Since the 60s, obstetricians have known that the second twin at birth is at greater risk of complications during the part compared to the first, but the true extent of this risk was unknown. In this regard, we read in The World Health the study published in the British Medical Journal by researchers at the University of Cambridge (United Kingdom).
They collected data on the 5,758 twin deliveries that occurred in England, Northern Ireland and Wales between 1994 and 2001, of which in 1,377 cases, a baby died during childbirth or shortly thereafter.
They searched and investigated the mothers' age, gestation time and birth method to check if there was an association, and the first clear conclusion is that the birth order does matter, in term pregnancy the second twin to be born is twice as likely to die than the firstOne of the main reasons is the lack of oxygen (anoxia) while the mother gives birth. In the case of premature twin deliveries, those that occur before the 36th week of pregnancy, the scientists explain that both fetuses have a similar risk of death, perhaps prematurity conceals the small difference in risk between being born first or later.
When comparing the mortality of the babies according to the method of birth, cesarean births showed a slightly lower risk of death of the second baby due to lack of oxygen, than for other reasons that complicate the delivery.
The conclusion of the investigation of Gordon Smith and his team is that the absolute risk is very small, the second twin dies in one of every 250 deliveries. And although these results are similar to previous studies, they are inconclusive, they affirm that they must carry out new studies and find out whether or not there is any protective effect of caesarean sections.
Let us take into account the statements of Dr. F. Sessions Cole, who is also director of neonatal medicine and head of the neonatal intensive care unit at St. Louis Children's Hospital, “I would not like this study to become an excuse for persuade the mothers of twins to opt for caesarean section. "
