Background : Considering the importance of multiple pregnancy and its influence on neonate’s mortality and morbidity and also with respect to the lack of informative data on its prevalence, the present study was conducted in Shaheed Beheshti and Shabihkhani hospitals in Kashan, 2000-01, to determine the role of early diagnosis and treatment.

Materials and methods : During a one-year period, all multiple pregnancies were included. Initial data including gestational age, sex, maternal age, complication-induced hospitalization, birth weight, previous history of multiple pregnancy, mortality, and history of ovarian-stimulating drug consumption were all recorded in a questionnaire.

Results : Of 10011 deliveries, 142 (1.4%) were twins, 8 (0.079%) were triplets, and 1 (0.009%) was quadruplets. Of these, 58 twins (40.8%), 5 triplets (62.5%) and 1 (100%) quadruplets were hospitalized. Prematurity was the most common complication in twins (84%). Mortality was reported in 15 twins (13.5%) and 3 triplets (21.4%). The most seasonal prevalence of twin pregnancy was winter (27.4%).

Conclusion : Prematurity was more common as compared to western data. Prematurity and low birth weight are the most frequent cause of mortality, thus prevention of preterm delivery is highly recommended.