This article explores the increasing global trend of multiple births, particularly twins, analyzing the contributing factors and their implications. From social drivers like delayed childbearing and the rise of fertility treatments to historical trends and the challenges associated with raising multiples, the article provides a comprehensive overview of this evolving phenomenon.
The increasing prevalence of multiple births , particularly twins, is a noteworthy trend globally. Several factors contribute to this phenomenon, with social drivers like delayed childbearing and the growing use of fertility treatments playing pivotal roles. Twins occur when two separate eggs are fertilized simultaneously or when a fertilized egg splits into two. Multiple births can also arise from hyper-ovulation, a condition where more than one egg is released during a menstrual cycle.
Although uncommon, hyper-ovulation can lead to natural conceptions of higher-order multiple pregnancies, encompassing triplets to nontuplets. Statistical data reveals a significant correlation between maternal age and multiple birth rates. For instance, while the rate of multiple births among women under 20 stands at one in 2,000, this figure surges to one in 57 for women aged 35-39. Projections indicate a continued rise in multiple births across various countries from 2050 to 2100, driven primarily by the aging of mothers in these nations. Historically, the multiple birth rate in England and Wales fluctuated between 12-13 per 1,000 pregnancies from the 1940s to the 1960s. This period coincided with an average maternal age of 26, resulting in a corresponding decline in the multiple birth rate to its lowest point – around ten per 1,000 maternities. However, the multiple birth rate witnessed a resurgence in England and Wales during the 1990s and 2000s. This uptick was partly attributed to a slight increase in fertility rates among older women. The early years of fertility treatment often involved the implantation of multiple embryos to enhance the likelihood of successful pregnancy, inadvertently escalating the chances of multiple births. In the 1990s, the multiple pregnancy rate stemming from fertility treatments reached as high as 28 percent, starkly contrasting with the natural conception rate of 1-2 percent. Fertility treatments can be financially burdensome, and access to NHS-funded treatment in the UK is subject to eligibility criteria, prompting individuals to explore options abroad. Practices surrounding multi-embryo transfer vary across European countries popular for fertility tourism from the UK, influencing the proportion of multiple pregnancies arising from fertility treatment obtained overseas. While multiple births bring immense joy to numerous families, they also present unique challenges. The prevalence of complications, such as pre-term birth and neonatal death, is significantly higher in multiple pregnancies compared to single pregnancies. The emotional and financial burdens associated with raising multiples can be substantial. It is crucial to acknowledge these complexities and integrate the needs of the multiple birth population into future planning for maternity and early years care
Multiple Births Twins Fertility Treatments Maternal Age Pregnancy Complications
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