TWIN PREGNANCY IN WOMEN 45 YEARS OR OLDER, Nathan Fox, MD (Digital)

By on April 26, 2017

twin pregnancy NYC

With advances in assisted reproductive technology including In-vitro fertilization (IVF) and egg donation, women are now able to conceive well into their 40’s and 50’s.  However, uncertainty exists regarding the safety of these pregnancies for women and their newborns.  Additionally, twin pregnancy is a common result of IVF, and all twin pregnancies are higher-risk pregnancies.

Is it safe for a woman who is 45 or older to carry a twin pregnancy?

In this new study (2017), we looked at outcomes in 139 women age 45 or older with twin pregnancies to determine the safety and success rates for these pregnancies.  99% underwent IVF and 95% used an egg donor.  The population was mostly healthy at baseline, with low rates of obesity, hypertension, and diabetes.

Outcomes were actually quite favorable.  There were very low rates of stillbirth and birth defects.  Women were very unlikely to require a blood transfusion or hysterectomy.  There were no maternal deaths.   The average gestational age at delivery was 35 weeks, which is the same as all twin pregnancies in the U.S.  The rates of cesarean delivery were high, which has also been shown in women over 45 with singleton pregnancies.  There were high rates of gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, which were also not surprising.

Overall,   this study suggests that for well-selected, healthy, women age 45 or older, twin pregnancy appears to have overall good outcomes, similar to twins in general.  But, there is a higher chance of preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and cesarean delivery.  For more information, contact us today or visit our blog!

Read the full publication, here: Outcomes of Twin Pregnancy in Women 45 Years of Age or Older 

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Maternal Fetal Medicine blogs are intended for educational purposes only and do not replace certified professional care. Medical conditions vary and change frequently. Please ask your doctor any questions you may have regarding your condition to receive a proper diagnosis or risk analysis. Thank you!

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