Maternal morbidity and perinatal outcome with twin pregnancy.

BACKGROUND Multiple pregnancy still warrants special attention as it is associated with increasing risk for mother and foetus. Preterm delivery increases the risk for baby. This study was conducted to evaluate the risks of pregnancy complications and adverse perinatal outcome in women with twin pregnancy. METHODS It was 2 years observational study from July 2007 to July 2009 at Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Liaquat University Hospital, Jamshoro. All women admitted to the labour ward with multiple pregnancy after 28 weeks gestation were included in the study. Main outcome measures were maternal complications (i.e., anaemia, preterm labour, pregnancy induced hypertension, postpartum haemorrhage etc.), perinatal morbidity and mortality. All data collected was analysed using SPSS-16. RESULTS Incidence of multiple pregnancy in this study was 1.44%. Majority of women 52 (81%) were un-booked and only 12 (18%) were booked; 54 (84%) women presented with preterm labour, 10 (15.6%) were at > or = 36 weeks of gestation. Fifty-four (84%) patients presented with preterm labour. Anaemia was found in 42 (65.6%), and hypertension was noted in 31.2% cases. Abruptio placentae occurred in 6.2% of cases, prematurity was the major problem (54, 84.3%). Majority presented between 28-35 weeks gestation, 10 (15.6%) delivered at 36 weeks or above. The most common cause of neonatal death was very low birth weight (in 32.8% cases), followed by sepsis and jaundice. CONCLUSION Multiple pregnancy is associated with increasing risk for mother and foetus. Preterm delivery increases the risk for baby.