DC/DA twins that are Identical. Are there many out there? (hope I got the terminology right)

I had another scan yesterday due to bleeding and contractions and the Sonographer made the comment 'well they're definitely not identical'. My OB pretty much said the same thing early on.

From what I've been told there is a chance though? So confusing

I am of the knowledge that if they are DC (2eggs) then they can't possibly be identical? Identical is from one egg splitting (MC)

Not from this board but saw in recent topics and am totally bored so googled...

from http://www.sogi.net.au/mintdigital.net/SOG...ltrasound/Twins

Apparently it's depends when the egg split. If it split VERY early you can have Identicals with Seperate sacks and Seperate Placentas.

Hey,

it's very unlikely that DC/DA twins are identical. It would take a very early cleavage event which would be quite detrimental to the developing pre-implantation embryo. So if these early cleavage events happen the most likely outcome is spontaneous abortion. The more likely senario for DC/DA twins is two separate eggs implanting and developing at two separate sites on the uterus.

I'm sure if you do some digging you'll find a few 'news of the world' stories about it though!!

I think this is incorrect, I was told approx 14% of Di/Di twins (dichoroinic (two placentas)/diamniotic (two sacs) ) are identical, and that perhaps the percentage is larger due to misunderstanding of sonographers (assume Di/di twins are fraternal) and most not being DNA tested.

My twins were Di/Di and they definitely identical (although we will be getting DNA testing to make sure). I have completely blocked tubes and only had one embryo transferred with IVF. They look very similar (have different shaped heads due to the position in the womb) but have the same characteristics (both even had umbilical hernias!).

So yes, even if your twins are Di/Di, they could still be identical. Only way to be sure is to have DNA testing if they are the same sex.

According to the Australian Twin Registry, 19% of monozygotic twins are DCDA.

This page explains the 4 possible combinations and the stats for each.
http://www.twins.org.au/index.php?page=66

4*shining*stars, mum to Tri Chorionic, Tri Amniotic MZ triplets

Wow, MZ triplets, that is amazing! I have a picture of my embryo before they transferred it and I always look at it and wonder where mine split

Here is another topic on ID twins from last year which has some interesting discussion:

http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/forums/ind...=792036&hl=

Hi my DC/DA girl twins are definitely identical, we had the DNA test done last year. It was always suspected by our FS because we had artificial insemination and an ultrasound the day before showed only 1 mature follicle, he also said they were sitting very close at 7 week ultrasound.

Also have a friend that lives 100m down the road and she has DC/DA identical boy twins.

With my girls, at birth the only difference was their weight, Twin 1 was 158g smaller than Twin 2, their HC, length was exactly the same. They also definitely looked identical then as they do now. But eventually curiousity got the better of us and we tested to make sure.

ETA: Sonographers throughout our pregnancy treated/referred to it as fraternal as the indication was always 2 sacs and 2 placentas from the 13 or 20 week scan. Even though they had the FS report, they could only go by what they saw.

I have DC/DA identical twin girls. I was also told throughout the pregnancy that they were 'definitely fraternal'. But DNA testing proves they are definitely identical.

It isn't very uncommon.

I have 'fraternal' twin boys that looked so alike I did a DNA test and sure enough, they are identical. There are plenty of stories like mine on the multiple birth forum. From what I have seen, if they are boy/girl then you've got no unanswered questions but same sex di/di twins are not necessarily fraternal.

We haven't had our DA/DC twins tested but I'm pretty sure they are ID.
The only difference is that Twin 2 has a rounder head. They always measured a few grams/mms apart during scans, when they were born there was 90g difference, they were the same length and had the same HC.
During my whole pregnancy it just didnt sit right with me that they would be fraternal.

Di/Di Identical girls here also !

I was told a few times they could not be identical, but we had a amnio and sure enough they are.

wow Xfactor- yours must have split almost as soon as it was transferred since it was a blastocyst transfer

I know quite a few people IRL who had DC/DA pregnancies and were adamant that they were fraternal ( due to Dr and sonographer insistance) but were proven to be ID when they were DNA tested in the Tooth study we are all in.

If I remember correctly Calamity Jane on EB always thought her two were Frat due to DC/DA and was also proven that they were ID at about 4yo via one of the ATR studies.

I am not sure why the sonographers and OBs are so insistant on telling people that they HAVE to be frat if Dichorionic but they are.

I cant tell you the number of times I was told mine were more than likey Frat and they were single embryo transfer and Mo/Di!

I am completely floored by the lack of knowledge out there with those who SHOULD know (ie. Obs, midwives) that DC/DA twins can definitely be identical! I have had these discussions many a time (the uninformed doctor's don't tend to appreciate this smarty pants student midwife I must say ).

I have a friend with twin boys who I swear are almost definitely identical, but as they were DC/DA and her doctor told her that that means they can't be ID she won't seem to pander to my interests and have them DNA tested Sheesh! It is all about ME isn't it??!

I suspect the "rate" of ID DC/DA twins is much higher than anyone realises for the simple fact that many are not confirmed as ID.

Good luck with your pregnancy OP, and even greater luck after they arrive earthside!