skilled and experienced the surgical team is.
What Are The Symptoms?
There are no particular signs of a conjoined twin pregnancy. The uterus may grow quicker than it does with a single baby, just like in other twin pregnancies. Additionally, early in the pregnancy, there could be increased fatigue, nausea, and vomiting. An ultrasound can be used early in pregnancy to determine conjoined twins.
How They Are Joined
Typically, conjoined twins are categorized based on where they are united. The twins occasionally have organs or other body parts in common. Every set of conjoined twins is distinct.
Any of these locations can be used to unite conjoined twins:
- Chest: Twins of thoracopagus are linked at the chest, face to face. They may share an upper intestine and liver in addition to frequently having a shared heart. One of the most typical locations for conjoined twins is this.
- Abdomen: Omphalopagus twins unite near the abdominal button. A portion of the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract and the liver are shared by many omphalopagus twins. The colon, the longest segment of the large intestine, and the ileum, the bottom portion of the small intestine, are shared by certain twins. They don't usually have the same heart.
- Base Of Spine: Pygopagus twins are frequently connected back to back at the buttocks and base of the spine. The lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract is shared by certain pygopagus twins. Some twins share the urinary and genital systems.
Asymmetric conjoined twins are rare examples of twins that are connected, with one twin being smaller and less developed than the other. Seldom will one twin be discovered to be largely developed inside the other twin (fetus in fetu).
The Causes
Monozygotic twins, often known as identical twins, are created when a single fertilized egg divides into two separate individuals. The embryonic layers that divide to generate monozygotic twins start to develop into distinct organs and structures eight to twelve days after conception.
It is thought that the process of separation ends prematurely when an embryo breaks later than this, often 13 to 15 days after conception. Conjoined twins are the outcome.
According to a different notion, two distinct embryos might potentially fuse during the early stages of development.
There is no known factor that could set off either series of events.
Conclusion
The reason why conjoined twins are so uncommon is unknown, and it is unclear what factors could increase a couple's chance of having conjoined twins.
Conjoined twin pregnancies are complicated and carry a significantly higher risk of major problems. Cesarean sections (C-sections) are the surgical method of delivery for conjoined newborns.
