Cohort of Twin Pregnancy and the Offspring

Cohort of Twin Pregnancy and the Offspring

Twin pregnancy increases the risk of maternal and fetal complications, which include gestational hypertension, premature labor, twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, intrauterine growth restriction, anemia, amniotic fluid abnormalities. Comprehensively understanding the molecular mechanisms of the disease and identification of markers contribute to development of novel therapeutic approaches. In addition, the twin pregnancy, especially the monochorionic, is an essential model of "experiments of nature". This model can be applied to distinguish the epigenetic differences of twins in utero and after birth in the same genomic context. The aim of the study is to constitute a prospective cohort of twin pregnancies and the offspring.

Data are collected regarding the pregnancy data of the mother, and mental, physical and sociodemographic information of the offspring. The periods span from diagnosis of twins to 3 years old of the offspring. Biological samples would be collected including maternal blood, placental tissues, cord blood, urine, and stool from the pregnant women or the offspring at the specific time.

The total estimated duration of the study is 6 years, of which the first 2.5 years will correspond to the recruitment period of the participants.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Maternal age >18 years old.
2. Twin pregnancy.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Fetal chromosomal or congenital abnormalities.
2. Stillbirth.