Conjoined twins are twins born with connected bodies. They share a small amount of tissue, and both of the children may have all the organs and the other structures they need. In some cases, however, the connection is more complicated. Conjoined twins may share vital organs. Additionally, there are cases where the twins either have a larger portion of the body, especially in the lower body. The worst case is they could have one brain and skull.
Pregnancy with conjoined twins is complicated and greatly increases the risk of severe complications. These complications depend on where the twins are conjoined. Hence, a proper discussion with the doctors and healthcare team must be done to ensure safe delivery.
There are several causes for the formation of conjoined twins. Usually, they begin as a single fertilized egg. This fertilized egg splits in half to make two separate identical twins. This takes place about two weeks after the egg is fertilized. If the zygote splits perfectly, the twins will be born normally. But when the zygote divides late, does not separate all the way, or joins back together after dividing, the twins will be conjoined.
