Multiple births - what are the risks?

The most serious risk to in vitro fertilisation (IVF) children’s health and wellbeing are multiple pregnancy and birth. Many of the health risks for twins are due to their higher risk of being born prematurely. Perinatal mortality, neonatal morbidity, and long-term health implications are all higher for twins. Multiple pregnancy and birth also result in increased health risks for mothers.

Risks to the mother

For mothers, risks arising from multiple pregnancies range from the less serious to the life-threatening.
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Risks to the child

For children, the highest risk from being one of a number of multiples is prematurity, with all its attendant problems.
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Psychosocial impact

The psychosocial impact of the birth of multiples affects many areas of life: emotional, practical and financial. Some evidence suggests that parents of IVF multiples experience greater difficulties in parenting and more problems with child behaviour than parents of naturally conceived children.
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