Stillbirth rates continue to rise year on year for people pregnant with twins, triplets or more. The stillbirth rate for multiple pregnancy is more than double the rate for singleton pregnancy.
Parents having a multiple birth are around four times more likely to experience a neonatal death. When expecting triplets, that risk rises to over 10 times that of singleton pregnancy.
What needs to change
We need a clear commitment from government to improve maternity and neonatal care through increased funding. That funding must support a comprehensive strategy for safe care, including safe staffing levels so families get the right care at the right time.
We want:
Increased funding to meet agreed targets to reduce stillbirths, neonatal deaths, maternal deaths and birth injuries
Compulsory, comprehensive multiple birth training for midwives, sonographers and health visitors, covering medical, emotional and practical needs
Dedicated research funding into multiple births to better track outcomes and improve care for higher-risk pregnancy
Specialist training for multiple birth midwives
Multiple births can be higher risk and more complex. Many midwives, sonographers and health visitors don't get enough training to manage these risks confidently. Staff turnover can make this harder, with fewer chances to build experience on the job. This can put parents and babies at risk.
Our campaign calls for mandatory multiple birth training to be built into education for all midwives and health visitors. We want professionals to feel confident and well prepared to support families expecting more than one baby.
We're working with healthcare organisations, policymakers and community partners to push for change. With the right training in place, care can be safer and families can feel more supported throughout pregnancy, birth and the early days.
Your experience can help drive change
Real change is only possible when the voices of families with twins, triplets or more are heard. Help drive the changes that families need now and in the future: share your story or talk to us about our campaigning work.
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