Receiving the news of pregnancy is one of the happiest moments for a woman, so how about that feeling after knowing that this pregnancy is not an ordinary pregnancy, but a twin pregnancy? Despite this joy, it increases the mother’s responsibility to preserve the pregnancy until it ends safely. There are two types of identical twins and different twins, but the question remains; Is it possible to conceive twins in one bag? In this article, we will know his answer.

What is the meaning of carrying twins in one bag?

In order to learn how to conceive twins in one bag, we must understand the difference between the types of twins.
Different twins result from the fertilization of two different eggs, with two different sperms, and therefore each fertilized egg is divided separately, and each fetus has its own placenta and sac. As for identical twins, it results from the fertilization of one egg with one sperm, then that fertilized egg divides into two cells, and from here the following occurs:

• Either each fetus has a separate placenta and a separate sac.
• Or the presence of a common placenta between the two fetuses, and separate bags.
• The two fetuses share one placenta and one sac.

It is worth noting that twin pregnancy in one sac is a very rare condition that does not exceed 1% of twin pregnancies, and it is known in English as Monoamniotic-Monochorionic, meaning mono-sac, mono-placenta, and it is a condition that carries many risks.

Is it possible to form twins in one sack, a boy and a girl?

It is not possible for twins to occur in one sac of different sexes, as it is an identical twin, resulting from the division of one egg, and its characteristics are:

• The same species, whether male or female.
• Same genetic traits of skin color, hair, eyes, and same height.

How to diagnose twins in one sac

Most cases of twins are routinely examined by ultrasound, and during a monosaccharomy ultrasound, doctors do not find the membrane or line separating the two fetuses, which indicates that the twins are in a single sac.

During an ultrasound examination in the early stages of pregnancy of twins sharing the same placenta, the presence of twins in the same sack, or their presence in two separate sacs, may be confused, as the dividing line is not clear, and it can be seen after several weeks have passed in a subsequent examination.

Risks of carrying twins in one bag

There are many risks that result from having twins in one bag, the most important of which are:

Umbilical cord complications

Both fetuses are connected to their common placenta through their respective umbilical cords, and one of the functions of the umbilical cord is to supply the fetus with blood, nutrients, minerals, and vitamins that it needs for growth.
With the movement of the fetuses in the same common sac, the risk of the umbilical cords getting tangled and pressed against each other increases, which may cause the blood supply to one or both fetuses to be cut off, which increases the risk of death.

Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome

Blood transfusion syndrome is considered one of the rare pregnancies that affect twins, and it is a transfusion of blood from one fetus to the other, which makes the recipient fetus receive the largest share of nutrition in the womb, as a result of which the donor fetus suffers from malnutrition and anemia.

If left untreated, this condition may lead to heart failure, fetal death, or both.

Abnormal changes in the amniotic fluid

Twins in a sac are affected by amniotic fluid levels that are too low or too high. In the event of a decrease in blood flow to one of the twins, it leads to a decrease in the level of amniotic fluid, which limits movement, bladder growth, and the growth of the fetus in general. In the event of increased blood flow, the opposite occurs, as the bladder swells, and it can lead to heart failure.

Other risks

• Low birth weight.
• Premature birth.
• Fetal abnormalities.
• growth retardation
• Conjoined twins.
• The death of one or both fetuses in the womb.
• Preeclampsia of the mother.

Caring for pregnant twins in one bag

After the diagnosis and ultrasound examination, which shows the presence of the twins in one amniotic sac, the doctor begins to follow up periodically for the mother and the fetuses as follows:

• Monitor the development of embryos.
• Monitoring heart functions and heart rate.
• Umbilical cord monitoring and fetal movement.
• Monitor amniotic fluid levels.
• Follow-up of the mother’s general health, and conduct the necessary examinations and analyzes.

The doctor compares these examinations with the indices and standards set globally, and compares the growth rate of fetuses with their previous growth rate. Early detection is an important tool to ensure the safety of the fetuses and the mother until the pregnancy ends safely. It also helps the doctor determine the date of delivery, whether natural or caesarean section.

How to treat twin pregnancy complications in one bag

The specialized doctor uses special techniques to treat problems and complications that may occur due to the presence of twins in the same sac. Here are the most important techniques:

• Cortisone: The doctor may suggest taking corticosteroids to promote the development of the lungs of fetuses in case premature birth is necessary.
• Reducing amniotic fluid levels if levels are too high.
• Laser surgery: in the case of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome.
• If the umbilical cords are involved, they can be treated with laser or radiofrequency, or premature delivery if required.
• Medicines to stimulate labor.
• The mother’s stay in the hospital for follow-up.

Finally, you must adhere to the doctor’s instructions, adhere to follow-up visits, especially in this case, and take food and vitamins as the doctor tells you.