All the following are complications of twin pregnancy, EXCEPT?

NHM UP Staff Nurse - 2017

Obstetrics & Gynaecology

Easy

Appeared in: NHM UP Staff Nurse - 2017

Explanation

Ovulation is the physiological process where an ovary releases an egg (ovum).
This process must occur before fertilization and is a prerequisite for pregnancy, not a complication that arises from it.
During pregnancy, hormonal changes, particularly high levels of progesterone, actively suppress ovulation to prevent further pregnancies.
Therefore, ovulation cannot be a complication of an existing twin pregnancy.

Option A: Preterm delivery (birth before 37 weeks) is the most common complication of twin pregnancies due to the overstretching of the uterus.
Option C: Low birth weight is a frequent complication in twins, resulting from prematurity and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) as they share resources in the womb.
Option D: Placental abruption (premature separation of the placenta) is a serious complication with an increased risk in twin pregnancies, especially after the delivery of the first twin.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Complications of Multiple Gestation as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Twin pregnancies are classified as high-risk and require more frequent and intensive antenatal monitoring compared to singleton pregnancies.
Nurses play a key role in educating the expectant mother about the signs and symptoms of complications like preterm labor (e.g., regular contractions, pelvic pressure) and preeclampsia (e.g., severe headache, visual changes, upper abdominal pain).
Monitoring includes serial ultrasounds to assess fetal growth, amniotic fluid levels, and the well-being of each twin.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the keywords in the question stem. Here, the key phrase is "complications of twin pregnancy" and the negative lead-in "EXCEPT".
The word "EXCEPT" means you are looking for the option that does not fit with the others. Three options will be true complications, and one will be the false one (the correct answer).
Evaluate each option against the core concept of 'complications of twin pregnancy'.
Ask yourself for each option: 'Is this a problem that can arise because a woman is pregnant with twins?'
Option A (Preterm delivery), C (Low birth weight), and D (Placental abruption) are all well-known risks increased by twin pregnancy.
Option B (Ovulation) is the process that leads to pregnancy. It is physiologically suppressed during pregnancy. Therefore, it is the exception.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Complications of Multiple Gestation
Stem keywords: complications, twin pregnancy
Lead-in keywords: EXCEPT
Negative lead-in flag: The question asks for the option that is NOT a complication of twin pregnancy.

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