[Role of ultrasonography in attention to multiple pregnancy (author's transl)].

Ultrasonic examination, 482 in totality, were applied to 199 cases of multiple pregnancy, between the twelfth and 41st weeks of gestation. Gestation periods were successfully extended by improved early diagnosis and well-timed prophylaxis of premature births which had all been enabled by the availability of ultrasonography. The period under review was from 1977 to 1979, and gestational periods of 37 weeks and more were reached, within these three years, by 76 per cent of all women with twin pregnancy. Reference is made to issues relating to the use of ultrasonography on multiple pregnancies both prior to the 20th week and in a highly advanced stage. -- Great importance to diagnosis and monitoring of multiple pregnancies with differentiated growth is being assumed by ultrasonic cephalometry and thoracometry. Intensive treatment is, in any case, required by twin pregnancies in which biparietal diameters differ by 5 mm or more.