Mono-mono Twins

That is fascinating. I had never heard of Mono Mono twins before. I looked up some things and found this site.

http://www.monoamniotic.org/

They have an online support group, and even blogs by Mo-Mo Moms. I am sure you will find comfort in sharing info with others in the same situation.

The GREAT news is that the babies are born very healthy. Just be sure to follow all of the Dr.s orders, go into the hospital as soon as they tell you to, and make sure you are closely monitored. Any indication you feel of anything irregular, Speak UP immediately.

Best of luck to you, and your TWO LITTLE BUNDLES OF JOY!

I have no real answers other than relax and enjoy the process of motherhood. Be happy, your babies like it when you are happy. Talk to them, read to them. So you rest a little more with twins there is more weight to carry.
Be educated and try not to worry. Most things we worry about never happen. You have better things to do with your free time. If you are going to worry set a limited time per day to do it and do it well. And then get on with your day. I would say no more than 5 minutes a day. As you are much to busy to worry you are going to be a Mommy.
Remember God stays up all night and nap time when mom and babies are sleeping, let him handle it all. Handle with pray. I am so happy for you and yours. I looked after triples once. And twins several times. I love children.
Play the song if you have too" Do not Worry be Happy"

Hi, A.,

I think I may have responded to your earlier question with this suggestion, but in case I didn't, I highly recommend the book "When You're Expecting Twins, Triplets or Quads" by Barbara Luke and Tamara Eberlein. I found it very useful during my fraternal twin pregnancy (which was, of course, not as complicated as what you are handling). For instance, the book urges you to gain more weight earlier on in the pregnancy (and helps you do it healthfully), since earlier delivery is more likely. Just things you might not be told otherwise. The book was more cautious than my doctor was, so it was a good balance between the two of them. Twin pregnancies are definitely different and more difficult than single pregnancies -- it's just a fact that all twin moms know.

Stay off Google! Most of what you will find will just scare you. I had that experience during my own pregnancy...

Since your mono-mono twins have been diagnosed relatively early on, I'm sure you will be monitored closely. That's the best thing. Every sonogram where you see your babies, every visit where you hear their heartbeats -- these will reassure you.

For now, take it easy and listen to your body. Sleep as much as you can!
Take care,
A.

It's unlikely many Moms on this site would have experienced this, since it is so very rare. Here's a piece of advice I was able to find "If you have been diagnosed with "mo-mo" twins, you should be seeing a perinatologist (a doctor specializing in high risk pregnancies). Your extraordinary twin pregnancy will need much closer monitoring and expert care."

Here's a blog by a Mom of this type of twins: http://momotwins-katy-mady.blogspot.com/

There are risks with this type of pregnancy, obviously, and you'll want to get the best medical care possible. I love the earlier advice you got to "worry 5 minutes a day" :-) There is only so much we can do when we enter into any pregnancy - get educated, take care of ourselves physically and emotionally, hope (or pray) for the best.

Good luck to you!

I don't have advice except to say I'd ask your doctor why they have to be born at 32 weeks. I know there are concerns making sure each baby is getting enough nutrition and all but if they are healthy at 32 weeks, why not let them go longer?

Good luck.

I don't know that much about twins as my 2 were born separately. But they both were NICU babies (even though both were full term). If you find a good high risk Ob that delivers at a hospital with a top level NICU (perhaps at a Childrens' hospital or University Hospital) you can worry less because you know you and the babies are going to get good care whatever happens. When my babies were in the NICU there were many preemies (acutally most of the babies were preemies) and the staff knew exactly what to do. Some of the babies were quite tiny (2lbs). I was also in the children's hospital when my emergency c-section got infected and it was the same floor near the special care nursery. They took good care of me too. Basically I am writing to say even if things don't go perfectly according to plan it will probably work out in the long run. Even with all the NICU drama both my kids are pretty much healthy.

The risks of twin pregnancies are very real and sometimes scary but it's good to be aware of them now in order to be as prepared as possible, with the help of your OBGYN, your perinotologist and a local hospital that can handle high-risk cases.

We are very lucky that we have all this modern technology, ultrasounds and testing to assist doctors - forty years ago when I was born (I'm an identical twin) the only resource doctors had were X rays right before the birth to find out the position of the babies. There was no way to analyze other risks. Even with this lack of information, my mom carried us successfully to term.

I'm carrying twins too (fraternal). As my doctor sid, "make no mistake about it, twin pregnancies are not a walk in the park, they are high risk". Although my case is less risky than yours I have other pre-existing conditions that require constant monitoring. I was basically told to be ready starting at 24 weeks in case I went into preterm labor or I had to have strict bedrest. Going to the hospital, talking with the nurses and with other moms who've had preemies has helped. So has making a to-do list of what to have ready by then has also helped, a lot of the stress comes from what happens if there's an emergency and you are unprepared.

See if there's a local multiples club that you can join. I've found the moms to be incredibly supportive and helpful. No other mom except a mom of multiples can really understand what your're going through, especially in this day and age of celebrities with twins such as Angelina Jolie and J. Lo who seemed to breeze through their pregnancies effortlessly in long gowns and high heels.

In the meantime, you might want to read "Your High-Risk Pregnancy" - I found it helpful in learning about different risk factors, recommendations, bedrest, etc. and helped put my mind at ease a bit, as well as make a list of questions for my doctors.

An excellent doctor and hospital in your area is Dr Joanne Stone of Mt Sinai, one of the most highly regarded OBGYNs for high risk cases including multiples.

Hi A., I do not have and answer for you but I will pray that your twins are fine and all goes well. Grandma Mary

While I have no experience with this situation, in addition to having a doctor expereinced in twins and higher-risk pregnancies, I would recommend contacting a birthing doula. You can find one through DONA. The reason I suggest this is all the angst and stress you are feeling. You need a non-medical resource/support person starting now!

Historically, I have found that the doctors take a very clinical approach to birth (any birth) and often are full of good intentions but have a tendency to make even the most normal of births into something they are not. It creates undue stress and strain for the Mom and can lead to a really scarey pregnancy. A doula can help you filter the information you are receiving, suggest additional resources and in general provide support. They are not doctors and will not treat you but will empower you to make the best decisions for you and your babies in conjunction with the doctor's advise. It is a support system that you may currently be lacking. A doula will take the time to listen which a doctor may not.

I would also say to trust your instincts. If you feel healthy and happy and remain positive, than the outcome is more likely to be exactly what you want - two beautiful healthy babies!

Best of luck.
~C.

I had di-di twins so I was not in the same situation as you. But as other people have advised do not always believe what you read on the internet- there is a lot that will scare you (my 2nd pregnancy my daughter had a very low heart rate during the first trimester and e/t on the internet was saying be ready to miscarry while my dr put me on bed rest and told me to relax it will work out- and it did). Mono twins are a higher risk but your dr will prob monitor you closely. I saw my dr every 1-2 wks during the first trimester, every 2-3 weeks during my 2nd. I went into preterm labor at 28 wks- I was 3 cm dilated and contracting every 5 min. It was unexpected- I had no indication for it and my fetal fibronectin test had come out negative but it happened. I was at mt sinai (they were great) and i was on strict bed rest (I was only allowed to get up for the bathroom when I was on the other meds and not of mag sulf but i went back into labor twice so I ended up on mag sulf for 3 wks total) and magnesium sulfate (and other meds) for 6 wks. I know a lot of ppl say they would go crazy w that but my mindset the whole time was this is best for my kids- and this is my rest before I have two babies to take care of. I enjoyed my rest time- I did crossword puzzles, read, and watched tv. I had a roommate when I was not on mag sulf and we got along really well and kept each other company. And my husbands family all lives in NY/NJ and they came to visit constantly which was great. (my family is from chicago so they came in 2x). I delivered at 34 wks when they saw the twins had not grown in 2 wks and took me off all meds and said if I dont go into labor the next day they will induce me- I went into labor the next day and delivered them. They were in the nicu for 2 wks (1 had breathing issues the other was fine) to gain weight. Everything really worked out for the best and the thing I recommend is to keep a positive attitude. BTW the book the other person recommended is great one of my favorite pregnancy books. The other one is by Dr. Gila Leiter (she was my ob and Dr. Stone who someone recommended was the consultant on my case). I went into preterm labor again (at 30 wks) with my next preg which was a singleton and I was on meds and bed rest at home for 6 wks again and it did not bother me. I really always see it as a rest before I have a newborn to take care of and my twins were 2.5 at the time and were amazing about it. They would play next to my bed or come onto the bed to spend time with me. Both times though I had a great support system of friends and family who would come visit and bring food. Good luck! Twins are amazing - I love mine and they are best friends.

I don't have any expertise on this, but just wanted to say, congratulations on your twins, and try not to worry so much. Put yourself into the hands of your OBGYN. That is what they do. I have a friend who went through a tough pergnancey with twins, and she now has two beautiful 6 month old boys! God Bless you and your family!

My dil delivered my two identical (same sack) twins in Sept. at 37 weeks.
Definitely did not go into hospital at 28 weeks. Instead of google, have
long discusssion with your doc. Good luck.

Hi A.

I didn't have mono-mono twins, but I did carry fraternal twins to 38 weeks. My boys just turned 1 year old. I was so scared when I found out (at 9wks pregnant) that I was carrying twins..I read everything I could and yes..got even more scared. So, this is what I can tell you...It doesn't HAVE to happen the way they write up the worst case scenario. Relax as best you can and tell yourself (and the babies) EVERYDAY that everything will be OK. That you and the babies are healthy and set a mental date in your mind that you want to carry them until.
My boys were due April 20 and I told myself everynight THESE BOYS ARE STAYING IN. I picked the date of April 4.
I had a scheduled C-section April 6 and the boys were 6.9 and 6.12 lbs. I know there are more "risks" with your type of twins..but my point is..keep thinking positive instead of worrying. I do believe that helps. Keep the stress hormones out of your body as much as possible.
Twins are hard hard work, especially the first few months...but SUCH A BLESSING!! Be very happy and GOOD LUCK. Keep us posted or write to me privately if you need a pep talk :)
~V.

I have mono-di twins and wanted to tell you to relax-every twin pregnancy is different. You could carry them full term with no problems-so remember that too. I ended up with TTTS and had them early and they are 5yrs and healthy. Just take it easy, rest when needed, eat your calories(good ones). You can't predict how it's going to turn out so just make sure you take care of yourself. Good luck.

I had mono amniotic twins and they will be 8 years old this summer. My husband read everything he could get his hands on regarding premature twins because we knew as you know that they will be coming early. I, on the other hand, did not want to read anything about what could happen because It was too tramautic for me. I went into the hospital at 24 weeks so they could monitor the babies heartrates and they were born at 32 weeks and a few days. My doctor would only have let me carry them for 34 weeks. They were in the NICU for 1 week and then went to a special care nursery. Everything was fine other than the fact that they liked the gavage tube feedings. In order to be released from the hospital they had to take all 8 feedings from either the breast or the bottle. I don't really have much advice other than make sure you are seeing a perinatologist (sp???) which is a high-risk pregnancy specialist. I delivered at Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas and the high-risk ward there was wonderful. I recieved the best care possible. I am not sure where you are living but make sure your hospital is equipped to handle this type of birth. I know hospitals are ranked and I'm not sure how this is done. I wish you the best of luck. I know how stressful this is for you.