To investigate the perinatal management and maternal and neonatal outcomes of 14 cases of delayed interval delivery in multiple pregnancies.

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 14 cases of multiple pregnancies that underwent delayed interval delivery at our hospital from 2017 to 2024. Data collected included gestational age at delivery, delivery interval, perinatal management, and maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Among the 14 cases, 12 were conceived via in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer, and 2 via ovulation induction with timed intercourse. There were 12 twin pregnancies and 2 triplet pregnancies. The mean gestational age at delivery of the first fetus was 21^{+ 2} weeks, the mean delayed interval for the remaining fetus(es) was 47.42 days (2-127 days), and the mean gestational age at delivery of the last fetus(es) was 28^{+ 6} weeks. A total of 13 live infants were delivered, with a mean birth weight of 1 531.53 g (800-3 090 g). Among these, 12 newborns were transferred to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) after delivery, and 1 was transferred to the NICU on due to neonatal jaundice three days after birth. The mean length of NICU stay was 45.85 days (1-89 days). There were 12 vaginal deliveries, including 3 miscarriages, and 2 cesarean deliveries. All patients received prophylactic antibiotics and uterine contraction inhibitors; none underwent cervical cerclage. Placental pathology was available for 10 patients, revealing 1 case of placental abruption, 8 cases of stage Ⅰ-Ⅱ chorioamnionitis, and 2 cases with no inflammatory changes.

Delayed interval delivery is a specialized management strategy for multiple pregnancies. Its successful implementation improves the survival rate of the remaining fetus(es), reduces neonatal mortality, and contributes to better neonatal outcomes.