In monochorionic pregnancies (where twins share a placenta), the blood supply is also shared. In approximately 15 in 100 monochorionic twin pregnancies, the blood flow may be unbalanced between the fetuses. This is called twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). One baby receives too little blood (donor twin), and the other baby too much (the recipient twin), affecting the blood pressures of both (RCOG, 2016). Because the donor twin has less blood flow, this baby grows slower and is smaller. The baby becomes dehydrated and cannot produce adequate urine, thus the bladder is small or invisible and the amniotic fluid begins to decline. The recipient twin grows faster and tries to urinate the excess fluid due to their higher volume of blood; an enlarged bladder and too much amniotic fluid results. Severe TTTS can cause death in one or both twins, the condition is therefore closely monitored. Dependent on the severity of TTTS, surgeons can use a laser to block the blood vessels that communicate between the two fetuses. The surgeon inserts a pencil-tip-sized fibre-optic scope in the mother’s uterus and examines the entire placenta to find the crossing blood vessels. Once these are all mapped, a tiny laser fibre is inserted and laser energy is used to stop the blood flow between the twins. Separating the twin blood flow is like functionally separating the placenta, allowing each twin to develop independently.

We, the student midwives of Southampton are wishing to raise awareness and money for important TTTS research that is to be conducted within the Twins Trust Centre for Research and Clinical Excellence at St George’s Hospital.

Recently, our committee met and discussed potential fundraising ideas for the approaching summer. When we last held a fundraiser we did it for a local cause, we therefore wanted to explore some national options. Twins Trust is a national charity and partnered with St George's in 2020 to launch the world-first Twins Trust centre for research, the aim of which is to help units across the country improve care and save babies' lives.

Current final year MIDSOC President (who will be handing the role over to someone new in a few months), has a keen interest in twin pregnancy and suggested this cause as one to consider. All committee members agreed and we would now love to invite our students, colleagues, teachers and friends to get involved if they would like to.

Twins Trust has organised a virtual 10K walk for August 8th 2021 but you can run it or swim it too - whatever you fancy. Do it individually or with a group (dependent on latest COVID-19 guidance), and record your achievement of 10K!