Seeing Double: The Impact of Rising Twin Births on Pregnancy and Delivery

home insemination Kit

Updated: April 15, 2021
Originally Published: April 20, 2015

The moment the ultrasound wand touched my belly, two dark sacs appeared, each housing a fuzzy white dot. My immediate reaction? A loud, “Noooooo!” Twins. Wow. There was no rush of maternal love or bliss—just sheer panic. I was overwhelmed by the thought of carrying two babies at once, worried about what others might think (let’s be honest, if you see a woman with twins, don’t you immediately jump to “IVF”?), and concerned about going from being an only child to suddenly being a mom of siblings. Sure, I recognized how fortunate I was compared to those struggling to conceive, and yes, I adore my little girls (who will be 3 soon), but at just seven weeks pregnant, the idea of twins felt like an enormous challenge. Would they be okay? Would they arrive too soon? How would I manage caring for them—and myself?

During my childhood, I knew only one set of twins, but now I see them everywhere. Whether it’s at the playground, in classes, or even at the bookstore, twins seem to be popping up all around. Statistics back this up: twin births skyrocketed by 76% from 1980 to 2009, with 33 out of every 1,000 births being twins. The surge is largely attributed to the advancements in fertility treatments and assisted reproductive technologies. Fertility drugs, like Clomid, which stimulate egg production, are often used alongside procedures like IUI (intrauterine insemination) and IVF (in vitro fertilization), leading to an increase in multiple pregnancies.

Dr. Sarah Mitchell, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist, states, “The success of fertility treatments has dramatically altered the landscape of childbirth. It’s not uncommon to see multiple sets of twins or even triplets in labor and delivery.” This rise in multiple births has significant implications for expectant mothers, their babies, and the healthcare system. Twin pregnancies come with heightened health risks for both mothers and infants throughout the pregnancy and during delivery. Moms carrying multiples have a greater likelihood of experiencing complications such as gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, and others, requiring more frequent monitoring and prenatal visits compared to those expecting a single baby.

Because I was carrying twins and nearing 40, my pregnancy was deemed high risk, leading me to a specialized maternal-fetal medicine clinic rather than a standard OB. Monthly visits quickly became weekly as I approached the end of my pregnancy, with doctors monitoring everything from my cervix to blood pressure. My daily commute was a challenge, and I soon relied on a walker just to get from my bedroom to the front door.

Mothers of twins are also more likely to have C-sections, often due to the position of the babies or other medical reasons. Currently, many obstetricians lack the training or comfort level to perform vaginal breech deliveries, opting instead for C-sections. This adds a substantial financial burden—twin deliveries require two teams of doctors, and the costs can quickly add up. The average C-section delivery can run around $50,000, while a vaginal birth costs about $30,000.

Moreover, twins are more frequently born prematurely, with many arriving before 37 weeks. The average gestational period for twins is around 35 weeks, and these early arrivals often require the care of a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), which can be both emotionally and financially taxing. Thankfully, my twins were delivered at 37 weeks and were healthy, though I still faced considerable medical bills, even with insurance covering a significant portion.

While twin pregnancies come with challenges, medical professionals are becoming more adept at managing these cases, leading to better outcomes for mothers and their little ones. Although there are ongoing studies to improve care, the inherent risks of multiple births remain. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) has increasingly advocated for single embryo transfers during IVF to minimize the chances of multiples, emphasizing that the optimal outcome is a healthy singleton.

Despite the advancements, many women facing infertility may still prefer the chance of multiples over the uncertainty of having no children at all. As I watch my girls bond and comfort each other, I find joy in their closeness—even when they’re pulling each other’s hair! More love in the world is always a beautiful thing.

For those interested in learning more about pregnancy and fertility, check out this excellent resource on infertility from the CDC, and if you’re curious about boosting fertility, make sure to visit this page on fertility supplements from the experts at Make a Mom.

Summary

The rise in twin births, largely fueled by advancements in fertility treatments, has profound implications for mothers and the healthcare system. Twin pregnancies are associated with increased health risks and higher medical costs, making them a unique challenge. While strides have been made in managing these pregnancies, the complexities remain. Ultimately, the focus is on ensuring the health and well-being of both mothers and their babies.