Kelsey & Taylor

 Identical twins occur when a single fertilized egg splits and develops into two fetuses. The split normally happens during the first 12 days after conception. It's believed that when the fertilized egg splits later than this, usually between 13 and 14 days after conception, separation stops before the process is complete, and the resulting twins are conjoined. The degree to which the egg splits and when the split happens determines how and where the twins will be joined. Its not necessarily hereditary.

 Most often at the head, chest or pelvis. Conjoined twins may also share one or more internal organs.  Most conjoined twins are stillborn or die shortly after birth.  Some surviving conjoined twins can be surgically separated. The success of surgery to separate conjoined twins depends on where the twins are joined and how many organs are shared, as well as on the experience and skill of the surgical team.

 Treatment of conjoined twins varies greatly depending on the circumstances.  If separation surgery isn't possible or the parents decide not to pursue the surgery, comfort care: such as nutrition, fluids, human touch and pain relief is provided as needed.  There really is no preventions for this except for surgery.

 How do the identical twins become conjoined?  Where is the most common place conjoined twins are connected?