Can a 12-Week Ultrasound Miss Identifying Twins?

Discover if a 12-week scan can miss twins and learn the reasons why this may happen.

108 views

Yes, a 12-week scan can miss twins, although it is rare. This can occur if one twin is positioned behind the other or if the second twin has a significantly slower heart rate and is less detectable on the ultrasound. Subsequent scans usually confirm the presence of both twins.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What should I do if my ultrasound missed a twin? If your ultrasound missed a twin, consult your healthcare provider for follow-up scans or advice.
  2. How common is it for scans to miss twins? It is rare, but it can happen, especially if one twin is hidden or less detectable.
  3. When can twins usually be detected on an ultrasound? Twins can usually be detected in early scans, but confirmation often comes in later scans.
  4. Can later ultrasounds confirm the presence of missed twins? Yes, later ultrasounds are typically more reliable in confirming the presence of both twins.