Management of twins: vaginal or cesarean delivery?

Clin Obstet Gynecol. 2015 Jun;58(2):294-308. doi: 10.1097/GRF.0000000000000105.

Abstract

Recent level I evidence from a single randomized-controlled trial has shown that there is no difference in fetal or neonatal outcomes (composite of fetal/neonatal death or serious neonatal morbidity) between planned cesarean delivery and planned vaginal delivery for twins between 32 and 38 6/7 weeks. As long as the presenting twin is vertex, vaginal delivery should be considered regardless of the presentation of the second twin. To avoid unnecessary cesarean deliveries and maternal morbidity, it is important to continue to train residents to perform obstetrics maneuvers necessary for vaginal delivery of twins such as vaginal breech extraction.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cesarean Section* / adverse effects
  • Cesarean Section* / methods
  • Delivery, Obstetric / methods*
  • Female
  • Gestational Age
  • Humans
  • Labor Presentation*
  • Obstetric Labor Complications* / etiology
  • Obstetric Labor Complications* / prevention & control
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Outcome
  • Pregnancy, Twin / physiology*
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Risk Adjustment
  • Risk Assessment
  • Trial of Labor