Multiple Versus Singleton Births: Consequences and Preventions

The widely use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) and childbearing at older maternal age largely account for the increment of multifetal pregnancies worldwide. Multiple births are often related with markedly higher risk of maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity compared with singleton births. Furthermore, multiple pregnancies conceived by ART are at increased risk of certain pregnancy and perinatal complications. There are several effective measures that could be undertaken by doctors and the pregnant women to prevent the occurrence of multiple pregnancies and to better manage the obstetric outcomes.