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Chapter-25 Multiple Pregnancy and Polyhydramnios

BOOK TITLE: Essentials of Obstetrics

Author
1. Pandit Suchitra N
2. Rao Sanjay B
ISBN
9788180613623
DOI
10.5005/jp/books/10288_25
Edition
1/e
Publishing Year
2004
Pages
10
Author Affiliations
1. LT Medical College and LT Municipal, General Hospital, Mumbai, India, Surya Group of Hospitals, Mumbai; AICC RCOG (2017- 20); ISOPARB (2018-19; Medical Education SAFOG, Surya Group of Hospitals, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India; FOGSI, FOGSI, 2014; Surya Group of Hospitals, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, FOGSI 2014; Surya Hospitals, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India; FOGSI 2014, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital and Research Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, LT Medical College and LT Municipal General Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital and Medical Research Institute, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, Kokilaben Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India; FOGSI 2014, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital and Research Center, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India; FOGSI (2014–2015) and MOGS (2013–2014); ICOG; FOGSI (2003–07), Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital and Medical Research Institute, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
2. LT Medical College and LT Municipal General Hospital, Mumbai, India, LT Medical College and LT Municipal General Hospital, Sion, Mumbai, India, Severn Wessex and Peninssula Deanery, Bristol, UK, The James Cook University Hospital, South Tees NHS Foundation Trust, Middlesbrough, United Kingdom, LT Medical College and LT Municipal General Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Chapter keywords
multiple pregnancy, polyhydramnios, obstetrics, zygosity of twins, placenta, monochorionic placenta, monozygosity, ultrasonography, chorionicity, gestational age, intrauterine growth restriction, discordant twins, twin to twin transfusion syndrome, intrauterine fetal death, preterm delivery, corticosteroids, fetal lung maturity, umbilical cord problems, single umbilical artery, velamentous insertion of the cord, cord entanglements, cord prolapsed, vaginal bleeding, abruptio placentae, fetal distress, delivery, cesarean section, breech extraction, epidural anesthesia, anesthetist, pathological condition, amniotic fluid, chronic polyhydramnios, uterine growth, placental Chorioangiomas, circumvallate placenta, antepartum maternal problems, pregnancy-induced hypertension, preterm labor, prelabor rupture of membranes, cardiorespiratory embarrassment, neonatologist, congenital anomalies, esophageal atresia, soft rubber catheter, stomach

Abstract

The problems of multiple pregnancy and polyhydramnios pose a unique challenge in the practice of obstetrics. This chapter describes the incidence, etiopathology and the clinical diagnosis of each of the two conditions. The practical problems encountered in the management strategies have also been outlined. The most frequently used method to determine the zygosity of twins is the examination of the placenta at birth. The finding of a monochorionic placenta is unequivocal proof of monozygosity. Ultrasonography is vital in the confirmation of twins, for the diagnosis of chorionicity and accurate measurement of gestational age. It also helps to diagnose intrauterine growth restriction, discordant twins, twin to twin transfusion syndrome, and intrauterine fetal death. Since preterm delivery is necessary in a large majority of patients with twin-to-twin transfusion, corticosteroids should be used to accelerate fetal lung maturity at the earliest. Umbilical cord problems are more frequent in twin pregnancies—these include single umbilical artery and velamentous insertion of the cord. Cord entanglements, cord prolapse and torsion due to focal absence of Wharton’s jelly are more common in monoamniotic twins. If vaginal bleeding occurs suggesting abruptio placentae or there are late decelerations indicating fetal distress, delivery should be immediate by forceps or cesarean section or breech extraction. Epidural anesthesia administered by an experienced anesthetist is preferable. Polyhydramnios is a pathological condition characterized by an excessive accumulation of amniotic fluid, usually more than 2000 ml. The differentiation between acute versus chronic polyhydramnios depends on the week of onset, rate of uterine growth and period of delivery. Placental Chorioangiomas and the circumvallate placenta could cause polyhydramnios. Antepartum maternal problems include the risk of developing pregnancy-induced hypertension, preterm labor and prelabor rupture of membranes. There may be marked cardiorespiratory embarrassment. The neonatologist should evaluate the newborn to exclude congenital anomalies, especially, esophageal atresia by the passage of a soft rubber catheter into the stomach.

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