Time interval in twin delivery--the second twin need not always be born shortly after the first.

In order to evaluate the influence of the time interval on the second twin in twin deliveries, we have used more precise criteria than have been used in the literature to date. The following parameters of the twins were analyzed: normal CTG of the second twin recorded continuously during labor and pH value of the umbilical artery blood after delivery as well as clinical state according to the modified Apgar score. We could not find a general influence of the time interval on pH and clinical status of the second twin. Our results indicate that in cases of uncomplicated twin delivery with a normal cardiotocogram there is no necessity for the second twin to be born as soon as possible after the birth of the first twin.