The world’s first pregnancy scan using twin growth charts has been performed at St George’s Hospital.

The charts, which could save “hundreds of tiny lives”, mean twins can be accurately measured in the womb so health professionals can instantly recognise whether they are growing appropriately.

Previously, as only singleton charts were available, it was difficult to tell whether the babies were just small or suffering growth abnormalities.

This resulted in babies being born prematurely out of fear there was something wrong, putting parents through unnecessary stress and newborns at risk.

The “significant landmark in medical history” was performed by Dr Asma Khalil, consultant obstetrician and leading multiple births expert at St George’s on Thursday (July 6).

Dr Khalil explains:

Dr Khalil scanned expectant mum-of-two Mala Vast-Dhuri who said: “I find it reassuring that my twins are being measured during pregnancy against charts that have been specifically designed for twins.

“I’m also very excited that to be part of this world first.”

Wandsworth Times:

Expectant mum Mala said she was “very excited” to be part of this world first 

Around 50 per cent of multiple birth babies need some sort of special unit treatment once they are born.

Dr Khalil said: “We’re hoping to reduce that statistic considerably.”

The £25,000 research project is years in the making and was funded by twin parents across the country thanks to a huge fundraising appeal by multiple births charity Tamba (Twin and Multiple Births Association).

Tamba CEO Keith Reed thanked the hundreds of fundraisers across the country “who were out skydiving and running” to made the charts possible.

He said: “It’s very likely that twins born in the future will be safer, receive superior care and will have a better start in life thanks to this incredible achievement.

“Everyone who gave money towards our fundraising appeal, which was aptly named Beanstalk, is part of an historic moment in the world of maternal foetal medicine- they should be proud their contributions have the potential to start saving lives.

The growth charts are available within later versions of software used in hospitals for women’s health- GE Viewpoint and Astraia - which means any hospital with it can use the charts.

Mr Reed said: “We hope hospitals across the UK will share our enthusiasm and begin using the twin charts as soon as possible.

“We’re excited to see many more thriving, happy, healthy twin babies in years to come.”