Introduction
The number and rate of twins, triplets, and other
higher-order multiple births have climbed at an
unprecedented pace over the last two decades(1).
Multifetal pregnancies are associated with increased
morbidity and mortality for both fetuses and especially
mothers who are six times more likely to be hospitalizedfor antepartum complications, most frequently preterm
labor, preterm premature rupture of membranes and
pre-eclampsia(2,3).
In 2006, the data from Scotland showed that the
rates of stillbirth and neonatal mortality of multifetal
pregnancies were 14.9 and 19.8 per 1,000 live births
respectively and were three to eight times higher thansingleton pregnancies(4). In addition, Confidential
Enquiry into Maternal and Child Health (CEMACH) data
from England, Wales and Northern Ireland showed that
the rates were trended to raise too(5). Many Thai studies
had also found higher rates of stillbirth and neonatal
mortality for multiple births compared to singletons, with
perinatal mortality rates between 30.8 and 68.18 per
1,000 births(6-10).
There is no prior study of twin pregnancies at
Prapokklao Hospital (PH). The objective of this study
was to assess maternal and neonatal complications
and pregnancy outcomes of twin pregnancies at PH.
The results may be beneficial for the evaluation of the
quality of the obstetric care and neonatal services and
guide to develop the service strategies in the future.