Last update:
21-Jul-2008

Multiple gestations are common and becoming more so with the increasing application assisted reproductive techniques. They may arise from the fertilization of separate ova or from the division of a single fertilized ovum. The zygosity and placentation are the same in twin, triplet and higher multiple births. Multiple gestations associated with a disproportionate rate of complications, such as higher rates of morbidity and mortality, low birth weight, anomalous development and malformation compared with singletons. Careful histological examination of the placenta can provide valuable insight into problems peculiar to multiple pregnancies and pathologists must be aware of the special considerations required in the examination of placentas from multiple births.

Key words: Multiple pregnancy, Pathology.