The number of ultrasounds a pregnant woman with twins will receive can vary depending on the healthcare provider's practices, the woman's medical history, and any specific medical concerns during the pregnancy. Generally, women pregnant with twins can expect to undergo more ultrasound examinations compared to those carrying a single baby. Ultrasounds are used to monitor the health and development of both babies throughout the pregnancy.
Commonly, women with a twin pregnancy may have the following ultrasound schedule:
Early pregnancy ultrasound: This is typically performed around 6 to 10 weeks of gestation to confirm the presence of two embryos and to assess their viability and early development.
Nuchal translucency (NT) scan: This is a specialized ultrasound performed between 11 and 14 weeks of pregnancy to screen for chromosomal abnormalities.
Anatomy scan: Also known as a level 2 ultrasound, this comprehensive scan is usually done around 18 to 20 weeks of pregnancy. It evaluates the babies' anatomy and checks for any potential abnormalities.
Growth scans: Starting in the second half of pregnancy, regular growth scans may be performed to monitor the babies' growth and ensure they are developing at a healthy rate.
Doppler ultrasound: This type of ultrasound is used to assess blood flow in the umbilical cords and other vital vessels, ensuring adequate blood supply to both babies.
Biophysical profile (BPP): In the later stages of pregnancy, a BPP might be performed to evaluate the babies' overall well-being by assessing various factors such as fetal movements, amniotic fluid levels, and more.
Please note that the number and timing of ultrasounds can vary depending on individual circumstances and the healthcare provider's approach. It's essential for pregnant women to communicate with their healthcare team and ask any questions they may have about the ultrasound schedule and their twin pregnancy's specific needs.