One twin slowed down

[scater]

Hi all

Just looking for others experiences really. Am 34 weeks with twins, all along they have measured almost identical sizes and we were planning a section at 37 weeks.

Today twin 1 has slowed right down she is estimated 4.3
( without head measurement as she's so far behind pelvic bone) twin 2 is estimated 4.9.

I had first load of steroids today, more tomorrow and they have moved the section to 36 weeks.

Am trying not to stress too much but I generally feel a bit less movement from her as she is lying between the two placentas.

Will it be ok to ask them to put the monitor on tomorrow at a MAC when I have the second steroid.

Anyone got good news stories? Any food I can eat to promote growth?
TIA.

[neversleepagain]

What type of twins are you having? It can be quite common for twins to be very different weights and sizes. I know twins where one was 7lb and one 5lb at birth. Did your consultant say this was anything to worry about?

You are quite far along into your pregnancy so if they need to be delivered now they will do well which must be very reassuring for you. My twins were born at 34 weeks and although small were healthy.

If you have any concerns speak to your consultant and never feel you shouldn't ask for monitoring if you feel it necessary.

Good luck

[stirrupleathers]

Hi I had a similar experience. Twin 2 (boy) growth had slowed dramatically at my 31 week scan. I was v worried. Consultant said to come back two weeks,later for another growth scan. If baby was still the same then I would be booked in for a c section. However waters broke at 33 weeks days before my planned scan. I delivered twins naturally. My son weighed 3lbs 5 and went straight to SCBU along with his sister. He was v poorly but after 3 weeks he was sent home. His sister was discharged after only a week as she was the strong healthy twin!! Stay positive. Ask for the monitor tomorrow.. xx

[scater]

Thanks both, they are dcda. I think it's triggered a flurry of activity as they have been virtually identical weights all along so the slow down is in the last 2 weeks.

I know they could come out now and have been really pleased to make it this far to be honest.

My first daughter was still born at 31 weeks and was small for gestation when born. This is probably adding to my fear.

To get this far and anything go wrong is scary.

[slightlyinsane]

My mcma twins are 12 days old. For the majority of thettime they were fairly equal size wise at every scan. Towards the end twin 1 slowed right down and like yours was way down low that hc couldn't be measured. My twins arrived naturally at 36+2 weighing 4lb11 and 5lb10. It turns out mine had twin to twin as they shared a placenta. None of the consultants were concerned about the size difference. From what I've read it's more common for dcda twins to be different sizes. Having the steroids is a good thing incase they come early. Personally I wouldn't be worried about the estimated size difference you currently have. Good luck

[squizita]

I myself am a much smaller twin - from back in the day before steroids etc'. I was never sickly as a child, although shorter than my twin, and am (relatively) normal.
As others have said, it isn't that unusual and is usually fine (especially now they can do so much more medically).

[squizita]

...also FWIW we arrived naturally at 34 weeks, and my growth had been keeping up then slowed.

[scater]

Thanks so much for the messages. Consultant has decided to take them out at 36 weeks rather than the original planned 37 so think that has freaked us out a bit. Consultant seemed fairly relaxed but we are stressed, scared and now have a week less than we thought to prepare

[MummytoMog]

My friend's DCDA boy girl twins came early at 29 weeks - girl was tiny compared to boy twin, but both did fine and went home after four weeks. A year later, they are both bouncing healthy toddling whirlwinds.

[martha15]

scater - no wonder you are worried given your earlier loss. Poor you. I think its very encouraging that you have got this far though - they could come out tomorrow if they had to and likely be fine, and the medics are obviously on it, and going to watch you closely, so I would have thought you have a very good chance of a great outcome for both of them. Good luck. x

[LairyPoppins]

Hi Scater,
I had something similar with my DT boys (who are now 4). DT2 slowed down - it turns out I had the start of pre-eclampsia (I think they thought it was DT2's placenta that was not working properly). I was admitted at 35+6 and had the boys by c-section at 37+3. DT1 was 6lbs 13 and DT2 was 5lbs 6. He was a bit tired and droopy when he was born, struggled to feed and went down to 5lb2.

They are similar sizes now, hospital were good and it does even out over time. Best of luck.

[scater]

Thanks guys. Had second lot of steroids today and midwife had a quick listen in with the handheld, both heartbeats fine.

Have a scan on Tuesday and MAC have said I should go in for a quick listen any time.

Just need to be vigilant and chill at the same time.

Lovely to hear all the positive outcome storiesxxx.