Questions in the Maternal and Child Health Forum have been answered by doctors from Henry Ford Health System.

Question Title: Risk of multiples and other problems

Forum: The Maternal and Child Health Forum
Topic: Pregnancy - Abnormal

Posted by Louise on May 01, 1999 at 18:26:21

After miscarring at 14 weeks with mant complication (5 days on a labor ward). I now know that I have two cervix, two vagina and two uterus - each with one ovary.

I know that one of the side effects can be infertility (which I haven't got).

What I would like some information on is the chance of multiple births (above the normal) and what are the chances of a normal delivery rather than a c-section.

Thanks for any advice you can give.

Louise


Posted by hfhs.db.md on May 03, 1999 at 13:15:47

Multiple gestations either require a single fertilized ovum that divides early in development (Monozygotic-MZ) or multiple ova released from the ovary(s), each of which is fertilized separately (Dyzygotic-DZ).

MZ twinning rates are not affected by reproductive tract structural variation. DZ twinning requires that more than one ovum is released. In general, the body has precise hormonal control of the events leading to ovulation so that multiple ovulation is quite rare (except when iatrogenically caused by fertility drugs). The hormonal control mechanisms are the same in women with double reproductive tracts and therefore twinning rates should not be increased.

Although the rate of preterm labor is definitely increased, outside of a small increase in cesarean delivery due to fetal malpresentation (associated with prematurity), the cesarean rate should not be increased dramatically.




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