Journal of Fertilization: In Vitro - IVF-Worldwide, Reproductive Medicine, Genetics & Stem Cell Biol
Open Access
ISSN: 2375-4508
+44 1478 350008
ISSN: 2375-4508
+44 1478 350008
Dooley W, Lonsdale S, Dilgil M, Diamantopoulos A, Gudi A, Shah A, Husain S and Homburg R
Objective: To investigate the difference in perinatal and delivery outcomes in multiple pregnancies, depending on mode of conception.
Design: An observational cross sectional study.
Setting: Homerton University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, a University Hospital in London. Sample: All multiple pregnancies delivered at the hospital between the inclusive years 2009-2012 were reviewed with a total of 341 pregnancies included.
Methods: Maternal demographics and perinatal outcomes including mortality rates, were collected on all participants.
Main outcome measures: Maternal demographics including age and length of postnatal hospital stay, pregnancy outcomes including mode of delivery, and perinatal outcomes including mortality rates.
Results: Women who conceived naturally were significantly younger (30.42 ± 5.98 years) than those conceived through assisted treatment (34.24 ± 5.73 years; p<0.05). Babies conceived through assisted treatment were born at a significantly lower gestational age (33.81 ± 4.05 weeks) than those conceived spontaneously (34.81 ± 3.55 weeks; p<0.05). The average birth weight was significantly lower in those conceived by assisted treatment as compared to those conceived naturally. More naturally conceiving women delivered by spontaneous vaginal delivery (23.9%) as compared to those conceived by assisted treatment (9.2%, p<0.05).
Conclusions: Comparable perinatal mortality rates are seen between twins conceived naturally and those conceived by assisted reproductive technology; however significantly lower gestational age, birth weight and vaginal delivery rates were seen in pregnancies conceived by assisted treatment.