Multiples What Are Mirror Twins? By Pamela Prindle Fierro Pamela Prindle Fierro Pamela Prindle Fierro is the author of several parenting books and the mother of twin girls. Learn about our editorial process Updated on May 15, 2022 Medically reviewed Verywell Family articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and family healthcare professionals. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Sarah Rahal, MD Medically reviewed by Sarah Rahal, MD LinkedIn Sarah Rahal, MD is a double board-certified adult and pediatric neurologist and headache medicine specialist. Learn about our Medical Review Board Print Andersen Ross Photography Inc / Getty Images Table of Contents View All Table of Contents What Are Mirror Twins? Characteristics Identifying Causes What Are Mirror Twins? Mirror twins, or mirror image twins, is a term used to describe a characteristic of some twins whose features appear asymmetrically—that is, on opposite sides. When these twins are facing each other, it is as if they are looking in a mirror. You might hear someone call their children "mirror twins," but the words don't refer to a scientific category. Most mirror twins actually fall into the category of identical twins. Specifically categorizing multiples is important when considering zygosity, which is their genetic relationship. Twins can either be monozygotic or dizygotic. Identical twins are monozygotic, meaning they came from a single, fertilized egg that split into two and developed into two embryos. Monozygotic twins have the same genetic origins. These twins often have similar physical characteristics and may even look exactly alike. Mirror image twins make up 25% of monozygotic twins. How Can Identical Twins Be Different From Each Other? Characteristics of Mirror Twins Mirror twins have certain physical characteristics in common—these similarities are just reflected on opposite sides of their bodies. Physical Traits Potential characteristics that could look alike in mirror twins include: birthmarks, moles, freckles, dimples, eye or eyebrow shapes, nostril or ear shapes, cowlicks, hair whorls, or teeth. For example, a similar birthmark may manifest on the left side of one twin and on the right side of the other. Facial features such as dimples may be on opposite sides of the face. Cowlicks may run clockwise on one twin and counterclockwise on the other. Gestures or Movements Gestures or movements can also be manifestations of mirror image twinning. For example, one twin may be right-handed and the other left-handed (although many twins, regardless of zygosity, share this characteristic). Additionally, one twin may prefer to sleep on their left side while the other prefers the right. Medical Conditions In some extreme cases (which are exceptionally rare), mirror twins display situs inversus. In this condition, the internal organs (such as the heart, liver, lungs, or stomach) are situated on the opposite side of the normal anatomical position. An X-ray, CT scan, MRI, or ultrasound assessment can be used to identify the position of internal organs when situs inversus occurs. There are also less serious medical conditions that have a higher chance of occurring with mirror twins. These conditions could be benign or require surgery to make them more manageable: Accessory (extra) toesBone cystsCleft lip and cleft palateEsotropia (eye misalignment)Supernumerary (extra) teethTrigger thumb, or having a thumb locked in a bent position Facial asymmetry and abnormal dental development may also be observed in mirror image twins. Identification of Mirror Twins There is no test to confirm mirror twinning. DNA analysis only confirms that twins’ genetic characteristics are similar enough to be considered monozygotic or dissimilar enough to be dizygotic. Observing physical features is really the main way to determine if twins are mirror twins. Imaging and diagnostic tests are used to identify other mirror image twinning medical conditions. Causes of Mirror Twinning Because mirror twins may occur with monozygotic twinning, it's been theorized (and disputed) that mirror image twinning occurs when the egg splits later on during development. This could happen more than a week after conception, but not late enough so that conjoined twins form. Many mirror image twins display characteristics of other late-splitting monozygotic twins and are also monochorionic (twins who share a placenta) or monoamniotic (twins who share an amniotic sac) in the womb. In other words, these conditions could be indicators of what causes mirror twins. A Word From Verywell There is still much to learn about the causes of mirror twinning. Although it can have a larger risk associated with certain medical conditions, most of these scenarios are not cause for major concern. In fact, being a mirror twin can be a source of great joy. Twins often have special bonds and, as a parent, it can be especially rewarding to see your mirror twins grow and develop in similar, but still individual, ways. The Benefits and Drawbacks of the Friendship of Twins Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Get diet and wellness tips to help your kids stay healthy and happy. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit 5 Sources Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Kim E. Mirror-image identical twins presenting in mirror-image hip cysts: A case report and review of the literature. Rheumatol Curr Res. 2013;17(01). doi:10.4172/2161-1149.S17-001 National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health. Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center. Situs Inversus. Wang E, Xu X. Mirror-image trigger thumb in dichorionic identical twins. Orthopedics. 2012 May;35(6). doi.org/10.3928/01477447-20120525-48 Hughes TE, et al. The teeth and faces of twins: Providing insights into dentofacial development and oral health for practising oral health professionals. Australian Dental Journal. 2013 October;59(1):101-116. doi:10.1111/adj.12101 Twins Research Australia. Mirror-image twins.