Maternal and fetal complications in multiple pregnancies

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the feto-maternal complications in multiple pregnancy and strategy for its prevention and treatment. Design: Descriptive study Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out at DHQ Hospital, Faisalabad over a period of one year from December 2004 to December 2005. Methods: There were 60 cases of multiple pregnancies out of a total 3000 pregnant women. Patients with multiple gestations were referred from emergency as well as from outpatient department to labor room and out come and any associated complications were recorded. Result: During one year study period there were 60 cases of multiple pregnancy. Most of multiple pregnancies (91%) were spontaneous. 96% patients were carrying twin pregnancies while 2 cases (3.3%) of triplet pregnancies were recorded. Recorded maternofetal complications of multiple pregnancies were miscarriage (5%), preterm delivery (33.3%), pregnancy induced hypertension, pre-eclampsia, eclampsia (33.3%), intrauterine growth restriction (16.6%), intrauterine death (6.6%) and postpartum haemorrhage (6%). 35% delivered vaginally while 41.6% were delivered by caesarean section. Conclusion: Multiple pregnancies are high risk pregnancies with associated feto-maternal morbidity and mortality due to accompanying complications. Chances of a successful outcome may be improved by appropriate preventive, diagnostic and management strategies, by the availability of specific skill and experience and by a multi-disciplinary approach.