Multifetal Gestations and Associated Perinatal Risks

Abstract

Along with the rise of assisted reproductive technology, multifetal gestations increased dramatically. Twin pregnancies account for 97% of multifetal pregnancies and 3% of all births in the United States. Twins and higher-order multiples carry increased risks of obstetric, perinatal, and maternal complications; these risks increase with increasing fetal number. Neonatal morbidity and mortality in multifetal gestations is driven primarily by prematurity. Both spontaneous and indicated preterm births are increased in multifetal gestations, and only a limited number of strategies are available to mitigate this risk. No single intervention has been shown to decrease the rate of spontaneous preterm birth in most twin pregnancies. Low-dose aspirin prophylaxis is recommended in all multifetal pregnancies to reduce the risk of preeclampsia and its associated complications. Antenatal management of multifetal gestations depends on chorionicity, which should be established using ultrasonography in the first trimester. Unlike dichorionic twin gestations, monochorionic pregnancies experience unique complications because of their shared vascular connections, and therefore, need frequent ultrasound surveillance. Even uncomplicated twin gestations have higher rates of unanticipated stillbirth compared with singletons. Delivery of twin pregnancies is generally indicated in the late preterm to early term period depending on chorionicity and other clinical factors. For most diamniotic twin pregnancies with a cephalic presenting fetus, vaginal delivery after 32 weeks’ gestation is a safe and reasonable option with high rates of success and no increased risk of perinatal morbidity.