Influence of mode of delivery on twin births.

The mode of delivery and outcome in 158 twin births in a Nigerian sub-urban hospital are reviewed. Apgar scores at one minute were significantly higher for twin 1 compared to twin 2 in vertex deliveries only. There was no significant difference in Apgar scores at 5 minutes between the twins for the various modes of delivery. Apgar scores were generally higher for the controls (a set of singleton births) compared to twin births for all the modes of delivery except breech births. Birth weights were also significantly higher for controls compared to twin births although no significant difference occurred between the twins. Perinatal mortality rates were generally higher for twin 2 compared to twin 1, and for the twins compared to controls irrespective of mode of delivery. Better outcome could not be ascribed to any particular mode of delivery in twin births and would depend on the judgement and expertise of the labour attendant.