Study reveals twin weight risks

THERE is an increased risk of death in a twin pregnancy if the difference in weight between the two babies is more than 20%, an all-Ireland study reveals.

It found a difference of 18% or more in twin birth weights is associated with an increased risk of foetal or neonatal death, bowel complications, breathing difficulties and infections.

Twins who shared a single placenta were found to be at the highest risks and the larger twin faced the same chance of death as his or her smaller co-twin.