This article is consulted by Dr. Nguyen Anh Tu - Obstetrician and Gynecologist - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.
The ultrasound image of 6-week-old twins is still very small. The measurements will indicate how the babies are developing and if there are any abnormalities. This is an important milestone in the pregnancy process that expectant mothers need to pay attention to during a 6-week twin ultrasound.
1. Mechanism of Twin Formation
Twins occur when there are two fetuses in the uterus. This is a special case in pregnancy and has a higher mortality rate for both mother and babies compared to a single pregnancy.
Normally, one egg is released during the menstrual cycle and fertilized by one sperm to develop into one embryo, resulting in one baby. However, twins can occur in two cases:
- Two eggs are released, each fertilized by one sperm, resulting in two embryos developing in the uterus. This is called fraternal twins. Fraternal twins may share some characteristics but are mostly different in terms of physiology and appearance.
- One egg is fertilized by one sperm, but during the early stages of division, it splits into two zygotes that develop independently, resulting in two embryos implanted in the uterus and developing into two different fetuses. This is called identical twins. Most identical twins share similar physical and psychological characteristics.
2. Causes of Twin Pregnancy
A woman may have a twin pregnancy due to several reasons:
- Genetics: The likelihood of having twins increases if the family has a history of twins, especially if the mother or sisters have had twins.
- Age: Research shows that mothers over 35 are more likely to have twins.
- Use of ovulation-stimulating drugs: For women with irregular menstrual cycles, doctors may prescribe medication to increase egg production. This can lead to multiple eggs being released at once, and if all are fertilized, multiple pregnancies can occur.
- Assisted reproductive techniques: Both intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) use ovulation-stimulating drugs, increasing the likelihood of twin pregnancies compared to natural conception.
3. Ultrasound Image of 6-Week-Old Twins
With modern medical advancements, high-frequency sound waves can capture ultrasound images of 6-week-old twins. This is the time to record the babies' characteristics, detect normal development, and help doctors provide early and timely interventions for the health of both mother and babies.
When the pregnancy reaches 6 weeks, most expectant mothers can detect that they are pregnant. At this stage, the size of 6-week-old twins is very small, only about 0.6 cm long, equivalent to a pea. The baby's arms and legs begin to form. Facial features become more defined, with eyes appearing as two small black dots occupying nearly a quarter of the face, and the nostrils also appear. However, during this week, the baby's eyes are still far apart, near the temples.
This description is based on embryology and requires microscopic observation, which cannot be seen through ultrasound.
4. 6-Week Twin Ultrasound Procedure
A 6-week twin ultrasound is similar to a single pregnancy ultrasound with the following steps:
4.1. Abdominal Ultrasound for 6-Week Twins
- Step 1: The pregnant woman lies on the bed and is asked to lift her shirt to expose her abdomen. The doctor applies a layer of gel to the ultrasound area.
- Step 2: The doctor uses a transducer, gently moving it over the pregnant woman's abdomen to capture standard images of the fetuses on the screen. Afterward, the doctor wipes off the gel, and the abdominal ultrasound is complete.
- Step 3: After the ultrasound, you will receive results from the doctor, including conclusions about the mother's health, fetal development, or any obstetric abnormalities. The doctor will also provide necessary information about diet and exercise to nurture a healthy baby.
4.2. Transvaginal Ultrasound for 6-Week Twins
Compared to abdominal ultrasound, transvaginal ultrasound offers higher accuracy and clearer images. The transvaginal ultrasound procedure is as follows:
- A special transducer is inserted into the pregnant woman's vagina.
- The transducer emits ultrasound waves into the uterine cavity to record characteristics such as position, size, and development of the fetuses.
- The images are then displayed on the ultrasound screen, and the doctor notes any abnormalities in the mother and babies.
5. Precautions for Twin Pregnancy
When carrying twins, mothers need to pay more attention to their health, work, and lifestyle due to higher risks during pregnancy compared to a single pregnancy. To ensure a successful pregnancy journey, expectant mothers should note the following:
- Maintain a proper diet during pregnancy: Consuming enough calories daily helps the babies be born healthy and strong. On average, a woman consumes about 1,800 calories/day, while pregnant women need a total of 2,200 calories/day. For twin pregnancies, the calorie intake should double, meaning 600 calories for two babies, equivalent to 2,400 calories/day.
- Drink enough water: Drinking enough water increases amniotic fluid around the fetuses, reduces the risk of urinary tract infections in pregnant women, prevents dehydration, and ensures blood supply needs in the body. To avoid monotony, besides boiled water, pregnant women can drink unsweetened fruit juices, low-fat milk, or broth.
- Get enough sleep and rest: Carrying twins requires the mother's body to work twice as hard as usual, leading to fatigue and exhaustion. To minimize this, proper rest and sufficient sleep are crucial for the mother to have enough energy and good resistance.
- Monitor the pregnancy carefully and regularly: After confirming a twin pregnancy through ultrasound, the mother is at higher risk of pregnancy complications. Therefore, choosing a reputable medical facility with skilled doctors to accompany the mother is essential.
- Practice suitable exercises: According to doctors, exercising during pregnancy is very beneficial for the health of both mother and babies. This helps ensure a healthy pregnancy. Appropriate exercises for pregnant women include regular walking, yoga, meditation, or swimming.
This article aims to provide necessary information about a 6-week twin ultrasound to help expectant mothers prepare well for themselves and their babies. If there are any abnormal symptoms during pregnancy, expectant mothers should visit a reputable medical facility for examination and consultation from a specialist.
