What is a common complication associated with multiple gestation pregnancies?

In multiple gestation pregnancies, one of the most common complications is preterm labor. This occurs because as the number of fetuses increases, the uterus becomes more distended, which can trigger early contractions and result in labor before the full term of pregnancy is reached. The risk of preterm labor is significantly higher with twins, triplets, or higher-order multiples compared to singleton pregnancies.

The reasons other complications may not be as closely associated with multiple gestations include their broader presentation across all types of pregnancies. While postpartum hemorrhage can occur in any pregnancy, its prevalence is not as significantly heightened in multiple gestations compared to preterm labor. Preeclampsia may be more common in multiple gestations; however, its incidence does not approach the level of risk associated with preterm labor. Neonatal jaundice can develop in any infant, regardless of whether the pregnancy is single or multiple, making it less specific to multiple gestation complications. Thus, preterm labor stands out as a key concern in multiple gestations.