Trends of multiple birth at federal medical centre bida, Northcentral Nigeria

Background: Multiple pregnancy remains a significant determinant of perinatal outcome and a contributor to neonatal morbidity and mortality.Aim: To determine the prevalence, trend, and fetomaternal outcome of multiple births at Federal Medical Centre, Bida.Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study of multiple births at Federal Medical Centre, Bida, Nigeria from 1st January 2010 to 31st December 2013. Data was collected using a pro-forma and then analyzed.Results: The period prevalence of multiple births was 28.4/1000 births and it ranged from 28.6/1000 births in 2010 to 27.4/1000 births in 2013. Associated with multiple births were prematurity, low birth weight, birth asphyxia, high perinatal mortality, and caesarean section. There was correlation between multiple births and increased maternal age which reached its peak at 25–29 years as well as maternal hypertensive disorders. There was no associated maternal death.Conclusion: The prevalence of multiple births was 28.4/1000 births and it was associated with prematurity, low birth weight, birth asphyxia, and admission to special care baby unit as well as increased cesarean section rate and maternal hypertensive disorders.Keywords: Fetal outcome; multiple births; tren