FREQUENCY OF COMMON MATERNAL COMPLICATIONS IN THIRD TRIMESTER OF TWIN PREGNANCY

Objective: To determine the frequency of common maternal complications in third trimester of twin pregnancy. Methodology: It was hospital based Cross-Sectional study, descriptive study conducted at the department of Obstetrics Gynaecology, Postgraduate Medical Institute, Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar from October 2010 to April 2011.Data was collected by non-probability convenience sampling technique.A total of 106 admitted patients with twin pregnancies (confirmed by ultrasonography) were enrolled in the study. Demographic data collected and patients were followed up till delivery to determine complications of twin pregnancies. Results: Mean age of the sample was 28.76+4.616 years. Mean period of gestation at the presentation was 35 + 2.86. Most patients presented with gravida 2 and para 1. Of the 106 patients with twin pregnancy 21 (19.8 %) had no complications.60 patients (56.6 %) presented with anemia, 34 patients (32.1 %) had preterm labour and 21 (19.8 %) patients suffered from pregnancy induced hypertension. The least common maternal complication was premature rupture of membranes (PROM) which occurred in 12 patients making 11.3 % of the study population. Conclusion: Twin pregnancy carries high risk of maternal complications like anemia, preterm labour and pregnancy induced hypertension and highlights the need for early recognition and interventions by experienced health professionals.