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Ask A Childbirth Educator
Questions and Answer

Q. Is there a way to tell from the ultrasound whether my babies (twins) are identical or fraternal? I have heard that you can.

A. Sometimes they can tell. Fraternal twins usually each have their own placenta and membranes, while identical twins usually share a placenta. So if they see two distinct placentas on the ultrasound, the twins are likely to be fraternal. Don't be quick to judge though! Sometimes the two placentas will fuse or be so close together they seem like one. Mostly no one is really sure until the placenta examination, and even then sometimes there can be confusion.

Karen Klimsak-Ungar, CCE has been a certified childbirth educator for Birth Works® since 1996. She is currently Managing Editor for the Birth Works newsletter, sits on the Birth Works Board of Directors, and serves on their National Trainee Review Committee. A happily married mother of two, she also continues to teach Birth Works classes as well as private classes.

Karen will answer your questions on fertility, pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and babies. Her advice does not take the place of your practitioner. Personal answers will not always be possible.