Twins : from fetus to child

Much has been written about twins. Very little, however, is about their everyday lives - not even postnatal let alone prenatal.

In this study, Alessandra Piontelli follows the development and behaviour of 30 pairs of twins from their early life in the womb through to their third year as members of the human community.

Pontielli draws on detailed ultrasound observations and work with mothers and families in clinical and natural settings to trace the subtle ways in which various types of twins live, behave and interact with their unequally shared and unique pre- and postnatal environments.

She shows how, from a very early on, distinctive and personal traits can be seen in the behaviour of each member of a twin couple and how these traits continue and strengthen well beyond birth.

At the same time, the "couple effect" has an impact on their behaviour even after the birth when social interactions begin.

The book describes not only the behaviour of the twins but the impact they have on the lives of their family and carers - what family members say, how they react and how the family changes. Scientifically based, but warmly human in content, this longitudinal study offers new insights to professionals working with mothers and families of twins, as well as to researchers in human development across a range of disciplines.