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The impact of multiple preterm births on the family

Elizabeth Bryan1

  • 1Multiple Births Foundation, Queen Charlotte's and Chelsea Hospital, London W12 0HS.

Hospital Medicine (London, England : 1998)
|December 16, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Multiple births, including twins and triplets, are a growing cause of preterm births. Addressing iatrogenic (medically caused) multiple births is key to reducing infant prematurity and associated long-term health issues.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Medicine
  • Neonatalogy
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Multiple births have significantly increased over the last two decades.
  • Twins and triplets constitute a substantial and growing segment of the preterm infant population.
  • This rise in multiple births presents considerable challenges for affected families.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the link between the rise in multiple births and increased preterm birth rates.
  • To emphasize the need to address the causes of iatrogenic multiple births.
  • To underscore the importance of reducing iatrogenic multiple births for infant health outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of trends in multiple birth rates over the past 20 years.
  • Examination of the proportion of preterm infants born from multiple gestations.
  • Review of the impact of iatrogenic multiple births on healthcare systems and families.

Main Results:

  • A steady increase in the number of multiple births has been observed.
  • Multiple births are a major contributor to the preterm infant population.
  • These births impose significant stresses on families.

Conclusions:

  • Reducing the incidence of iatrogenic multiple births is the most effective strategy to decrease the number of preterm infants.
  • Addressing the root causes of medically induced multiple births can mitigate long-term health problems in infants.
  • Interventions targeting the epidemic of iatrogenic multiple births are crucial for improving neonatal outcomes.

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