The inception of human interaction starts immediately following birth, and this is particularly profound among twins, whose connection begins even before they are born, developing significantly during pregnancy. This unique bond can be observed as early as 15 weeks into the pregnancy through ultrasound imaging.
During these prenatal stages, twins are seen engaging with each other in the womb, embracing with their arms, faces, and entire bodies. In an extraordinary example, an ultrasound captured a male twin reaching out and gently touching his sister’s face, who in turn caressed him back, cheek to cheek. Remarkably, this affectionate interaction was mirrored a year after their birth when the twins displayed similar cheek-to-cheek stroking behavior during play, suggesting that their bond formed in utero persisted well into their lives.
This inherent connection is so profound that twins who have experienced the loss of their sibling at or around birth often endure profound emotional turmoil. Studies on twins who have suffered such losses reveal enduring feelings of solitude and incompleteness.
Post-birth, when twins are placed together in the same bed, they continue to seek comfort and connection through touch, hugs, and even synchronized breathing. This practice, known as shared bedding, offers numerous benefits, including improved heart rate stability, better temperature regulation, synchronized breathing patterns, reduced occurrences of apneas, decreased oxygen needs, and enhanced weight gain. A notable instance demonstrating these benefits is “The Saving Hug,” where one critically ill twin’s condition improved dramatically after being placed in the same incubator as his healthier sibling, illustrating the powerful and enduring bond twins share from the womb to the world beyond.