Examination of Complications and Differentiating Factors (Method of Conception, Nutritional Status, Weight Gain) in Twin Pregnancies

1 Ilona Karácsony

2 Laura Deáki

1 Annamária Pakai

1 Mónika Ferenczy

1 University of Pécs, Faculty of Health Sciences, Szombathely Campus, Institute of Nursing Sci- ences, Basic Health Sciences and Health Visiting, Hungary

2 Health Visitor Service, Nádasd, Hungary

Article received: 06.04.2022

Article accepted: 06.07.2022.

Author for correspondence:

Mónika Ferenczy

University of Pécs, Faculty of Health Sciences, Szom- bathely Campus, Institute of Nursing Sciences, Basic He- alth Sciences and Health Visiting

14. Jókai str., Szombathely, Hungary E-mail: monika.ferenczy@etk.pte.hu

https://doi.org/10.24141/2/6/2/2

Keywords: twin pregnancies, nutritional status, complications

Abstract

Introduction. The aim of our study was to examine the complications and differentiating factors (meth- od of conception, nutritional status, rate of weight gain) of twin pregnancies.

Methods. In our quantitative, cross-sectional, retro- spective study we examined medical data sheets of women pregnant with twins (N=89) in the western regions of Transdanubia, Hungary.

Results. Conditions occurring during pregnancy af- fected almost half of the mothers. Hypertension and preeclampsia are increased risk factors among the complications of twin pregnancies, independently of the method of conception (p>0.05). Abnormal weight gain during pregnancy was observed in half of the mothers. Weight before pregnancy is a strong predic- tor of weight gain during pregnancy (p<0.05).

Conclusion. Our research showed that abnormal weight gain and obesity during twin pregnancy has a negative effect on maternal health, and correlates with maternal complications (hypertension/preec- lampsia, gestational diabetes). Effective and preven- tative strategies are necessary, already during preg- nancy planning, to prevent obesity before pregnancy.