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Aviram A, Barrett JFR, Melamed N, Mei-Dan E. Mode of delivery in multiple pregnancies. Am J Obstet Gynecol MFM 2021; 4:100470. [PMID: 34454159 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajogmf.2021.100470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The mode of delivery in multiple pregnancies has been subject to vigorous debates during the last few decades. Although observational and retrospective data were accumulated, it was not until the publication of the Twin Birth Study that evidence-based recommendations could emerge. However, although some of the most pressing questions were answered by the Twin Birth Study, other questions were left outside the scope of the study. The questions were of great interest and included the following topics: the impact of gestational age, the influence of chorionicity, and the generalizability of the results for women with a previous uterine scar. The current evidence supported a trial of labor in dichorionic-diamniotic or monochorionic-diamniotic twin pregnancies in which the first twin is in cephalic presentation at ≥32 weeks' gestation. Dichorionic-diamniotic, monochorionic-diamniotic, and monochorionic-monoamniotic twins should be delivered at 37 0/7 to 38 0/7, 36 0/7 to 37 0/7, and 32 0/7 to 34 0/7 weeks' gestation, respectively. Breech extraction done by a competent healthcare provider seemed to offer a higher chance of successful vaginal delivery of the second twin than the external cephalic version. The current data did not allow for a clear recommendation regarding the mode of delivery in very preterm birth of low birthweight twins, but most studies did not demonstrate a clear benefit of cesarean delivery vs trial of labor. Furthermore, a trial of labor seemed safe in women with a previous cesarean delivery. Cesarean delivery is likely beneficial for twin pregnancies with the first twin in breech presentation, monochorionic-monoamniotic twins, and higher-order multiple pregnancies. In all multiple pregnancies, delivery should be performed by an experienced practitioner competent in multiple pregnancy deliveries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Aviram
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Drs Aviram and Melamed); Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Drs Aviram, Melamed, and Mei-Dan); Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (Dr Barrett); Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, North York General Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Dr Mei-Dan).
| | - Jon F R Barrett
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Drs Aviram and Melamed); Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Drs Aviram, Melamed, and Mei-Dan); Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (Dr Barrett); Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, North York General Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Dr Mei-Dan)
| | - Nir Melamed
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Drs Aviram and Melamed); Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Drs Aviram, Melamed, and Mei-Dan); Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (Dr Barrett); Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, North York General Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Dr Mei-Dan)
| | - Elad Mei-Dan
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Drs Aviram and Melamed); Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Drs Aviram, Melamed, and Mei-Dan); Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (Dr Barrett); Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, North York General Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Dr Mei-Dan)
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Abstract
The association between multiple pregnancy and preterm labour is well-established, with >50% of multiple births delivering before 37 weeks. However, there remains limited understanding of the factors predisposing to early delivery of twins. Physiological stimuli to the onset of parturition, including stretch, placental corticotrophin-releasing hormone and lung maturity factors, may be stronger in multiple pregnancies due to the increased fetal and placental mass. Pathological processes including infection and cervical insufficiency also have a role. Treatments that prevent preterm birth in singleton pregnancies, such as progesterone and cervical cerclage appear to be ineffective in multiple pregnancies. This article reviews aspects of preterm birth in twins and higher order multiples including epidemiology, prediction and prevention of preterm labour and potential mechanisms controlling onset of parturition. Evidence relating to the management of labour in preterm and term multiples is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Stock
- University of Edinburgh Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Room S7129, Simpson Centre for Reproductive Health, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Little France, Edinburgh EH16 4SA, UK.
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