[Prevention of complications in twin gestations and pregnancies after assisted reproduction].

BACKGROUND

Twin pregnancies and gestations after assisted reproductive therapy (ART) are of special obstetric significance with regard to their associated risks. However, little is known about preventive approaches specifically evaluated for these constellations.

METHODS

A selective literature search was conducted to examine possible preventive approaches for complications such as hypertensive disorders, anaemia, gestational diabetes, prematurity, and others, seen significantly more often in twin gestations and pregnancies after ART.

RESULTS

For both constellations, preventive approaches are not specifically evaluated for the majority of complications. For some preventive methods a possible detrimental effect cannot even be ruled out.

CONCLUSIONS

The knowledge about specific preventive approaches against complications in twin pregnancies and gestations after ART is scarce. More prospective trials are urgently needed to assess the risks and benefits of prophylactic approaches for these risk constellations.