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The epidemiology of multiple pregnancies
F Parazzini1, A Villa, S Moroni
1Mario Negri, Institute of Pharmacological Research, Milan, Italy.
Acta Geneticae Medicae Et Gemellologiae
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Multiple birth rates, particularly dizygotic twins, have declined, but infertility treatments are now increasing these trends. Research reviews the epidemiology and risk factors for multiple pregnancies.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Epidemiology
- Perinatology
Background:
- Global decline in multiple birth rates observed over recent decades.
- Dizygotic (fraternal) twin rates have decreased, while monozygotic (identical) twin rates remain stable or slightly increased.
- Recent stabilization and slight increase in dizygotic twinning rates noted.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the descriptive epidemiology of multiple pregnancies.
- To identify and discuss the primary risk factors associated with multiple births.
Main Methods:
- Review of epidemiological data on multiple birth trends.
- Analysis of potential contributing factors and risk factors.
Main Results:
- Infertility treatments are the primary driver for the increased frequency of triplets and higher-order births since the early 1980s.
- Maternal age, parity, oral contraceptive use, and declining fertility rates do not fully explain the observed declining trends in multiple births.
- Infertility treatments are linked to the recent cessation of decline and slight increase in dizygotic twin rates.
Conclusions:
- Infertility treatments significantly impact multiple birth rates, particularly for higher-order multiples.
- Understanding epidemiological trends and risk factors is crucial for managing multiple pregnancies.