Should we deliver twins electively at 37 weeks' gestation?
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this review is to assess the available literature to answer the question, should we deliver twins electively at 37 weeks' gestation?


RESULTS
There are retrospective studies indicating that the lowest risk of perinatal morbidity and mortality occurs in twins at 37 weeks' gestation. A single, small, randomized trial has been identified comparing elective birth at 37 weeks' gestation with continued expectant management. However, there is currently insufficient information available from randomized controlled trials to indicate whether the benefits of elective birth outweigh the potential harms for both women and their infants.


CONCLUSIONS
Whereas elective birth at 37 weeks' gestation may be a safe and effective way to reduce the perinatal mortality and morbidity in twins, further information is required from randomized controlled trials to answer the question of whether we should deliver twins electively at 37 weeks' gestation.
Dodd
Jodie M
JM
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Adelaide, South Australia. jodie.dodd@adelaide.edu.au
Crowther
Caroline A
CA
D001315:Australia; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007226:Infant Mortality; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D014427:Twins