Reasons for the increased frequency of twin pregnancies and their relationship to delayed conception and fertility techniques
Modern societies are witnessing remarkable demographic and health shifts, perhaps the most prominent being the unprecedented increase in twin birth rates compared to previous decades. In this context, Dr. Nabil Brasha, a consultant in infertility and IVF, revealed a strong and direct correlation between the rise in twin pregnancies and the increasing prevalence of modern fertility treatments, as well as the trend of delayed marriage and childbearing.
The development of fertility technologies and their impact
Dr. Brasha confirmed that hormonal medical interventions and in-vitro fertilization (IVF) techniques have become the primary cause of multiple pregnancies in the modern era. This is scientifically attributed to treatment protocols that rely on stimulating the ovaries to produce more than one egg per cycle, or the strategy of transferring multiple embryos to increase the chances of a successful pregnancy . This has led to a significant increase in the number of twins compared to natural pregnancies.
Historically and medically, the phenomenon of twins was not so widespread before the last three decades, as the tremendous development in assisted reproductive technologies (ART) since the late twentieth century has contributed to changing the reproductive map globally, making multiple pregnancies a medically and socially familiar phenomenon, although it carries with it considerable health challenges.
Age and physiological factors
Dr. Brasha attributed a large part of this phenomenon to the delayed onset of childbearing among many women. It is medically known that as a woman ages, particularly after the age of thirty, the level of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) rises physiologically, increasing the likelihood of the ovary releasing more than one egg in a single menstrual cycle, thus leading to double ovulation and a natural twin pregnancy without medical intervention.
Dr. Nabil Brasha
The difference between natural and assisted pregnancy
Consultant Prasha carefully distinguished between natural multiple pregnancies and those resulting from medical intervention, explaining that a natural pregnancy is usually limited to two fetuses, while assisted reproductive technologies can lead to pregnancies with three or more fetuses. This increased number of fetuses raises the level of health risks and necessitates a completely different treatment plan than a traditional pregnancy, as these cases require close monitoring in high-risk pregnancy clinics to ensure a safe delivery.
Health risks and challenges
The doctor warned that twin pregnancies present both mother and fetus with complex health challenges that extend beyond mere physical fatigue. Among the most significant risks are a higher likelihood of premature birth, which may necessitate extended stays in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), as well as an increased risk of preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and severe anemia in the mother. He also pointed to the considerable mechanical pressure on the mother's spine and the frequent need for a cesarean section to ensure the safety of the newborns and prevent obstructed labor.
Strict medical and nutritional advice
Dr. Brasha stressed the need for pregnant women carrying twins to adhere to a strict diet that focuses on raising iron, calcium and protein levels to meet the increased needs of the fetuses, along with the importance of drinking plenty of fluids, getting complete rest and avoiding long journeys or standing for strenuous periods, especially in the last months of pregnancy.
He emphasized the importance of closely monitoring for any warning signs such as sudden bleeding, severe abdominal pain, or persistent headaches, noting that adherence to nutritional supplements and scheduling frequent medical appointments are the key differentiators between a safe pregnancy and serious complications. The consultant concluded by stressing that while a twin pregnancy is joyous news, it also represents a doubled medical and familial responsibility, requiring a high level of awareness and meticulous follow-up to transform this medical challenge into a successful and stable motherhood experience.
