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The objective of infertility treatment should be the birth of a
single, healthy child. Many of the treatment options presented to
infertile couples, however, are associated with high risks of multiple
gestation. Moreover, many copules view multiple gestation as desirable
and are unaware of the risks they pose to both mother and babies.
Couples should understand these potential risks before starting
treatment:
Complications of the Fetus &
Newborn
with Multiple Gestation
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Pre-term birth occurs in over 50% of twin pregnancies, 90%
of triplet pregnancies, and virtually all qualdruplet pregnancies
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Compared to singleton pregnancies, a twin is seven times more
likely and a triplet is over 20 times more likely to die in
the first month of life
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Prematurity is associated with an increased risk of respiratory
distress syndrome (RDS), intra-cranial hemorrage, cerebral palsy,
blindness, low birth weight, and neonatal morbidity. RDS accounts
for 50% of all neonatal deaths associated with premature birth
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Intrauterine growth restriction, intrauterine death of one
or more fetuses, miscarriage, and congenital anomalies are all
more common
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Lifelong disability is over 25% for babies weighing less than
1000 grams (2 lbs., 3 oz.)
Maternal Complications Associated
with Multiple Gestation
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Preeclampsia, also called pregnancy-induced hypertension,
occurs
3-5 times more frequently. Severe preeclampsia may be life threatening
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Premature labor requiring prolonged bed rest or hospitalization
is common
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