Twins

We are conducting a study of prenatal and neonatal brain development in twins. If you are having twins, you may be eligible to participate.

Twins offer a very unique and important way of studying brain development and exploring the potential relationship of individual variations in brain structure and later development. By comparing similarities in paternal (identical) and fraternal (nonidentical) twins, we can determine the role that genetic and environmental factors play in brain development. This knowledge will improve our understanding of normal brain development and may ultimately provide insights into brain structure differences in neurodevelopmental disorders.

The study involves two visits for prenatal ultrasounds: once during the second trimester and once during the third trimester. You will also be asked medical history questions by a program coordinator or study nurse. If your twins are the same gender, one to two weeks after your twins are born, they will have an unsedated MRI of their brains. We will also provide free testing to determine if your twins are paternal or fraternal.

A developmental assessment will be done for each child when they are one and two years old. Each child will also have the opportunity to have an MRI of his or her brain after birth and at the one- and two-year follow-up visits as well.  You will receive $50 for each prenatal study visit and $50 per child for each postnatal visit, for a potential total of $600. You will be reimbursed for travel and parking expenses as well.

By participating in this study you will be helping improve our understanding about normal brain and cognitive development in twins. This is a voluntary study, you will be compensated, and all information gathered is confidential.

If you are interested in participating in this study, please contact Dianne Evans, Program Coordinator (919.843-2389 or 866.849.0541 (toll free) or email: ddevans@med.unc.edu). She can explain the study in more detail and answer any questions that you may have.

Related Links

Twin Brochure

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for the Early Brain Development Study – Twins?
Any mother with a twin pregnancy at any gestational age.

Will it cost me anything to be in this study?
There are no costs to subjects for participating in this research study.

Will I be paid anything if I participate in this study?
All study participants will receive $50 for each of the study visits (for a potential total of $600) and be reimbursed for travel and parking expenses.

Will my participation in this Study be kept confidential?
Yes, all information gathered is confidential.

I would like to participate in this study but I don’t drive/have a car?
Transportation can be provided if needed.

Why participate in the Early Brain Development Study – Twins?
By participating you may be helping women who have babies in the future by improving our knowledge of how these babies develop.

Who can’t participate in the Early Brain Development Study – Twins?
Mothers with HIV, any known chromosomal abnormality, or any major congenital abnormality.

Twins