ABSTRACT
The morbidity and mortality of newborns from multiple pregnancies are significantly higher than those of singletons. Major complications include: low birth weight, prematurity, and early and late sequelae of prematurity1. The incidence of these complications increases with plurality2. Approximately 60% of multiples deliver prior to 37 weeks of gestation, and numerous data indicate that almost 50% of twins and over 90% of higher-order multiples (≥3) have a low birth weight (<2500 g)1. As a result of these circumstances, multiples more frequently require prolonged care in the neonatal intensive-care unit (NICU) compared with singletons. Some perinatal centers report the rate of admissions to the specialcare baby unit as 30.5% for twins and 32.5% for triplets3. These infants also require prolonged hospitalization (9.8 vs. 25 days for singletons and multiples, respectively)3.
