Monozygotic-Diamnionic Twins

Yesterday marked one month of finding out about the identical twins and it was our second doctor's visit.  I was thrilled because I thought we would have another ultrasound.  Like most expectant mom's I've been doing my reading, receiving daily updates on the babies' growth from "What to Expect," and wanted to view the development that has been occurring.  Not to mention, I was ready to add a photo to my frame to showcase.  However, that didn't happen but we did get to hear the heart beat.  I asked the doc what one of those contraptions would cost.  It was out of my budget!  Of course, at this stage you know you're pregnant and you see your body changing and are experiencing pregnancy symptoms but you can't feel the babies.  As a new mother to be I believe we all worry to a certain degree and love to have that reassurance.  Good news is our next appointment is scheduled for the last week in April.  Exactly 2 days before we are due to visit KY.  Doc confirmed we will find out the sex at the next office visit.  However, we are hoping that they can keep it a secret from us that day and place a few cards in envelopes with the sex written on a piece of paper.  We plan on having a cookout with our families on Thursday 4/28 and do the BIG REVEALING together.  It means so much to me to include them on this journey and share every moment I can.  Despite distance you can be creative and make memories that you will always cherish.   

Our doctor confirmed at our first appointment that we were having Monozygotic-Diamnionic aka "Mono-Di" twins. "Monozygotic" (Identical) twins occur when one egg is fertilized by one sperm.  At some point in the very early stages of cell division, the developing cell group splits in two and develops as two separate embryos.  This rare twinning creates two embryos who share the complete complement of each other's genetic information; their DNA is identical.  The point at which the split occurs will determine which of the four possible developmental scenarios will develop for the babies.  I'm just going to focus on our reality.  "Diamnionic" basically means two amniotic sacs.  Breaking it down we have Identical Twins with two amniotic sacs.   They share one chorion (outer sac) and one placenta.  Due to the two babies taking from one nutrition source it is considered riskier than two babies having their own.  Therefore, soon after our next doctor appointment we will continue going for our routine visits along with seeing a high risk pregnancy specialist at another location.  This doctor is specialized in monitoring the growth of the babies.  In researching, you learn that the placenta is suited to supply twins with everything they need throughout their gestation.  Under the best of circumstance it generously provides for the transfer of oxygen, water, and nutrition from mother to developing fetuses.  However, there are situations in which the placenta appears to provide a preferential supply of nutrition to one fetus over the other.  The specialist will closely be watching the growth of both babies and we were told if one gets to 20% or more larger than the other then that's a red flag.  Everyday I remind them to share, share, share! 

Another risk the specialist will be on the lookout for is known as Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS).  Basically TTTS can occur due to sharing a single placenta.  The blood supplies of identical twin fetuses can become connected, so that they share blood circulation.  Although each fetus uses its own portion of the placenta, the connecting blood vessels within the placenta allow blood to pass from one twin to the other.  This can lead to being shared unequally by the twins, and one twin may have a share too small to provide the necessary nutrients to grow normally or even survive.  TTTS affects approximately 15% of identical pregnancies.   Unfortunately, TTTS can't be prevented but treatment has come a long way.  As my husband tells me, "Don't cross that bridge till you come to it."  Hopefully with your continued prayers this will not be something we face. 

There are a few frequently asked questions I want to answer:

Q. Can you have boy/girl identical twins?
A.  First of all don't feel bad for asking this question because once you hear the answer it all comes back to you.  I also totally forgot till the doc explained it at our first visit.  I'm even pretty sure I got an A on my test back in the day on this...haha!  Quick recap of Biology 101: The egg always carries an X (girl) chromosome and the sperm either carries an X (girl) or Y (boy) chromosome.  Therefore, the man's sperm determines the sex of the baby.  Again, with identical twins it's one egg fertilized by one sperm.  Then the egg splits.  Therefore you're either having 2 boys or 2 girls. No combo.  (Side Note: I believe God was genius on this.  It's all up to the man and I'm so happy for that!  Women don't need that additional pressure!)

Q. Were you on fertility drugs?
A. Negative partner.  Fertility drugs can result in Dizygotic (Fraternal) twins or even triplets, quadruplets, etc.  Fertility drugs can increase the number of eggs a woman produces and then multiple sperms can fertilize those eggs.  With identical twins they can't really explain why the egg splits. My answer...A gift from God.

Q. Do twins run in your family?
A. Stay tuned to my next blog :)

In closing, one day at a time is the best you can do.  Not just being pregnant but in life in general.  It doesn't hurt that my doctors gave me the OK to go on my trip next week to drum roll....HAWAII!  I will be going with Aunt Tiffany and Aunt Kimbo.  Yes, the hubby will be at home.  He's awesome!  So kids, don't say momma never took you anywhere :) 


Aloha friends,

The Cochrans


Cute Story
A lady at work has 8 year old identical twins.  A couple of weeks ago she told me she had a book about multiples.  The following day she came in with the book and the cutest story.  She said it was up on a high shelf so she climbed up there and brought it down and the boys noticed it and exclaimed, "Look a book about us!"  She replied, "No boys this is for Ms. Leslie.  She is having identical twins."  A look of confusion and astonishment spread across their faces and they said, "You mean we aren't the only twins in the world."  She said  she got so tickled because she never realized that is what they believed.  They were shocked to hear there are others out there like them.  Haha!