Retrospective analysis of fetal and maternal outcomes of multiple pregnancies

OBJECTIVE: In our study, it was aimed to discuss the fetal and maternal outcomes of the patients followed up in our clinic for multiple pregnancy and to discuss in the light of current literature information. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Patients with multiple pregnancies who gave birth in Dicle University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology between January 2015 and June 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Age, gravida, parity, abortus status, whether the pregnancy developed spontaneously or after assisted reproductive technique, number of fetuses in multiple pregnancy, gestational week at the time of delivery, type of delivery, birth weight, indications for cesarean section if delivered by cesarean section, presentations of fetuses, APGAR scores at 1st and 5th minutes after delivery, obstetric complication status, and chorionicity-amniocyte status of fetuses for all multiple pregnancies were obtained from the records in the database of our hospital and evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: In our study, a total of 206 pregnant women, 192 of who have twin pregnancy and 14 have triplet pregnancy, were examined. The rate of development of multiple pregnancies has remained similar over the years. 89.4% of the pregnancies in the study were spontaneous, 10.6% were pregnancies with the help of assisted reproductive techniques. The most common cesarean indication in pregnant women was maternal demand. The second most common reason was determined as previous cesarean delivery. The incidence of obstetric complications increases with increasing maternal age (p=0.049). The most common obstetric complications were the threat of preterm labor (13,1%, n=27) and premature rupture of membranes (8.7%, n=18). Dichorionic diamniotic (46.6%, n=96) and monochorionic diamniotic (13.6% and n=28) were determined as the most common amnion-chorion types. No significant difference was found in terms of mean maternal age and type of pregnancy, number of fetuses, and chorionicity-amniocyte status (p=0.195, p=0.427 and p=0.344, respectively). No significant relationship was found between the twin and triplet pregnancy groups and the reasons for terminating the pregnancy by cesarean delivery (p=0.906). The number of abortions was found to be significantly higher in mothers with triplet pregnancy (p=0.001). The results of fetal parameters evaluating birth weight and 1st and 5th minutes APGAR scores were similar for babies born from twin and triplet pregnancies (p=0.445 for twin pregnancies; p=0.810 for triplets). Fetal outcomes of multiple pregnancies (birth weight and 1st and 5th minutes APGAR scores) were similar in in pregnancies that occurred spontaneously and with assisted reproductive techniques. CONCLUSION: Multiple pregnancies can be seen in pregnancies that occur spontaneously and with assisted reproductive techniques, and these pregnancies have maternal and perinatal risks. It should be informed about these risks and it should be ensured that these cases are followed up and delivered in tertiary health institutions with maternal and neonatal intensive care facilities.