Background: The effect of velamentous cord insertion (VCI) on perinatal outcomes in twin pregnancies is unclear due to conflicting findings. This retrospective study aimed to examine VCI prevalence and related risk factors in twin pregnancies and its association with adverse perinatal outcomes.
Methods: Women with twin pregnancies who delivered between January 2012 and December 2021 in a single tertiary hospital were included. The participants were divided into dichorionic (DC) and monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) groups, and their maternal and fetal characteristics and VCI rates were compared. Logistic regression models were used to identify risk factors for VCI and VCI-related perinatal outcomes.
Results: Among the 694 twin pregnancies included in this study, the VCI rate was significantly higher in MCDA than in DC twins. Body mass index and MCDA twins were significant risk factors for VCI, whereas assisted reproductive technology pregnancy was a significant protective factor against VCI. In DC twins, VCI did not affect perinatal outcomes. In MCDA twins, VCI was a significant risk factor for fetal growth restriction, twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, and preterm birth at <36 weeks.
Conclusions: VCI was a prominent risk factor for adverse perinatal outcomes only in MCDA twins. Antenatal sonographic assessment of the umbilical cord insertion site would be beneficial.
Keywords: chorionicity; fetal growth restriction; preterm birth; twin pregnancy; velamentous cord insertion.