Publication:

Fetomaternal outcome in twin gestation

Background Twin pregnancies are among the major challenges faced by obstetricians globally. Increased maternal and fetal morbidity is observed with an increase in the incidence of twin pregnancies. The major problems occurring in twin pregnancy are prematurity, low birth weight, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), birth trauma and birth asphyxia. The incidence of twin gestation has increased mainly due to advanced maternal age and ART. Objectives were to evaluate maternal and neonatal complications and pregnancy outcomes in twin pregnancies.

Methods A prospective study conducted in Baroda Medical College, Vadodara over the period of 1 year evaluated 178 women with twin pregnancies fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria. After taking informed consent detailed history of patient, all routine antenatal investigations were done. Patients will be followed up till discharge from hospital.

Results Majority of the women belonged to the age group 18-25 years. Maximum number of mothers 60.11% delivered between 32-36 weeks of gestation. Out of them 94.38% of the women conceived by spontaneous conception. Caesarean section (CS) was the most common mode of delivery 63.48% and vaginal delivery occurred in 36.5% mothers. Preterm labor is the most common complication occurring in 93.2% mothers, followed by hypertension in 30.8% mothers. Among those with hypertension 3.93% mothers also had oligohydramnios. Anemia occurred in 10.1% mothers among which 33.3% developed anemia post-partum.

Conclusions Maternal complications during twin pregnancy were mainly preterm labor, diabetes, hypertension and anemia. Fetal complications were mostly related to IUGR. Active fetal surveillance can improve fetomaternal outcome.