The number of twins and triplets has increased each year since the early 1980s as a result of infertility treatment.

For couples who have been childless for a long time, the possibility of having an instant family is tempting. The novelty of having a set of twins or triplets can easily wear off when parents are faced with the financial as well as the emotional burden of trying to care for them all. A multiple pregnancy can be very difficult with a higher risk of miscarriage and complications (bleeding, raised blood pressure and premature labour) than a pregnancy with a single baby. Twins or triplets are also more likely to be born with a disability as abnormalities and infant mortality are much greater in multiple birth babies than single babies.

In accordance with the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, the policy in our Unit regarding the number of embryos replaced is that couples should have no more than two embryos replaced at one time.

Please talk to the Unit staff if you have any concerns about multiple births, or any other aspect of your treatment.