Multiple pregnancy
Multiple pregnancy
Twins accounted for 1.8% of all births in Ireland in 2019, from a rate of 17.8 in 1,000 maternities.
Twin pregnancies are associated with an increased risk of maternal complications such as hypertensive disorders, and they contribute to an increased risk of perinatal morbidity and mortality.
Our research in this area
- Artificial reproductive technologies and twin pregnancy
- Care and lived experiences
- Clinical guidelines
- Complications of twin pregnancy
- Perinatal mortality associated with twin pregnancies
- Service provision
Key publications
| Category | Category | Keywords | Year | Title | Abstract | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Journal Article |
Journal Article | Multiple pregnancy | 2024 |
Perinatal deaths in twin and singleton infants in Ireland: A comparison of characteristics and causes |
Twin pregnancies face a 3x higher perinatal mortality risk than singleton pregnancies due to factors such as preterm birth. Our study in Ireland (2011–2022) highlights the need for updated, twin-specific guidelines & improved referral systems are essential to reduce risk. | More details Read publication |
|
Journal Article |
Journal Article | Clinical guideline(s), Multiple pregnancy | 2023 |
Clinical practice guidelines for the antenatal management of dichorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies: a systematic review |
Inconsistent guidelines for managing DCDA twin pregnancies create obstacles in antenatal care. Conflicting recommendations and gaps in guidance complicate decision-making. Clear, comprehensive guidelines are essential for optimal management. | More details Read publication |
|
Journal Article |
Journal Article | Clinical guideline(s), Multiple pregnancy | 2021 |
A protocol for a systematic review of clinical practice guidelines for the antenatal management of dichorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy [version 1; peer review: 1 approved] |
Our protocol for a systematic review of clinical practice guidelines for the antenatal management of dichorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies, within high-income countries. | More details Read publication |
|
Journal Article |
Journal Article | Multiple pregnancy | 2021 |
A comparative study of two immunoassays of maternal placental growth factor |
A secondary subgroup analysis of placental growth factor levels in women with dichorionic twin pregnancy demonstrated poor concordance between two immunoassays. This highlights the importance of developing validated clinical cut-offs for automated immunoassay. | More details Read publication |
|
Journal Article |
Journal Article | Multiple pregnancy | 2021 |
A prospective study of placental growth factor in twin pregnancy and development of a dichorionic twin pregnancy specific reference range |
Placental growth factor (PlGF) levels in dichorionic twin pregnancy differ significantly between women that will later develop pre-eclampsia and those that will not. This study provides specific reference ranges for PlGF in twin pregnancy. | More details Read publication |
|
Journal Article |
Journal Article | Multiple pregnancy | 2020 |
The maternal and perinatal implications of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in a multiple pregnancy cohort |
A retrospective cohort study of maternal & perinatal outcomes in multiple pregnancy found that age >40, nulliparity, donor oocyte & obstetric cholestasis increased risk of hypertensive disorders. This in turn increased risk of iatrogenic late prematurity & neonatal hypoglycemia. | More details Read publication |
|
Journal Article |
Journal Article | Infertility / IVF / Medically Assisted Reproduction | 2017 |
Oocyte donation pregnancies - Non-disclosure of oocyte recipient status to obstetric care providers and perinatal outcomes |
This study examined disclosure rates of oocyte donation among pregnant women to their healthcare provider, and subsequent rates of perinatal complications. One third of women did not disclose their oocyte recipient status. 28% had hypertension in pregnancy. | More details Read publication |
|
Journal Article |
Journal Article | Multiple pregnancy, Neonatal death, Stillbirth | 2017 |
Death of one twin during the perinatal period: An interpretative phenomenological analysis |
Parents with a diagnosis of fetal anomaly in twin pregnancies were not prepared for the complications they experienced in pregnancy. Clear and appropriate information in relation to perinatal palliative care should be provided to parents. | More details Read publication |
|
Journal Article |
Journal Article | Multiple pregnancy | 2014 |
Obstetric and perinatal outcomes of twin pregnancies conceived following IVF/ICSI treatment compared with spontaneously conceived twin pregnancies |
There was no significant difference in obstetric or perinatal outcomes in a large series of dichorionic twins when spontaneous mode of conception was compared with assisted conception. | More details Read publication |
|
Journal Article |
Journal Article | Multiple pregnancy | 2014 |
Conjoined twins: Experience in an Irish tertiary centre |
This case series describes a cluster of four sets of conjoined twins managed in one tertiary centre, with one set of survivors successfully separated after birth. | More details Read publication |
Our people
- Professor Keelin O’Donoghue
- Dr Sara Leitao
- Caroline O’Connor