Birth Weight Distribution of Twins According to Gestational Age

Kim, Na Ok; Choi, Seong Jin; Han, Kyoung Hee; Hyung, Hee Sun; Shin, Seung Ryeong

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
To establish intrauterine growth curve for the birth weight of twins on the basis of gestational age.
METHODS
The medical records of twin gestations delivered between 1980 and 2001 were reviewed. 610 Twin pairs (1,220 infants) were comprised our study population. The newborns were grouped according to gestational age and the median, 10th, 50th, and 90th percentile birth weight for each gestational week were calculated. Intrauterine growth curve of twins was compared with that of singletons of Wonju Christian Hospital. We studied the differences of birth weights of twins as sex, parity, chorionicity in twins.
RESULTS
The birth weights of twins fall below that of singleton after 32-33 weeks. The 50th percentile for twins falls below the 10th percentile for singleton after 37 weeks, and 90th percentile for twins falls below the 50th percentile for singleton. The mean birth weight in male twin infant was heavier than in female twin infant through all gestational week. The mean brith weight in multiparity was heavier than in nulliparity through all gestational week. The mean birth weight in dichorionic twins was heavier than in monochorionic twins through all gestational week.
CONCLUSION
We presented twin specific birthweight curve on the basis of gestational age. The growth pattern of twins was different from that of singleton. We recommend the twin specific birthweight curve in the management of twin gestations.