If one twin is significantly smaller than the other, they may be considered discordant. In the case of discordant twins, the larger of the two babies tends to "steal" all the nutrients that are available, leaving the other twin in a poor state of growth. The smaller of discordant twins is at great risk and can die. Often the only way to help the smaller twin and get it the nutrients it so desperately needs is to deliver the babies. I'm not a fan of inductions for the most part, but in the case of discordant twins, it is often the only way to help the smaller baby. Hope this helps, Christina Harris, RN Washington state, USA On Jan 25, 2008 10:44 AM, Karyn-grace Clarke <[log in to unmask]> wrote: > Thank you for this explanation. I have a client 34.5 weeks pregnant with > twins. Her doctor is saying they might induce 'soon' because one of the > twins > is 'small'. That's it, no other reasoning. Mother is healthy is all > respects. > > Any idea what gives with that? > > Karyn-grace Clarke, IBCLC, LLLL > Principal Researcher, "Elminiating the Barriers" > Gulf Islands, BC, Canada > > *********************************************** > > Archives: http://community.lsoft.com/archives/LACTNET.html > To reach list owners: [log in to unmask] > Mail all list management commands to: [log in to unmask] > COMMANDS: > 1. To temporarily stop your subscription write in the body of an email: > set lactnet nomail > 2. To start it again: set lactnet mail > 3. To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet > 4. To get a comprehensive list of rules and directions: get lactnet > welcome > > *********************************************** Archives: http://community.lsoft.com/archives/LACTNET.html To reach list owners: [log in to unmask] Mail all list management commands to: [log in to unmask] COMMANDS: 1. To temporarily stop your subscription write in the body of an email: set lactnet nomail 2. To start it again: set lactnet mail 3. To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet 4. To get a comprehensive list of rules and directions: get lactnet welcome