Multiple Births can be refer to the birth of two or more babies in a single pregnancy, this includes twins,(two babies), triplets (three babies), Quadruplets (four babies) and higher other firms of baby. This can happen naturally and also through assisted reproductive technologies like IVF. Giving birth to multiple children at a time can bring about joyous moment, expecially in the part of world I come from, Africa, it's shortcomings are drowning. There are various factors to be considered if one have the opportunity to choose between multiple birth or single birth, and all these factors on multiple birth side are risky. Even though, multiple births can bring about joy of having to get pregnant once, deliver once, but multiple 'harvest' to show for it, it also comes with it's increased risk factors and challenges.
One of the risk factors and challenges of multiple birth is the health factor of the mother involved. Multiple birth are more likely results in pre term labour and delivery, and when this happened the foetus since they haven't been carried to term may not be able to survive the harsh conditions or whether and this might results into their death, expecially if the available medical condition is not available, accessible or affordable to the mother or parents. The mother will likely go back to square one with nothing to show for it. Also, women carrying multiple birth are most likely to give birth through cesarean section. This involves cutting of seven layers of the body of women involves. What a risk!
If eventually, the babies are alive, the postpartum implication of multiple birth will drain the mother and the care givers more than a single birth. Imagine, a mother has to breastfeed the two infants, while breastfeeding one, the other(s) is/are crying for attention. Instead of washing a pant, you have two or more to wash, when one is running temperature the other one is having running nose.
The financial aspects of multiple births can be significant which can includes;
Increased medical cost.
Higher hospital bills.
Child care cost.
Due to frequent visits to hospital and prenatal care, specialist attention, and longer stay in hospital, it will definitely have a tragic effects on the family capital or that of the mother.
Raising multiple births can be costly than single birth due to the larger arrangements, buying of diapers, feeds, clothing and supplies.
Let's talk about the emotional draining effects multiple births has on the family. Because of fact the that mother has to be attending 24/7 to the infants, there might be strain in the mother's relationship with her partner, family members or relation, friends colleagues etc. If they don't understand the situation an end might come to once beautiful relationship that has once be cherished.
Emotional exhaustion and trauma is another devastating consequence on the mother expecially. This can be low self-esteem, the mother is finding it hard to live her own life, or the kind of life she was used to before the arrival of the kids, social isolation, mood swings because of inability to have a deep sleep. Honestly, they are numerous!
The prospect of multiple births can be daunting to expectant mothers/parents, and while having twins or more can be joyful experience, the challenges and risk factors entangled may not be appealing to opt for multiple births. Although, God gives whether multiple or single.
Image generated from AI.