Placental sharing refers to the distribution of the placenta's resources between multiple fetuses in a multiple pregnancy, which can significantly impact fetal development and health outcomes. Unequal placental sharing can lead to conditions such as twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, where one twin receives more nutrients and blood supply than the other, potentially resulting in complications for both fetuses.

Placental Sharing

Distribution of the placenta's resources

Multiple pregnancy refers to a pregnancy where more than one fetus develops simultaneously in the uterus, commonly resulting in twins, triplets, or higher-order multiples. This condition increases the risk of complications for both the mother and the fetuses, requiring specialized prenatal care to manage potential health issues.

Multiple Pregnancy

Fetal development is a complex process that transforms a fertilized egg into a fully formed baby, occurring over approximately 40 weeks in the mother's womb. This process is divided into three trimesters, each characterized by specific developmental milestones, including organ formation, growth, and maturation.

Fetal Development

Health outcomes refer to the changes in health status or quality of life that result from healthcare interventions or social determinants. They are critical for evaluating the effectiveness of medical treatments, public health policies, and healthcare systems in improving patient and population health.

Health Outcomes

Unequal placental sharing

Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) is a serious prenatal condition that affects identical twins sharing a placenta, where blood flow becomes unbalanced between the twins, leading to one twin receiving too much blood and the other too little. This can result in significant health risks for both twins, requiring careful monitoring and potentially intervention during pregnancy to improve outcomes.

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