Intrauterine fetal death in twins after 32 weeks of gestation.

A retrospective review of the outcome in multifetal pregnancies from January 1, 1980 to July 31, 1983 was undertaken to evaluate the role of nonstress test, followed by contraction stress test when indicated, in reduction of intrauterine fetal deaths in twins after 32 weeks of gestation. Of the 90 twin pregnancies managed under the authors' protocol, there were no intrauterine fetal deaths. Intervention leading to delivery occurred in six twin pregnancies with an abnormal nonstress test followed by an equivocal or positive contraction stress test. The authors believe that routine use of weekly nonstress tests after 30 weeks of gestation coupled with contraction stress tests when indicated, and use of other parameters of fetal assessments such as ultrasound, intrauterine fetal death in twin gestation after 32 weeks of gestation, can be significantly reduced.