Incidence and some perinatal problems of multiple pregnancies in a central referral hospital, Addis Ababa.

ABSTRACT

PIP: Incidence of multiple pregnancies and the accompanying prenatal problems in a central referral hospital in Addis Ababa is explored. Examined were 41,645 deliveries from 1971-1985 at St. Paul's Hospital, Addis Ababa--1 of 6 central referral hospitals in Ethiopia. Of the 41,645 deliveries, 1,106 patients had twins, with 25 giving birth to triplets. Mean twinning incidence in 15 years was 1:40.9 ranging between 1:28 (in 1971) and 1:57 (in 1983). Annual incidence of triplets was 1:1;,665.8. Incidence of twins in the multigravidae was 43% more than in the primigravidae. Males dominated multiple births with a 52% figure, while discondant twins and triplets were observed in 31.5% respectively. Of those twins delivered, 55.9% had a birthweight less than 2500g. Head presentation of both twins occurred in 40% of the births. Operative delivery was necessary in 12.4% of the cases examined. Of particular interest to obstetricians and neonatologists, is the analysis of anthropometric data. Multiple pregnancies, and the volume of low birthweight among neonates, and perinatal mortality represent an urgency to health care professionals in Ethiopia.