Multiple pregnancy (Twins)

When more than one fetus simultaneously develops in the uterus, it is called multiple pregnancy. Simultaneous development of two fetuses (twins) is the commonest. Although rare, development of three fetuses (triplets), four fetuses (quadraplets), five fetuses (quintuplets) or six fetuses (sextuplets) may also occur.

                                                 Twins 

Definition - 

Simultaneous development of two fetuses in the uterus is the commonest variety of multiple pregnancy.


Varieties -

i) Dizygotic twins - It is the commonest (2/3) and result from the fertilization of two ova.

ii) Monozygotic twins - It is rare (1/3) result from the fertilization of a single ovum.


Related articles :

• Description of genesis of twins
• Causes of genesis of twins
• What is Superfetation and Superfecundation
• Management of twin pregnancy