Is vaginal delivery in twin pregnancy still an option? An analysis of the literature data

The aim of this review was to analyze the nature of the data and practices reported in the literature in order to determine if vaginal delivery of twin gestations with a first twin in cephalic presentation after 34 weeks still remains an option. Compared to cesarean, large retrospective population-based studies demonstrated increased neonatal morbidity and mortality of the second twin associated with vaginal. delivery. Some then suggested systematic planned cesarean could protect second twins from increased neonatal mortality and morbidity. These results have not been confirmed in hospital retrospective studies in which candidates for vaginal. delivery were carefully selected, and second twin delivery actively managed, with internal version when the fetal head is above a 0 station in case of cephalic presentation and with systematic immediate total breech extraction in case of non cephalic presentation. Taking into account the poor external validity of the population-based studies, and the reassuring results of the hospital retrospective studies, attempted vaginal. delivery after 34 weeks, when the first twin is in cephalic presentation, still appears as a safe option in tow risk populations. Progress in the assessment of the risks associated with the mode of delivery could result from a large nationwide observational prospective study, a randomized trial being, even more than in the breech delivery issue, an inappropriate method for evaluating these risks. (C) 2009 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.