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The Role of Ultrasound in Multiple Pregnancy

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 February 2012

Birgit Arabin*
Affiliation:
Clara Angela Foundation Witten (GER) and Zwolle (NL). clara-angela@wxs.nl
Jim van Eyck
Affiliation:
Clara Angela Foundation Witten (GER) and Zwolle (NL).
*
*Address for correspondence: Prof. Birgit Arabin, Isala Klinieken (Sophia), Dr. van Heesweg 2, 8025 AB Zwolle / Netherlands.

Abstract

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The advances in reproductive technologies have changed the demographics of multifetal pregnancies. In the first trimester, ultrasound allows to diagnose the number of multiples, chorionicity and amnionicity, the presence or absence of nuchal translucency, early growth discordance, severe malformations and the origin of activities and contacts between multiples. In the second and third trimester, the opportunity to examine the cervix by transvaginal ultrasound should not be missed to detect the risk of premature delivery. Ultrasound is essential for the early grading and treatment of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), the diagnosis of malformations and growth disturbances. Doppler velocimetry has proven to be able to reduce perinatal mortality in twin pregnancies. Finally, ultrasound is used for the detection of the position of multiples and the decision of the optimal route of delivery. This is of main importance in delayed interval delivery and expectant management of multifetal pregnancies and early cervical dilatation.

Type
Festschrift
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2001