4D Sonographic Assessment of Intertwin Contacts

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective To assess the onset and frequency of first interfetal contacts by 4D sonography. Subjects and methods Twenty twin pregnancies were scanned transvaginally between 56 (8 weeks) and 69 postmenstrual days (9+6 weeks) and onward transabdominally, at weekly intervals until 112 postmenstrual days (16 weeks). Scans were recorded on DVD and analyzed retrospectively. The moment of onset, type and frequency of intertwin contacts were assessed. Results First interhuman contacts were observed between 61 (8+5 weeks) and 68 (9+5 weeks) postmenstrual days. The frequency of different movements varied according to the gestational age. ‘Touch no reaction’ and ‘First reaction’ were common and frequent from 70 postmenstrual days (10 weeks) onward. ‘Slow body movements’ were more common than ‘Fast body movements’. ‘Complex contacts’ were more frequent at 94 postmenstrual days (13+3 weeks). Simple contacts diminished around 100 postmenstrual days (14+2 weeks). ‘Complex contacts’ and ‘diffuse interactions’ were more commonly observed between 105 (15 weeks) and 112 postmenstrual days (16 weeks). No significant differences were found when different gender combinations were compared. Conclusion Intertwin contacts start as soon as 8+5 weeks of gestation and complex or diffuse interactions are already seen at 15 to 16 weeks of gestation. How to cite this article Prats P, Serra B, Fournier S, Baulies S, Andonotopo W, Kurjak A. 4D Sonographic Assessment of Intertwin Contacts. Donald School J Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2012;6(2):154-159.