Does an ideal prototype of a twin mother exist?

Abstract

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the association of a set (or the lack thereof) of pre-gravid maternal features with a better outcome in terms of gestational age and birth weight of twins.MethodsAnalysis of a Slovenian population-based cohort of all dichorionic twin pairs born at ≥22 weeks during an 11-year period from 2002 to 2013. The independent variables included tall stature (≥170 cm), multiparity, and normal pregravid body mass index (BMI). The outcome variables included gestational age and total twin birth weight.ResultsWe studied 3232 dichorionic twins. Being “tall”, multiparous, and with a normal pregravid BMI was significantly associated with a higher total twin birth weight, more advanced gestational age, fewer sets with a total twin birth weight <3000 g, fewer births at ≤32 weeks, more pairs with a total twin birth weight >5000 g and more pairs born at ≥37 weeks. In contrast, women with the converse features had a significantly worse outcome. Being just multiparous was different only in the incidence of total twin birth weight >5000 g.ConclusionMaternal stature >170 cm, being multiparous, and having a normal pregravid BMI is association with improved outcomes in terms of gestational age and birth weight of twins.