Twins, Complications and Vaginal Delivery: Vaginal vs. Cesarean Section Deliveries and Opportunities for Improvement

Abstract

With the rise in twins born each year, there is an increased concern with how to ensure twin delivery is conducted safely for both mother and infants (CDC, 1998, 2015, 2017). A gestation that has multiple fetuses can lead to complications throughout the gestation and during delivery for both the mother and the babies (Choi, 2010). The complications during delivery of multiples often lead doctors to choose the route of cesarean section (Office of Communications NIH, 2017). This study evaluated the safety of cesarean delivery of twins in comparison to vaginal delivery. The goal was to assess the complications, identify key factors in successful delivery and compile recommendations that promote safe vaginal delivery of twins. If medical professionals and mothers follow a set of guidelines, administer medication when necessary, and apply technology in greater frequency, they may have healthier pregnancies and there may be potential to change the practice to be more confident in vaginal delivery of twins. By better understanding twin pregnancies and deliveries, parents can make more informed decisions and medical professionals can find novel ways to manage it. In this thesis, studies were reviewed to assess the safety of vaginal delivery as compared to cesarean delivery. Studies were also reviewed to analyze the effect of lifestyle changes, technology use and medication administration on pregnancy and delivery outcomes. The findings were that technology and lifestyle maintenance may prevent some complications. Findings did not confirm that all medications are effective at preventing complications in all twin cases.