Long-term outcomes in multiple gestations
Larry Rand1, Keith A Eddleman, Joanne Stone
1Maternal Fetal Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, 5 East 98th Street, Second floor, New York, NY 10029, USA. larry.rand@mssm.edu
Insights
Children from multiple pregnancies face higher risks of developmental issues like cerebral palsy and learning disabilities. Understanding these long-term outcomes is crucial for parents considering assisted reproductive technology (ART).
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Neonatal Outcomes
- Developmental Pediatrics
Background:
- Multiple gestation pregnancies are increasing, partly due to assisted reproductive technology (ART).
- Children born from multiple births have a higher risk of adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes.
- These outcomes include cerebral palsy, learning disabilities, and language/neurobehavioral deficits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the critical importance of long-term outcome counseling for parents.
- To inform healthcare providers about the risks associated with multiple gestations.
- To emphasize the need for knowledge regarding zygosity, gestational age, and multifetal pregnancy reduction.
Main Methods:
- This abstract summarizes existing knowledge on the topic.
- It emphasizes the importance of comprehensive counseling based on established risks.
- No new experimental data were generated; it is a review of known outcomes.
Main Results:
- Children from multiple gestations exhibit increased risks for significant developmental challenges.
- These risks necessitate informed parental decision-making regarding conception and pregnancy management.
- Factors like zygosity and gestational age influence the spectrum of potential deficits.
Conclusions:
- Parents facing multiple gestations or considering ART require thorough counseling on potential long-term neurodevelopmental risks.
- Healthcare providers must be knowledgeable about these risks and management options.
- Proactive counseling can support informed choices and better preparation for affected families.
Abstract:
Children born from a multiple gestation are at increased risk for cerebral palsy, learning disability, and language and neurobehavioral deficits. With the increased incidence of multiple pregnancies and use of assisted reproductive technology (ART), these issues are more commonly affecting parents. Long-term outcomes are a critical part of preconceptual and early pregnancy counseling for parents faced with a multiple gestation or considering ART, and the provider should be well versed on issues surrounding zygosity, gestational age, higher-order multiples, and the effects of options such as multifetal pregnancy reduction.
