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Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Facts about conjoined twins. University of Maryland Medical Center. Quigley, C.
Spencher, R. Related Articles. How Identical Are Identical Twins? And How Do They Form? Overview of Monozygotic Identical Twins. The Different Classifications of Unusual Twins. The Difference Between a Zygote and an Embryo. Sometimes a single egg splits in half to create 2 separate identical twins. Usually this happens about 2 weeks after the egg is fertilized. More conjoined twins survive now than in the past. This is a result of advances in imaging studies , surgical techniques and anesthesia.
Our treatment goal is to give both children the best chance for a good quality of life. Sometimes surgery to separate the twins is the best option. The success of the separation surgery depends on many factors, mainly where the twins are connected and which structures they share. Often, both twins survive. But sometimes 1 or both die, usually because of a serious birth defect.
Sometimes separation surgery is not possible. Some conjoined twins have happy, healthy, full lives by staying connected. We help you understand all your options so you can make the choices that are best for your family. Our team has the knowledge, experience and facilities to:. If you would like an appointment, talk with your pregnancy care provider for a referral to our Prenatal Diagnosis and Treatment Program.
If you would like more information or have a referral, call to schedule an appointment. Read about Kevin Mick, who was born a conjoined twin in , and is now living a healthy, active life. Conjoined twins may be connected to each other in many different ways. Their health and any symptoms depend on:.
The twins are face to face. This type is called thoracopagus pronounced thor-uh-KOP-uh-gus. Twins joined at the chest may also share a liver, biliary tract which carries bile and upper digestive tract esophagus , stomach and small intestine. These twins are also face to face. The twins may share a liver, biliary tract and upper digestive tract.
These twins are back to back. This type is called pygopagus pronounced pie-GOP-uh-gus. The twins may share part of the lower digestive tract large intestine , rectum and anus and part of the skeleton, nervous system and genitals. Usually, these twins partly face each other. But they may be oriented to each other in different ways. They may share a liver and biliary tract, part of the upper and all of the lower digestive tract, the genital and urinary systems and part of the skeleton.
This type includes ischiopagus pronounced is-kee-OP-uh-gus and pygopagus twins. These conjoined twins may share a skull, brain and other parts of the nervous system. This type is called craniopagus pronounced kray-nee-OP-uh-gus. In most cases, doctors see that twins are conjoined during a routine ultrasound late in the first trimester of pregnancy or in the second trimester.
We explain what the images show and which structures your twins may share. Some parents continue their pregnancy. Others decide to end their pregnancy. This helps you and your healthcare team prepare for the diagnostic tests and treatments the twins will need once they are born. This is because a vaginal birth is too hard for the mother and babies. We recommend delivery of your baby at the University of Washington by obstetricians who are experienced with high-risk pregnancies.
This will help you and the healthcare team decide how to care for the twins. Our NICU provides the highest level of care, including state-of-the-art support for breathing. Conjoined babies require surgical delivery by cesarean section C-section due to their anatomy. As with twins, conjoined babies are likely to be born prematurely, and one or both could be stillborn or die shortly after birth.
Severe health issues for twins can occur immediately — such as trouble breathing or heart problems — and later in life, such as scoliosis, cerebral palsy or learning disabilities. Potential complications depend on where the twins are joined, which organs or other parts of the body they share, and the expertise and experience of the health care team.
When conjoined twins are expected, the family and the health care team need to discuss in detail the possible complications and how to prepare for them. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products.
Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Conjoined twins Open pop-up dialog box Close. Conjoined twins Conjoined twins may be joined at one of several places. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter.
Show references Mian A, et al. Conjoined twins: From conception to separation, a review. Clinical Anatomy. Arnold J, et al. Introduction: Unique challenges in the care of conjoined twins. Seminars in Perinatology. Sager EC, et al. Conjoined twins: Pre-birth management, changes to NRP, and transport. Mehollin-Ray AR.
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