Incidence and some perinatal problems of multiple pregnancies in a central referral hospital, Addis Ababa

This survey covers 41,645 deliveries registered in St. Paul's Hospital, Addis Ababa (one of the 6 central referral hospitals of Ethiopia), from 1971 to 1985, with multiple deliveries comprising 2.5% of all the cases. The results obtained from analysis of these data revealed that twins occurred in the ratio of 1:41 deliveries, and triplets in 1:41(2) deliveries, this is in conformity with Hellin's statement, made in 1895. The occurrence of multiple delivery in multigravidae is shown as 1.62 times greater than that in primigravidae. There was a male predominance (52.1%) among twins. Discordant twins and triplets were observed in 31.5% and 50% respectively. In 55.9% of twin deliveries, both twins had a birthweight of less than 2500g. Head presentation of both twins occurred in 40% of the multiple births. Operative delivery was undertaken in 12.4% of all the cases.