Maternal mortality in twin gestations.

OBJECTIVE

To review various aspects of maternal morbidity and delivery complications leading to maternal death in twin gestations.

STUDY

DESIGN

Literature research.

RESULTS

The incidence of maternal mortality associated with twin gestation is not known but can be estimated from a few community-based series and from studies on maternal morbidity related to twins. The combination of physiologic changes and perinatal pathologies that are either unique or more common in twin gestations (e.g., preeclampsia/eclampsia, need for tocolysis, anemia, abruption placentae, special delivery circumstances and cesarean section) is certainly increasing the maternal risk for serious morbidity and even mortality.

CONCLUSION

Twin pregnancies should be included among the categories of pregnancy-related maternal death in order to learn how to eliminate avoidable mortality in twin gestations.