S. Sitar Golob
Bolnišnica za ginekologijo in porodništvo Kranj, Kranj, Slovenija

G. Nosan
Klinični oddelek za neonatologijo, Pediatrična Klinika, Univerzitetni klinični center Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenija

Abstract

The spontaneous incidence of twinning is about 1 in 86 pregnancies, but, in recent years, fertility treatments have increased the occurrence of multiple births. Multiple gestation is not common in the human species, therefore special care and attention are mandatory. Both the mother and the foetuses are at high risk during pregnancy and delivery. Problems of twin gestation include polyhydramnios, prematurity, intrauterine growth restriction, low birth weight, intrauterine foetal death, twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome and congenital malformations. Complications during labour are also more common, and perinatal mortality is increased 5-fold for twins, 10-fold for triplets and 20-fold for quadruplets. Due to the increased risk of complications, close observation during pregnancy and adequate prenatal preparation and postnatal management are indicated.

Key words: twins, multiple pregnancy, diseases in twins, twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, prematurity.