DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2017.v05i11.015

Pages: 4377-4380

The occurrence of two or more foetuses simultaneously in the uterus is referred to as multiple pregnancy. Teleologically, multiple pregnancy in humans can be regarded as an atavistic trait to which the mother is not optimally suited,with consequent increase in the risks for both the foetuses and the mother. The past few years have shown a considerable rise in the incidence of multiple pregnancies largely attributed to the advent of assisted reproduction, use of ovulation inducing drugs and an increased trend towards delayed child bearing. This cross –sectional study was carried out to find the maternal and perinatal outcome in multiple pregnancies in Gauhati Medical College, Guwahati, Assam over a period of one year. The incidence of multiple pregnancies was found to be 1.27%.53.6% cases were booked and 43.6% were unbooked. Preterm labour was the commonest complication (74.2%), anaemia being the second most common (45.16%). The maternal morbidity was higher in caesarean section than in vaginal delivery. There was one case of maternal mortality due to septicaemia and peritonitis with severe PIH,who underwent LSCS due to prolong labour and retained second twin. Judicious use of assisted reproductive technology including ovulation induction can reduce the incidence of multiple pregnancies. Proper antenatal care, health education, prevention of preterm birth, better facilities for premature babies, skilled obstetrician and anaesthetist can improve the maternal and perinatal outcome in multiple pregnancy. As such early detection of multiple pregnancies is an important parameter which enables proper antenatal care and subsequent delivery in a tertiary care centre.