Placental Characteristics Within Monochorionic Twin Pregnancies

Placental Characteristics Within Monochorionic Twin Pregnancies: a Prospective Cohort Study.

This prospective study aims to collate a comprehensive database of all main monochorionic twin groups to enable comparisons to be made within each twin group and additionally between each group with regards to several placental characteristics, whilst understanding their impact on several fetal outcomes. This study aims to provide new insights in to how the placental architecture influences pregnancy care within the UK pregnancy cohort. Results of this study may impact how clinicians conduct antenatal surveillance for these anatomical placental factors.

Patients of both uncomplicated and complication monochorionic twin groups will be consented at a single site and recruited during the antenatal period. Following delivery the placenta will then be analysed macroscopically and assessed for several anatomical features. This will be compared with the antenatal complications and perinatal outcomes for the respective twin.

Inclusion Criteria:

• All consecutive placentas of monochorionic twin pregnancies whereby the placenta is transferred to the pathology department for analysis.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Singleton, dichorionic and higher order pregnancies (e.g. triplet).
• Fetus with known major congenital anomalies or aneuploidy