Planning the mode of delivery for twin pregnancies: A web-based questionnaire

J Obstet Gynaecol. 2016;36(2):172-7. doi: 10.3109/01443615.2015.1030730. Epub 2015 Sep 14.

Abstract

Using orthogonal design, we created a questionnaire containing 16 cases of twin pregnancies. For each case, respondents indicated whether they would plan a vaginal delivery (VD) or a caesarean section (CS). We assessed the association between each variable (maternal age, parity, mode of conception, gestational age, chorionicity, body mass index, foetal growth, foetal presentation and wish for additional children) and the planned mode of delivery. A VD was planned mostly for vertex presentation of twin A (vertex-vertex vs. non-vertex-vertex, odds ratio [OR]: 0.002, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.001-0.003, p < 0.001). For vertex- non-vertex (vs. vertex-vertex) presentation, chances on planning a VD decreased threefold (OR: 0.29, 95% CI: 0.018-0.46, p < 0.001), although the majority of respondents would still plan a VD. In multiparous (vs. nulliparous) women, VD was chosen more often (OR: 3.24, 95% CI: 2.50-4.18, p < 0.001).Vertex presentation of twin A and multiparity were the main reasons for planning a VD.

Keywords: Caesarean section; mode of delivery; questionnaire; twins; vaginal delivery.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Clinical Decision-Making
  • Delivery, Obstetric / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Internet
  • Labor Presentation*
  • Male
  • Maternal Age
  • Middle Aged
  • Parity
  • Patient Care Planning
  • Practice Patterns, Physicians'
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy, Twin*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Young Adult