The Impact of Multiple Gestations on Late Preterm (Near-Term) Births

Multiple pregnancies present numerous, unique challenges in obstetrical diagnosis and management. Most twins and many high-order multiples deliver in the late preterm period between 34 and 36 completed weeks because of spontaneous preterm labor or iatrogenic intervention for maternal or fetal medical complications. Although perinatal outcomes from late preterm delivery of multiples are generally favorable, adverse complications remain a potential risk. Further research is needed to determine the optimal schedule for effective fetal surveillance and whether it is prudent to electively deliver certain uncomplicated multiple gestations in the late preterm period.