Resting oxygen consumption in patients with twin pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE

This study examined the resting oxygen consumption in patients with a twin pregnancy and compared the results with those of singleton pregnancies.

METHODS

In 15 patients with a twin and 26 patients with a singleton pregnancy, the resting oxygen consumption was measured using an open-circuit ventilatory system during the third trimester of pregnancy.

RESULTS

The average resting oxygen consumption in patients with a twin pregnancy was 231+/-25 ml/min, significantly higher than that in patients with a singleton pregnancy (209+/-24 ml/min, P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate an estimated increase in metabolic rate in patients during the third trimester of a twin pregnancy compared with those with a singleton pregnancy.