Guidelines today seek to help obstetricians with the management of pregnancies in which two or more foetuses share a placenta.
This condition, called monochorionic pregnancy, accounts for nearly a third of twin pregnancies.
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists have issued updated guidance aimed at reducing the risks linked to the condition.
The recommendations call for early diagnosis, and urge obstetricians to offer specialist care including regular ultrasound screening to identify any complications.
The guidance offers advice on twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome and, for the first time, on twin anaemia-polycythaemia sequence.
There is also advice on selective growth restriction, setting out treatment options, including early delivery.
"Monochorionic twin pregnancies are more complex and require close surveillance," says lead guideline author, Professor Mark Kilby of Birmingham University, UK.
"Using the latest scientific evidence, this guideline provides healthcare professionals with best practice advice for caring for women and their babies.
"However, despite growing research in this area, there is still an urgent need for clearer evidence around less common complications of monochorionic twin pregnancies. This will inevitably help all twins get the best possible start to life."
Keith Reed of the Twins and Multiple Births Association, (Tamba), added: "Receiving a diagnosis of monochorionicity can be worrying for parents, therefore health care professionals must be well-trained in providing clear and accurate information in a sensitive manner."
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