• normal pregnancy
• pregnancy risks
• (higher) risk pregnancies
  • multiples
    • chances of multiples
    • when expecting multiples
    • multiples related risk of miscarriage
    • hyperemesis gravidarum
    • (risk of) premature delivery
    • foetal growth restriction
    • preeclampsia
  • pregnancy after 35
• childfree living
• adoption

multiples

After a battle with infertility, discovering that you are pregnant is like your most wonderful dream coming true. It is a highly emotional time, full of joy, fear, hope, relief and excitement.

Couples who have undergone fertility treatment are however often particularly concerned about the chance of a multiple pregnancy. While quadruplets, quintuplets and sextuplets sometimes make the newspapers, the vast majority of multiple pregnancies in the UK consist of twins or more rarely triplets.

The greatest chance of a multiple pregnancy following fertility treatment relates to the chance of a two-egg (non-identical) twin pregnancy. In addition there is also a natural chance, as with any other pregnancy, of one-egg (identical) twins. Identical twins arise if the embryo splits after fertilisation. A one-egg twin pregnancy has specific risks, which do not fall within the remit of this chapter. Discuss with your GP any concerns you may have.

Fortunately, the vast majority of twin pregnancies result in healthy babies, but it is important to be aware multiple pregnancy does increase the risk of miscarriage and other complications. This section outlines these risks and provides tips for dealing with a multiple pregnancy.