Outcomes of multiple pregnancies: results of a perinatology clinic in a tertiary health center

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate maternal-fetal risks and pregnancy outcomes in multiple pregnancies. Material and Method: The study included 226 patients with multiple pregnancies who applied to the Perinatology clinic of Izmir Tepecik Training and Research Hospital between January/2020 and December/2022. The data of the patients were recorded and evaluated retrospectively using the hospital database. Results: Of 226 patients, 211 were twins, 14 were triplets and one was quadruplet. Pregnancy occurred after in vitro fertilization (IVF) in 116 patients and after donation in 1 patient. 55.7% of the patients were older than 35 years. While 137 pregnants (60.6%) were primiparous, 89 patients (39.3%) had a previous pregnancy. While 20 of the twin pregnancies delivered before the 25th gestational week, this number was found to be 7 for triplets. 202 (89.3%) of all multiple pregnant women were delivered by cesarean section. Hypertensive disorder was found in 28 of the twin pregnancies and in 4 of the triplet pregnancies. Gestational diabetes was observed in 41 twin and 3 triplet pregnancies. Small for gestational age (SGA) was observed in 121 twins, 13 triplets and 1 quadruplet pregnancy. Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) was observed in 76 twins and 6 triplets. The number of multiple pregnancies with a birth weight less than 2500 g was found to 187 (82.7%) in total. Major congenital anomalies of various organs (cardiac, central nervous system, etc.) were observed in 8 (3.5%) pregnant women. Conclusion: Preterm birth, increased maternal morbidity and increased cesarean section frequency are some of the risks of multiple pregnancies. These risks can be reduced by knowing the potential risks of multiple pregnancies and by more careful follow-up starting from the early stages of pregnancy.