Twin Peaks: Record international number of twin births

According to the study, over 40 years, the twinning rate increased by a third, from nine to 12 births per 1,000. One in every 42 babies is now born a twin.

Professor Christiaan Monden, from the Leverhulme Centre of Demographic Science is lead author of the report in Human Reproduction, which explains that the rise is driven by fertility treatments in combination with households delaying childbearing.

This is important because twin deliveries are associated with higher child mortality and complications for the mother during pregnancy and delivery

Professor Christiaan Monden

Professor Monden says, ‘The number of twins on Earth is now at a record high. Women are having children later and fertility treatment is becoming more widespread and popular. And because age and MAR (medically assisted techniques) such as IVF and ovulation stimulation are linked with higher numbers of multiple births, these comparatively older mothers are then more likely to have twins.’

He maintains, ‘This is important because twin deliveries are associated with higher child mortality and complications for the mother during pregnancy and delivery.’

The study found big increases in twinning rates in many European countries in North America and Asia. But 80% of all twin deliveries are now in Africa and Asia, with Africa having the highest twinning rates of all.

Professor Monden says, ‘Our study reveals remarkable changes in the global twinning landscape in past decades. This huge increase has been driven mainly by more women using fertility treatments. This trend started in the world’s wealthier regions in the 1970s, spread to emerging economies in Asia and Latin America in the 1980s and 90s, and reached more prosperous populations in South Asia and Africa from 2000.’

80% of  twin deliveries are now in Africa and Asia, with Africa having the highest twinning rates of all

He adds, ‘In Sub-Saharan Africa, many twins will lose their co-twin in the first year of life. That represents two to three hundred thousand lost twins, each one a personal tragedy.

‘Accurately forecasting the healthcare needs of twins and their mothers depends on having accurate data showing how many twins are being born. We hope our research adds further to understanding about what is required to provide this care across the globe.’

Researchers looked at twinning rates in the years 2010-15 in 165 countries, which represent 99% of the world’s population. They also collected information on twinning rates during 1980-1985 from 112 countries. In three quarters of the 112 countries, 10% more twins were born.

The study was conducted by Oxford, the French Museum of Natural History, and Radboud University in the Netherlands.

However, health problems related to twin births raised concern in many  wealthier nations in the 1990s.  Consequently, many changed practices, restricting the number of embryos that could be transferred. Advances in IVF treatment also mean that the successful transfer of a single embryo has increased. 

Study authors include: Christiaan Monden, Gilles Pison, and Jeroen Smits).

The findings are reported in Human Reproduction and is the first comprehensive global overview of twin births.