Comparison of short-term outcomes of late pre-term singletons and dichorionic twins and optimal timing of delivery

Abstract

This study examined the incidence of perinatal morbidity and mortality in late pre-term and term dichorionic twins versus singleton delivery at the same gestation. There were no measurable differences in the incidence of the perinatal complications in relation to gestational age at delivery between singleton and dichorionic twin pregnancies. In singleton pregnancies, the incidence of RDS/TTN in late pre-term births are significantly higher than those at 37 weeks, while the incidence in births at 39–40 weeks are significantly lower than those at 37 weeks. In dichorionic twin pregnancies, the incidence of RDS/TTN in late pre-term births are significantly higher than those at 37 weeks, while there were no measurable differences in the incidence in births between 37 and 38–39 weeks' gestation. There were no cases of fetal demise in dichorionic twin pregnancies at 36–40 weeks' gestation. Although fetuses in dichorionic twin pregnancies may achieve maturity earlier than fetuses in singleton pregnancies at 37–40 weeks' gestation, the incidence of perinatal complications such as RDS/TTN of late pre-term births in dichorionic twin pregnancies was the same as that in singleton pregnancies. In the absence of maternal or fetal complications, it is advisable to deliver twins only at 37 completed weeks' gestation or later, to avoid neonatal complications.

Keywords:

• Late pre-term birth
• optimal timing of delivery
• perinatal outcome
• twin pregnancy

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.