Ultrasound evaluation of polyhydramnios and twin pregnancy

We analyzed the ultrasound examinations and medical records of 75 pairs of twins who were delivered between January, 1983, and December, 1984, to study the relationship between increased amniotic fluid volume, fetal abnormalities, and preterm labor. Ten of these 75 twin pregnancies demonstrated elevated amniotic fluid volume that persisted throughout pregnancy. Total intrauterine volumes were elevated in these cases, and nine of the ten pregnancies were abnormal. In addition, it was noted that elevation of the amniotic fluid volume alone did not explain the high rate of preterm labor and delivery in twin gestations.