Abstract
Author(s): ALEKSANDRA WIECZOREK, STANISÅAW SOBANTKA S, JACEK BÅASZCZYK, BEATA RZEPKOWSKA-MISIAK, GRZEGORZ KRASOMSKI
Introduction. The percentage of multifetal pregnancies, including twin pregnancies, has risen by ca. 25% in the last 30 years. The aim. The aim of this study was to analyze the labors of twin pregnancies in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Polish Mother Memorial Hospital Institute in Lodz between 2004 and 2008. Material and methods: Data of overall 7645 pregnant women admitted to the Delivery Word of the Obstetric and Gynecology Clinic, Polish Mother Memorial Hospital Institute, Lodz between 2004 – 2008 were retrospectively analyzed. The analysis concerned: maternal age, parity, using of assisted reproductive techniques, complications, fetal position, time and mode of delivery, birth weight and condition of newborns. Results: In the analyzed group of 7645 women 165 (2,2%) were in twin pregnancy. These pregnancies were at high risk of prematurity (67%), premature rupture of membranes (PROM) (27%), anemia (20%), pregnancy induced hypertension (8%) and Rhesus incompatibility (8%). The mean time of gestation was 34 (22–39) ± 3,3 week. High incidence of cesarean section (87%) was seen both in preterm and on-term labors. 21% of the pregnancies with the first fetus in the cephalic presentation were delivered vaginally. Conclusions: We observed a slow increase in twinning rates in our department. The twin pregnancy was associated with a high risk of obstetrical complications: most often with preterm labor (67%) and PROM (27%). The twin pregnancy was related to a high rate of cesarean section. The leading indications for cesarean section were abnormal fetal presentation (64%) and imminent fetal asphyxia (33%), both in preterm and on-term deliveries. PROM was the most frequent factor initiating the labor in twin pregnancy