Fetal ultrasound with Doppler (multiple pregnancy)
This examination helps assess blood circulation in multiple pregnancies and provides additional information about each baby's development. Doppler findings are an important part of monitoring twin or triplet pregnancies, particularly when placental function needs to be evaluated and potential abnormalities identified.
How is the development of both babies monitored in a twin pregnancy?
When you are expecting twins, it is important to monitor each baby's development individually and compare their measurements. The doctor assesses fetal growth, amniotic fluid levels and, when indicated, blood flow in the relevant vessels.
The monitoring approach also depends on whether the babies share a placenta. In these pregnancies, specific complications can occur and need to be identified promptly. Doppler ultrasound provides additional information about blood circulation and helps determine whether closer pregnancy monitoring is needed.
Specialists
Nosko Alla Oleksandrivna
Ultrasound doctor
Halenko Rymma Oleksandrivna
Ultrasound doctor, Obstetrician-gynecologist
What is assessed during twin ultrasound with Doppler?
- Measurements and estimated weight for each baby to assess whether growth is appropriate for gestational age and whether there is a significant size difference between the fetuses.
- Blood flow in the vessels included in the examination protocol to identify possible circulatory abnormalities that may require further monitoring.
- The amount of amniotic fluid around each fetus. This is particularly important in pregnancies where the babies share a placenta, as changes may indicate certain complications.
- Previous growth and blood flow measurements when the examination is repeated. Changes over time help the doctor assess the progress of the pregnancy and determine whether further monitoring is needed.
How often should you have an ultrasound during a twin pregnancy?
The frequency of ultrasound examinations in a multiple pregnancy depends on whether the babies share a placenta, how they are growing and whether there are risk factors for complications. For this reason, the monitoring schedule for twins usually differs from that for a singleton pregnancy.
According to the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology (ISUOG), uncomplicated dichorionic twins – where each baby has a separate placenta – are generally scanned every four weeks after the second-trimester anatomy scan. For monochorionic twins, who share one placenta, ultrasound monitoring is recommended every two weeks from 16 weeks of pregnancy to help identify potential complications early.
If an examination reveals differences in fetal growth or changes in blood flow, the doctor may recommend additional scans at shorter intervals. The monitoring schedule is individualised according to placentation and the course of the pregnancy.
Frequently asked questions
What if the babies share one placenta?
Can I have a twin ultrasound with Doppler at Doctor Sam if another doctor is monitoring my pregnancy?
If one baby is smaller than the other, does it mean that their development is delayed?
What is twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, and can it be detected by ultrasound?
