WORLDWIDE THERE’S BEEN a dramatic increase in the number of multiple births (two or more babies). In the United States alone the number of twin births has increased by 70 percent since 1980, and that’s thought to be the pattern in many developed countries.
The most obvious cause is the rise of the fertility treatment in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) – the fertilisation of eggs by sperm outside the body.
Dr Nomathamsanqa Matebese, a specialist in reproductive medicine at the Cape Fertility Clinic, says multiples are conceived during IVF when more than one fertilised egg is transferred into the uterine cavity.
She says that scientific advancements in methods of embryo selection have reduced the chances of a multiple pregnancy in IVF. “Most IVF specialists are now doing single embryo transfers, with a good pregnancy rate and a reduction in multiple pregnancy rates resulting from IVF treatment,” she explains.
But the chances of getting more than one baby through IVF is still much higher: “In our clinic, if two embryos are transferred into the uterine cavity, the likelihood of a twin pregnancy is 20 percent.”
Another reason the multiple birth rate has, well, multiplied, over the past three decades is that women are choosing to have babies later in life.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة April/May 2018 من Your Pregnancy.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة April/May 2018 من Your Pregnancy.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
COVID & your child
Symptoms, treatment, vaccines and a rare condition called MIS-C is on our minds when it comes to The Virus these days.
EYES WIDE OPEN!
Breastfeeding and night wakings? Experts shine a light on a possible connection.
RAISING A BRAT? TIME FOR A RESET!
It happens, even with the best of intentions. Sometimes we go overboard trying to show our love – and then things backfire.
Prioritise REST!
The fatigue of pregnancy serves to remind you exactly what miracle your body is performing, so it’s essential to listen to it. Here’s what you can do to get through these low times.
CRYING CLUES
Discover the meaning behind your baby’s cries.
Pushing isn't all you need to do!
There are four main factors that affect the length and intensity of labour. They are known as the four P’s and work together to make each woman’s labour unique.
We're all NERVOUS about it!
Sure, it can seem scarier than labour, but with these simple tips to bathing your newborn, you’ll soon be a pro.
FOUR-FOOTED FAMILY MEMBERS
Your children and your pets – everything you’ll need to know to be a happy family.
Here's to HAPPIER beach days!
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
TALK SO YOU'RE HEARD!
Feel like your child just doesn’t listen to you? There are some techniques you can use to improve your chances of getting through.
