11 July 2024

The latest MBRRACE-UK report has been released today showing pregnancy outcomes for those expecting twins, triplets and more are worse than those having one baby. 

MBRRACE-UK is the collaboration appointed by the Healthcare Quality Improvement Partnership (HQIP) to run the national Maternal, Newborn and Infant clinical Outcome Review Programme (MNI-CORP) which continues the national programme of work conducting surveillance and investigating the causes of maternal deaths, stillbirths and infant deaths.

Helen Peck, Head of Healthcare Engagement and Research at Twins Trust, said: “Year after year, evidence mounts that people having twins, triplets or more have worse pregnancy outcomes than those having one baby. This must change.  

“Whilst the overall decrease in stillbirths is positive, it’s extremely concerning that stillbirths have continued to rise for people pregnant with twins, triplets or more. The stillbirth rate for multiples is more than double that for a singleton pregnancy. 

“Parents having a multiple birth are also four times more likely to have a neonatal death. This figure rises to more than 10 times more likely when expecting triplets, compared to a singleton pregnancy.

“The new government must address this matter urgently. In our Manifesto for Multiples, we ask for a clear commitment – both a quantitative target and funding - to improving maternity and neonatal care, for all babies. We are calling for compulsory specialised training on multiple births to be introduced for all midwives, sonographers and health visitors. We will work with the new government to make sure that this is a priority.” 

Whilst this news may be concerning for those having a multiple pregnancy, the vast majority of multiple pregnancies are safe and occur without incident. Twins Trust is here to support families on their journey from pregnancy onwards. Pregnant women should read our antenatal care checklist; and remember to ask a healthcare professional about any aspects of pregnancy/care that you’re unsure of. 

You can read the full report online.