As twin births continue to rise, a growing number of mothers in low-income countries are at risk due to limited access to healthcare. A new study calls for increased public health attention and societal support to address this growing health concern.
The Rise of Twins: A Growing Health Concern
More people are having twins, but many mothers are not receiving the treatment required to ensure a safe pregnancy. This is particularly concerning in countries with limited access to healthcare, such as those in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.
Twin births occur in approximately 3 in every 1,000 births.
This rate has remained relatively stable over the past few decades.
The chances of having twins increase with age, particularly after the age of 35.
According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), women over 40 are more likely to have twins due to increased follicle-stimulating hormone levels.
The Global Twin Birth Rate
According to a recent study by Susie Lee from the Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, more twins are being born in low-income countries due to population growth. However, this increase is not limited to these regions alone. Some countries, like Nigeria, have higher twin birth rates than the global average.
The Challenges of Twin Pregnancies
Twin pregnancies present a higher risk to both mother and child, requiring more medical attention before, during, and after birth. In countries with limited access to healthcare, women often do not receive life-saving medical care, putting their lives at risk. About 80% of all twin births occur in Asia and Africa, where mortality rates are also high.
Twin pregnancies, also known as multiple gestations, occur when two fertilized eggs develop simultaneously in the uterus.
According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), the overall rate of twin births is approximately 32 per 1,000 births.
This number has increased over the years due to advancements in assisted reproductive technologies like in vitro fertilization (IVF).
The risk of complications during pregnancy and delivery is higher in twin pregnancies compared to singletons.
The Importance of Ultrasound Care
Medical care should start before babies are born, and ultrasound examinations play a crucial role in spotting twin pregnancies and detecting possible irregularities. However, many women still do not receive this basic service, leaving them vulnerable to potential health risks.
Ultrasound technology uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of internal body structures.
In medical settings, ultrasound care involves using this technology for diagnostic purposes.
Sonographers operate the equipment, capturing images and videos that help doctors diagnose conditions such as gallstones or liver disease.
Ultrasound care is non-invasive and doesn't use ionizing radiation, making it a safer option compared to other imaging modalities.
New Technologies for Better Healthcare
New technologies could provide a solution to the healthcare challenges faced by mothers with twins. Portable ultrasound machines could make it more affordable for midwives in rural areas to detect twin pregnancies and provide family support. Additionally, artificial intelligence (AI) could soon be able to support local staff in diagnosing and interpreting results, reducing training times and improving diagnosis accuracy.
A Call for Action
The study’s authors call for ‘more public health attention and societal support to be paid to twins and their families in low-income countries.’ It is essential that we address this growing health concern and provide better access to healthcare for these vulnerable women.
