Zygosity test for twin girls

[ChampooPapi]

Hi all, I was hoping someone would have some more information on the DNA test you get for determining whether your twins are identical or non identical. Mine have a one in three chance so I'd like to do the test when they are born. Preferably when they are literally born as I know that using the placentas is one of the ways, but who does this? The NHS certainly don't offer it and the private companies all seem to be swab tests post labour costing around 100 pounds.

I know there is a multiples forum here but it is like a desert over there. I have contacted the twins foundation that is listed on the NHS website so hopefully they will be fruitful with some more information.

Has anyone had this test?

Thanks all

It is quite a niche question 😆

I'm pretty sure on my NIPT Panorama Test with Natera they confirm what kind of twins they are (although I already know mind aren't identical as I did a double embryo IVF transfer)

Hey @ivfdreaming, thanks for your response. I too had the nipt test, but it was not the panorama it was the harmony. I know the panorama can also tell the genders of each twin as well if you have one of each where as the harmony can only tell you they are both female or at least 1 is a boy. So I can imagine that's it's more accurate for genetic testing. I did think the only way to know for certain that their DNA match 99 percent was to have blood from their placentas taken or a swab but 🤷‍♀️

I have just been told to investigate through the tamba and this other twin charity through the NHS to sort the testing out post birth of I want to confirm their official 'status'

How many weeks are you now? I'm just over 26 weeks so nearly in the third trimester thank goodness

I'm about 13 weeks now 😬
I haven't had my NIPT results yet as the first sample came back as insufficient DNA which has been stressful so now got to wait another 2 weeks for the results again

@ivfdreaming oh god the wait must be doing your head in. Good for you having the test though, I think it's important to do if your having twins, the NHS one is not exactly that accurate is it 😬

@ivfdreaming so yours are separate placentas and sacks too like mine. Will you be finding out the sex of them or did you tick the 'no' box?

Yes separate placentas and sacs
Hopefully will find out boy/girl so I can get the paints out to get the room ready! at my scan yesterday they are pretty sure one is a boy but could go either way on the other. I'd be over the moon whatever I have as have a DD but then lost 6 babies after her and had to go through 5 rounds of IVF to get pregnant again so I just want to be able to bring my babies home this fine x

@ivfdreaming

I'm pretty sure on my NIPT Panorama Test with Natera they confirm what kind of twins they are (although I already know mind aren't identical as I did a double embryo IVF transfer)

I might be missing something but how does that tell you for sure? What if one didn't implant and the other split?

It was about 13 years ago but I found info on Tamba. i got test kits (cheek cell swabs) from kings university hospital (I think) in london. Sent them back there and the results came back after a few weeks.

Genuine question. Why do you need to know?

@OddBoots

Not sure how they do it but the report states at the top apparently what kind of twins they are

@OddBoots

Sorry might have misunderstood your question - I believe if an embryo splits then it's more likely that they either share a sac or a placenta or both. Mine have a very clear separate sac and placenta

Because they know I definitely transferred 2 embryos then the chances of them being from one egg are really really low

@Barryisland a clinical or medical need can make it essential to know of they are identical or non identical. I also just listed this from the twin foundation website that is linked on NHS online for you

It is only natural for parents to want to learn all they can about their babies, and with twins this includes their zygosity. Later, the twins themselves are usually keen to know. The reasons given by parents for wanting to know the zygosity of their twins include:

for their own interest
to avoid embarrassment when asked the most common question, 'Are they identical?'
to reinforce their resolve to treat them as individuals if they are identical
to assess the risks of having twins again (there is an increased risk for women who have non-identical twins)
Furthermore, if the twins wish to participate in any Twins Studies in the future, knowledge of their zygosity will be essential

If you want any more information tamba or Google twin trust

@Todayissunny thanks so much for responding, I'll definitely look into tamba. I vaguely remember them offering a discount if you were a member on their website when I looked at it briefly a few months ago but couldn't find the page when I did a quick search. I'll see and give them a call. Cheek swab could be most simple with the pandemic and all regarding an extra person and thing happening in theatre after the section

@ivfdreaming mine do as well but if they are the same sex then it's still over 30% Chance they could be identical. You may want to swab yours as well 😆

@OddBoots yes that definitely is possible! Swabs for all 😆

I'm a twin and still don't understand why it matters.

@ivfdreaming although quick search reveals that the panorama test can definitely tell you whether they are fraternal or identical so you'll get to find out soon with the sex for certain. It's a blessing having our type it really is, they can't get twin to twin transfer and it's a pretty straight forward pregnancy, safe in their own sacks with their own placentas ☺️

Seems odd to get a test as soon as they are born. If they are like mine, their non identicalness will be blindingly obvious, mine have different skin tones, hair, and eye colours. Why not wait incase you are wasting your money?

I had the test done, as mine are very similar and difficult to tell apart when they were babies. We found that they are non Identical but still get asked all the time if they are identical :)

@Bubbletrouble43 as it looks like a swab test I worn do it as soon as they are born, we'll just do that at home when we are settled ect. There isn't a usb for that, it's if they do the placenta they obviously have to do it when they are born and I heard some trusts do that for free when you have them.

Sorry terrible spelling.

I won't do it as soon as they are born
There isn't a rush (not usb)

@LargeGlassofRed did they do yours at the hospital? Or after a few months just thought they looked so alike so did the test yourself and sent the kit off? Mine will probably look identical even of they sent, my last two look exactly the same , although there is 8 years apart, the youngest is the spitting image of her sister as a 3 year old currently. The photos of them are remarkably similar, your think they were of the same child

Thankyou. Twins are interesting! Tho I have only know 2 pairs same family in my life.

@Morfin I'm not sure it does matter or if it would have made any difference anyone if we didn't know. It just confirms the answer to a question.