What are conjoined twins?

Conjoined twins are twins who are born physically joined to each other. This happens very early in pregnancy, when a fertilized egg that is meant to split into two babies does not separate completely, or when two early embryos join together.

Doctors do not know the exact reason why this happens. All conjoined twins are identical twins, and about two out of three conjoined twins are girls.

How common are conjoined twins?

Conjoined twins are very rare. They occur in about 1 out of every 50,000 pregnancies. Unfortunately, many conjoined babies do not survive. Around 60% are either stillborn or pass away shortly after birth.

Are conjoined twins always identical?

Yes. All conjoined twins are identical twins, meaning they come from the same fertilized egg and look very similar.

What causes conjoined twins?

There are two main ideas about how conjoined twins form:

• Incomplete separation: One fertilized egg starts to split into two babies but does not fully separate, so the babies stay joined.
• Fusion: Two early identical embryos may join together at some point and grow as conjoined twins.

These events happen within the first 2 weeks after fertilization, but doctors still do not know exactly why it happens.

What are the types of conjoined twins?

Conjoined twins are named based on where their bodies are joined. They can be joined at:

• Abdomen (belly)
• Chest
• Head
• Head to upper body
• Pelvis (side-by-side or facing each other)
• Back or lower body
• Spine

The type of connection plays a big role in treatment and survival.

How are conjoined twins diagnosed?

Conjoined twins can often be diagnosed during pregnancy, sometimes as early as 12 weeks, using:

• Ultrasound
• MRI scans

Once diagnosed, doctors carefully study how the babies are connected and plan for delivery and care after birth.

Are there pregnancy complications with conjoined twins?

Yes. Premature labor is common in pregnancies with conjoined twins. If the condition is found early, doctors try to manage the pregnancy carefully to allow the babies to grow as long as possible.

Most conjoined twins are delivered by C-section (cesarean delivery) for safety.

Can conjoined twins be separated?

Sometimes, yes. Separation depends on:

• Where the twins are joined
• Which organs they share
• Whether both babies can survive after separation

A large team of specialists studies each case carefully. Decisions about separation can be very difficult and are made together by the parents, doctors, and sometimes ethical advisors.

After birth, conjoined twins are usually placed into one of three groups:

1. No separation: If separation is too risky or would cause severe disability.
2. Immediate separation: Emergency surgery is done if one or both babies are in danger.
3. Delayed separation: Surgery is planned after the babies grow stronger, usually between 9 and 12 months of age. Waiting often improves survival chances.

Twins who have planned (delayed) separation have a higher survival rate than those needing emergency surgery.

What is the outlook for conjoined twins?

The chances of survival depend mainly on where the twins are joined and which organs are shared.

Some types have better outcomes, especially when twins are joined at the abdomen or lower body. Other types, such as those joined at the chest or head, have more serious risks.

Overall, about 60% of twins who undergo separation surgery survive. With advanced medical care, outcomes continue to improve.

Can conjoined twins live a healthy life?

Yes, many conjoined twins can live meaningful and active lives, especially if they can be safely separated. Even twins who cannot be separated may have a good quality of life with proper medical care and family support.

Can conjoined twins be prevented?

No. Because the exact cause is unknown, there is no way to prevent conjoined twins.

When during pregnancy are conjoined twins detected?

Conjoined twins may be detected as early as 12 weeks, but they are more commonly confirmed around 20 weeks of pregnancy during detailed ultrasound scans.

Why choose Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for Conjoined Twins treatment in Lucknow, India?

Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital offers advanced Conjoined Twins treatment in Lucknow, India, at an affordable cost. We have a team of experienced fetal medicine specialists, pediatric surgeons, neonatologists, anesthesiologists, and critical care experts, known as some of the best doctors for managing highly complex congenital conditions. We provide accurate prenatal diagnosis with advanced imaging, detailed surgical planning, and coordinated multidisciplinary care before and after birth, including separation surgery when feasible. Our expert pediatric care team has decades of experience in successfully managing Conjoined Twins in Lucknow, India.

To seek an Expert Consultation for Conjoined Twins treatment in Lucknow, India:

Call us at +91-9076972161
Email at care@tenderpalm.com

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