DCDA Twins and growth discordance

[TheEagle]

I'm currently 22+2 with DCDA twins.

We had our anatomy scan last week and measurements showed Twin 1 at 73rd percentile overall weighing 1lb 1oz.

Twin 2 is at the 25th percentile overall weighing 14oz.

This is a growth discordance of 16%.

The sonographer was not concerned - saying that because they're DCDA you look at them as separate babies.

However, yesterday I had my appointment with the doctor and the consultant and they are concerned that Twin 2's growth rate is dropping slightly. They did a quick scan and are happy with heartbeat, movement, blood flow, fluid etc. I'm back in 2 weeks for a growth scan.

I feel really anxious about this now. DH is supportive, saying not to worry but I can't help thinking about it

Does anyone have experience of growth discordance like this? Could it simply be that Twin 2 is going to be a little small?

I already have a lovely DS, he was 7lbs 10oz when he was born at 39 weeks. I had no detailed growth scans of any kind with him as we went along so I have no measurements to compare with.

Trying to stay away from Google on this one!

Hi eagle, twin pregnancies are a nightmare! Although mine are mcma they were born with a 16% difference at 4lb 11 and 5lb 10. When's your next scan?? Normally I would say stay away from Google but on this one you need to look into igur and sigur I can't remember the details of them both but you need to go in forarmed so that they can't fob you off. It is manageable but needs frequent monitoring to check your smaller twin.
I am yet to get to the bottom of our size difference but at 7 months they have no lasting problems but still have a very noticeable difference.

Thanks slightlyinsane!

My next scan is in 2 weeks, on the 29th. They'll decide then if I need more frequent scans.

I did read up about iugr but it really unnerved me. Barely slept at all last night. I just want to fast forward the next 16 weeks and have then both here safe and sound.

Did your babies end up being delivered early?

Sorry I should have said in my earlier post that the plan is to scan every 4 weeks until 32 weeks and then fortnightly. If T2's growth has slowed further they'll scan me more often.

Try not to panic, easier said than done I know.

I have huge problems with my hospital for a few things. With regards to the growth they mentioned it loads but they left me and planned induction for 37 wks. Luckily they arrived at 36+2.

Push for fortnightly scans if anything it will help you through the next 16 wks.

I had a horrible birth with DS (EMCS under GA) so my consultant is happy to go for an ELCS this time.

She has said that this is all dependent on everything going well as we go along of course.

That's a good tip to push for more frequent scanning - waiting around not knowing how things are going is awful.

Having your consultant happy to do a cs is one less thing to worry about.
Fortnightly waits are still tough but nowhere near as bad as 4 wkly. Which hospital are you at?

My dcda twins were a very similar size throughout so I am no help unfortunately.

But if you look at this twin growth chart, twin 2 is spot on for his gestation and so is twin 1.
Twin Growth Chart

Good luck!

Thanks neversleepagain, I did have a look at that chart and felt comforted!

I think they're more worried about the fact that Twin 2's growth has slowed slightly over the weeks.

slightly, I'm not in the UK but am very happy with the care I'm getting at my hospital - my consultant is very well respected in the twin/multiples/high-risk area so I feel comfortable to be in her care.