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Multiple births: trends and patterns in Canada, 1974-1990
W J Millar1, S Wadhera, C Nimrod
1Canadian Centre for Health Information, Statistics.
Health Reports
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Canadian multiple birth rates rose significantly between 1974 and 1990, particularly for women over 30. This trend, linked to assisted reproduction and delayed childbearing, impacts maternal and infant health.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Perinatology
- Canadian Vital Statistics
Background:
- Multiple births present unique health challenges for both mother and neonate.
- Understanding trends in multiple births is crucial for public health planning and resource allocation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze Canadian multiple birth trends from 1974 to 1990.
- To investigate associations between multiple births and maternal age, parity, gestational age, and birth weight.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Canadian vital statistics data spanning from 1974 to 1990.
- Examined rates of multiple births in relation to total confinements, singleton births, maternal age, parity, gestational age, and birth weight.
Main Results:
- Multiple birth rates increased from 912.8 to 1,058.9 per 100,000 confinements.
- A notable rise in multiple births was observed for women over 30.
- The proportion of preterm multiple births increased from 32.8% to 45.8%.
Conclusions:
- Increased multiple birth rates are associated with assisted pregnancy techniques and delayed childbearing in women over 30.
- The rise in multiple births has significant implications for maternal and child health outcomes.
- These trends necessitate attention to healthcare costs and resource management.