Family Tips

The most direct danger involved with multiple births is premature birth. The common, one-baby pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks, but a twin pregnancy often lasts shorter: between 35 to 37 weeks. Nearly half of such babies are born before 37 weeks, and the danger of having a premature delivery increases with higher-order multiples.
Premature babies can have many health problems. These can include jaundice, apnea, anemia, serious infections, respiratory distress because of underdeveloped lungs, and gastrointestinal, visual, and neurological problems just because of premature birth. These babies are usually placed in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) after delivery. The risk of developing health problems increases with the degree of prematurity — babies born closer to their due time have a lower risk.
Besides problems connected with premature births, there is a number of other medical conditions that are more likely to occur: preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, placental problems, and fetal growth problems.
Because of these possible problems and concerns, many doctors specializing in fertility treatments require that future parents undergo intensive counseling on the possibilities and risks.