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Why can multiple births create health risks for babies?
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infertility
Major structures and hormones involved in the initiation of pregnancy. Also seen, at right, is the development of an egg cell (ovum) from follicle to embryo.
Multiple births, often associated with modern infertility treatments, create significant health risks for babies primarily because they frequently result in premature birth and very low birth weights.1
When infants are born prematurely, many of their organ systems are not fully developed, which hinders their ability to adapt to life outside the uterus. Key health risks include:2
- Respiratory Complications: Premature infants often lack surfactant, a substance necessary to keep the lungs' air spaces open, leading to respiratory distress syndrome.2
- Developmental and Neurological Issues: These babies are predisposed to physical, mental, and developmental challenges, including neurological disorders such as cerebral palsy.1
- Increased Mortality: Premature infants face a higher risk of death, often due to respiratory disturbances, infections, or spontaneous hemorrhages in the brain or lungs.32
- Long-term Health: Survivors may experience ongoing health issues, including asthma, cardiovascular disease, and potential delays in intellectual development.32
Ensuring the health and well-being of all children is a fundamental ethical priority, which is why managing the risks associated with multiple gestations is a critical focus in reproductive medicine.1