Higher order multiples--socioeconomic impact on family life

Assisted reproduction led to an enormous increase of multifetal gestation. Apart from the obstetrical risks the physical, psychological and socioeconomic problems in families after the birth of higher order multiples often lack attention.

Anonymous questionnaires were sent to 92 families who had delivered higher order multiples at our hospital (1983--1998). In a retrospective analysis (rate of return: 70%) the study group included 54 families with triplets, nine families with quadruplets and one family with quintuplets. The questionnaire was divided into three sections: a joint section to be answered by both parents together, and two identical sections for each separately.

Most parents suffered from severe physical and psychological exhaustion mainly caused by worries about the multiples' development, handicaps and acute and chronic diseases as well as by personal and by financial problems. Nearly all of the families had to rely on additional manpower and on financial support. The inability to cope with the "self-inflicted" family-situation as a consequence of "optional" infertility treatment led to feelings of guilt.

Aside from psychological guidance, the need for personnel aid as well as financial and material support in families after the delivery of higher order multiples is striking.