Trigger warning: This episode discusses pregnancy and infant loss, including the death of one or both twins, pregnancy termination, premature birth and potential neurological complications. Please take care while listening.
Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) can be one of the most overwhelming complications to hear about when you’re expecting twins — particularly when you’re suddenly faced with new terminology, frequent scans and a lot of uncertainty.
In this episode, we’re joined by obstetrician and Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist Dr Ini Thevathasan to break down TTTS and what it can mean for families carrying twins who share a placenta.
We talk through what TTTS actually is, which twin pregnancies are at risk, the different stages and why progression isn’t always predictable. Dr Ini also explains what doctors are looking for during those frequent ultrasounds, when closer monitoring becomes necessary and what happens if intervention is needed.
We also unpack laser surgery — how it works, when it may be recommended and what recovery and monitoring can look like afterwards — as well as the realities of navigating TTTS care through Australia’s public and private health systems.
We chat about:
- What TTTS is and which twins are at risk
- The difference between stages 1–5 and why TTTS doesn’t always progress in order
- What doctors look for during ultrasound surveillance
- Symptoms mums may notice between scans
- When monitoring becomes treatment
- How fetal laser surgery works and the risks involved
- What happens after surgery
- Premature delivery and other possible outcomes
- What TTTS care looks like in Australia, including for families living rurally
- The questions parents should be asking their care team
Most importantly, Dr Ini explains why specialised ultrasound surveillance is so important for twins sharing a placenta — and reminds parents that they should expect care appropriate for their specific type of twin pregnancy.
Whether you’ve recently found out your twins share a placenta, you’re navigating a TTTS diagnosis, or you simply want to better understand the condition, this episode offers a clear and compassionate guide to what can be an incredibly complex part of twin pregnancy.
Please note: This episode is for general information only and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Always speak with your own healthcare team about your pregnancy and care.
Connect with Dr Ini:
https://www.melbournemfm.com.au/
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