Outcomes of multifetal pregnancies
Ounjai Kor-anantakul1, Chitkasaem Suwanrath, Thitima Suntharasaj
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkla, Thailand. ounjai.k@psu.ac.th
The Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research
|January 11, 2007
Summary
Assisted multifetal pregnancies lead to more cesarean births, higher-order multiples, and increased maternal/neonatal complications compared to spontaneous conceptions. These pregnancies require longer hospital stays for both mothers and newborns.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Neonatalogy
Background:
- Multifetal pregnancies present unique challenges for maternal and neonatal health.
- Assisted reproductive therapy (ART) has increased the incidence of multifetal pregnancies.
- Understanding the comparative outcomes of spontaneous versus ART-conceived multifetal pregnancies is crucial for clinical management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the outcomes of multifetal pregnancies.
- To compare maternal and neonatal complications between spontaneously conceived and ART-conceived multifetal pregnancies.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of medical records for all multifetal pregnancies.
- Comparison of outcomes between spontaneous and ART-conceived multifetal pregnancies.
- Analysis of complication rates, delivery modes, and hospital stay durations.
Main Results:
- ART multifetal pregnancies had higher rates of cesarean delivery (90.6% vs. 71.3%), higher-order fetuses (87% vs. 13%), preterm labor, and longer maternal hospital stays.
- Neonatal complications were more frequent in ART multifetal pregnancies, including respiratory distress syndrome, NICU admission, infection, and extended hospital stays (15 days vs. 6 days).
- Higher-order fetuses experienced more complications than twins, regardless of conception method.
Conclusions:
- ART-conceived multifetal pregnancies are associated with significantly higher rates of cesarean delivery, higher-order multiples, and preterm birth.
- Mothers and newborns from ART multifetal pregnancies face increased complications and longer hospitalizations.
- These findings highlight the need for specialized care and monitoring for ART-associated multifetal pregnancies.
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