Incidence and Perinatal Outcomes of Twin Pregnancy in Tertiary Healthcare Facility, Odisha, India

Abstract

Background: Assisted reproductive technology has resulted in a progressive rise in the incidence of twin pregnancies, which affect both mother and child in terms of antepartum complications. Objective: To assess the perinatal outcomes of twin pregnancies and the influence of chorionicity on them in a tertiary healthcare facility. Methods: It is a hospital-based cross-sectional study that was carried out in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of S.C.B. Medical College Hospital, Cuttack, during the period from 2013 to 2015. All mothers having twin pregnancies (with 28 weeks of completed gestation) admitted to the antenatal (ANC) ward and labor room during this period were taken as a study group, and written informed consent was taken after explaining the details of the study. Results: A total of 150 cases are identified; among them, 98 cases (65.33%) are dichorionic diamniotic, 50 cases (33.33%) are monochorionic diamniotic, and 2 cases (1.33%) are monochorionic and monoamniotic pregnancies. The majority (66%) of the twin pregnancies were between 35-38 wks of gestational age at the onset of labor. It is also observed that macerated births, stillbirths, and neonatal deaths are higher in mono-chorionic twins as compared to dichorionic twins. Conclusions: Twin pregnancies carry a greater risk of adverse outcomes, especially perinatal mortality and neonatal morbidity, in monochorionic twins than dichorionic twins. Good antenatal care, early diagnosis of chorionicity, and antepartum assessment of placentation will prevent mortality and morbidity.