Does an ideal prototype of a twin mother exist?

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Perinatology
• Reproductive Health

Background:

• Optimizing twin pregnancy outcomes remains a key focus in maternal-fetal medicine.
• Identifying predictive maternal factors can guide clinical management and improve neonatal health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between pre-gravid maternal characteristics and twin pregnancy outcomes.
• To determine if tall stature, multiparity, or normal pre-pregnancy BMI influence gestational age and birth weight in dichorionic twins.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of a Slovenian population-based cohort of dichorionic twins born between 2002 and 2013 (n=3232).
• Independent variables: maternal stature (≥170 cm), multiparity, normal pre-pregnancy Body Mass Index (BMI).
• Outcome variables: gestational age and total twin birth weight.

Main Results:

• Maternal tall stature (≥170 cm), multiparity, and normal pre-pregnancy BMI were significantly associated with higher total twin birth weight.
• These factors correlated with more advanced gestational age and a lower incidence of preterm birth (≤32 weeks).
• Conversely, women with converse features experienced significantly worse outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Maternal stature ≥170 cm, multiparity, and normal pre-pregnancy BMI are associated with improved gestational age and birth weight in twin pregnancies.
• These maternal features positively impact key indicators of fetal development and maturity.
• Clinical attention to these pre-gravid factors may aid in managing twin gestations.