Objective To investigate the effect of different methods of delivery on the outcome of twin pregnancies.
Methods This is a retrospective cohort review of 627 twin pregnancies with delivery from January 2016 to December 2019. According to the clinical guidelines for cesarean section, the cesarean section and vaginal delivery groups were determined. Finally, the baseline information, delivery method, pregnancy outcome, and maternal and infant complications of the two groups were compared.
Results For different delivery methods, the incidence of preeclampsia was significantly higher in the cesarean section group than in the vaginal delivery group (χ2 = 4.405, p < 0.05). There were 23 fetal growth ratios (FGR) in the cesarean section group, which were significantly higher than the vaginal delivery group (χ2 = 4.740, p < 0.05). However, the incidence of preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) in the vaginal delivery group was significantly higher than in the cesarean section group (χ2 = 5.235, p < 0.05). In addition, the volume of postpartum bleeding in the vaginal delivery group was significantly higher than in the cesarean section group (t = 4.723, p < 0.001). The neonatal weights and 5-minute Apgar scores of the vaginal delivery group were lower than the cesarean section group, and the difference was statistically significant. In the vaginal delivery group, 48 and 26 neonates were transferred to the intensive care and neonatal units, respectively, which were significantly higher than in the cesarean section group (χ2 = 5.001, p < 0.05).
Conclusion The major complications of a twin pregnancy are gestational diabetes mellitus and PPROM. Cesarean section can reduce the rate of neonatal asphyxia in twins and improve the pregnancy outcome.
Key Points
Twin pregnancy with two live fetuses at 11–13 weeks: effect of one fetal death on pregnancy outcome
