Delivery of Twin Gestation (≥ 320 Weeks): The Vaginal Route as a Practicable and Safe Alternative to Cesarean Section

Abstract

Objective The appropriate delivery mode for twins is discussed controversially in the literature. The aim of this study was to investigate delivery modes and short-term neonatal outcomes of twin pregnancies delivered in University Hospital Leipzig. Material and Methods A total of 274 twin pregnancies (32.0 to 39.4 weeks of gestation) delivered between 2015 and 2017 were analyzed retrospectively with regard to the planned and final delivery mode as well as neonatal outcomes. The inclusion and exclusion criteria for vaginal delivery were comparable to those of the Twin Birth Study. Results The spontaneous birth rate for births planned as vaginal deliveries was 78.5%; the rate of secondary cesarean section was 19.4%. The final total cesarean rate was 58.8%, and the rate of vaginal deliveries was 41.2%. Vertex or non-vertex position of the second twin had no significant effect on neonatal outcome or mean delivery interval between the birth of the first and second twin. Chorionicity, neonatal weight and gender had no significant impact on delivery mode. However, successful vaginal delivery was associated with higher gestational age and both fetuses in vertex position. The combined neonatal outcome for both twins was significantly worse if they were delivered by cesarean section compared to spontaneous birth. In addition, the leading twin in monochorionic/diamniotic (MC/DA) pregnancies was intubated more frequently after cesarean delivery and had significantly lower Apgar scores. Conclusion Vaginal delivery in twin pregnancies is a practicable and safe option in specific defined conditions and when the appropriate infrastructure and clinical experience is available.