At what gestational age do twins begin to grow similarly to singleton fetuses?

Twins typically begin to exhibit growth patterns similar to those of singleton fetuses around the gestational age of 32 weeks. This is attributed to several factors, including the increased efficiency of placental blood flow and nutrient delivery that occurs as the pregnancy progresses. In the earlier stages of pregnancy, twins often have a slower growth trajectory compared to singletons due to the limitations imposed by uterine space and placental insufficiency.

At around 32 weeks, the maturation of the fetoplacental unit allows for improved growth rates, and the differences in growth trajectories begin to diminish. The increased availability of nutrients and space allows twins to grow more robustly, accounting for the convergence of their growth patterns with those of singleton fetuses at this stage of development.

Understanding this growth pattern is critical for managing twin pregnancies, as it can influence monitoring practices and intervention strategies as the pregnancy progresses.