A study of twin births in Jabalpur City

Summary

A study to find the occurrence of twin birth was taken up at Jabalpur city, Madhya Pradesh. A total of 43,652 deliveries were studied, covering the period from 1960 to 1969. The frequency of twinning was found to be 0.87 per cent. A majority (87.5 per cent) of the mothers was Hindus. The maximum number of mothers who gave birth to twins belonged to the age group of 21·30 years (59.88 per cent) and the next highest frequency was in the age group of 30–40 years (27.6 per cent). The incidence of twinning was found to increase from the 3rd parity and the highest incidence was in the 6th para. The sex ratio showed a higher incidence of male births than female births. The average weight of the twins was 2.0 kg.

The birth weight was more in male infants than in females. A very high mortality was found among twins; 104 per 1000 died within 24 hours after birth and 170.5 per 1000 died within the 1st week of birth. Only 3 couples had a family history of twinning.