MATERNAL METABOLIC RESPONSE TO TWIN PREGNANCY IN PRIMIGRAVIDAE

Abstract

Summary In normal primigravid twin pregnancies the plasma volume and red cell volume are greater than in singleton pregnancies; the total protein concentration is lower but the intravascular protein mass is the same; urinary oestriol excretion is higher. The body weight is greater but the total body water is the same, suggesting that there is more fat storage in twin pregnancies. There is no difference in serum sodium, potassium, chloride, non‐protein nitrogen or osmolality between singleton and twin pregnancies.