Outcome of Labor in Twin Gestation at a Tertiary Institution in a Developing Nation: A 15-Year Review

Olukayode Akinlaja

doi:10.23937/2377-9004/1410001

Abstract

Outcome of Labor in Twin Gestation at a Tertiary Institution in a Developing Nation: A 15-Year Review

Highlights

Twin gestations are on the rise due to the use of fertility treatments and older maternal age at childbirth [1] and aside from macrosomia and post term pregnancy; it is associated with a higher rateof almost every potential pregnancy complication [2]
Fetal complications arising from twin gestation include an increased risk of miscarriage, low birth weight, disappearing twin syndrome, intrauterine fetal death, malpresentation, intrauterine growth restriction, locked twins, retained 2nd twin, congenital anomalies, cord prolapse with twin-twin transfusion and twin reversed arterial perfusion syndromes seen with monochorionic placentation while maternal complications include hyperemesis gravidarum, anemia, pregnancy induced hypertension, preeclampsia, eclampsia, polyhydramnios, preterm delivery, placental Previa, postpartum hemorrhage, increased prenatal admission and operative deliveries [8]
This study describes our experience with twin pregnancy in a tertiary center in a developing nation with a high incidence rate of twins with a view to proffering the need for a more comprehensive approach to the management

Summary

Introduction

Twin gestations are on the rise due to the use of fertility treatments and older maternal age at childbirth [1] and aside from macrosomia and post term pregnancy; it is associated with a higher rateof almost every potential pregnancy complication [2]. Predisposing factors to twin pregnancy include race/tribe, maternal age, parity, previous history of twins, maternal weight and height, positive family history of twin gestation on the maternal side and assisted reproductive methods [5-7]. Fetal complications arising from twin gestation include an increased risk of miscarriage, low birth weight, disappearing twin syndrome, intrauterine fetal death, malpresentation, intrauterine growth restriction, locked twins, retained 2nd twin, congenital anomalies, cord prolapse with twin-twin transfusion and twin reversed arterial perfusion syndromes seen with monochorionic placentation while maternal complications include hyperemesis gravidarum, anemia, pregnancy induced hypertension, preeclampsia, eclampsia, polyhydramnios, preterm delivery, placental Previa, postpartum hemorrhage, increased prenatal admission and operative deliveries [8]. Despite the improvement in maternity and neonatal services, the high risk of perinatal morbidity and mortality associated makes it imperative for efforts to be intensified to ensure optimal care

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Results

Discussion

Conclusion