Prenatal diagnosis and obstetric management

Pat O'Brien; Mae Nugent; Asma Khalil

doi:10.1053/j.sempedsurg.2015.06.002

Prenatal diagnosis and obstetric management

Semin Pediatr Surg. 2015 Oct;24(5):203-6. doi: 10.1053/j.sempedsurg.2015.06.002. Epub 2015 Jun 23.

Authors

Pat O'Brien¹, Mae Nugent², Asma Khalil³

Affiliations

¹ Institute for Women's Health, University College London Hospitals, London NW1, UK. Electronic address: patobrien64@yahoo.co.uk.
² Neonatal Sister Institute for Women's Health, University College London Hospitals, London, UK.
³ St George's University Hospital, University College London Hospitals, London , UK.

PMID: 26382256
DOI: 10.1053/j.sempedsurg.2015.06.002

Abstract

Conjoined twins are rare, representing 1 in 50,000 to 1 in 200,000 live births, and the prognosis is generally poor. Accurate prenatal diagnosis by an experienced multidisciplinary team using a combination of imaging modalities allows parents to make fully informed choices. This may include termination of pregnancy, which is easier and safer at the earlier gestations at which diagnosis is now being made; continuing with the pregnancy but accepting that only palliative care is appropriate after birth; or planned intensive care and separation of the twins after birth. Delivery will invariably be by cesarean section in order to minimize the risk of peripartum harm to both mother and babies.

Keywords: Cesarean; Classical; Conjoined; Prenatal diagnosis; Twins; Ultrasound.

MeSH terms

Abortion, Therapeutic*
Cesarean Section*
Female
Humans
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Complications* / diagnostic imaging
Pregnancy Complications* / surgery
Prenatal Diagnosis / methods*
Twins, Conjoined* / classification
Ultrasonography