Multiple gestations are high risk pregnancies which may be complicated by prematurity,low birthweight, preeclampsia, anaemia, postpartum haemorrhage, intrauterine growth restriction, neonatal morbidity and high neonatal and infant mortality. Preterm labor and birth represent the greatest risk to a multiple pregnancy. Sixty percent of multiples are born prematurely (<37 weeks) compared to about 10% of singleton pregnancies. Placental function is more likely to be abnormal in a multiple pregnancy. Another placental problem is twintwin transfusion, a life-threatening condition in identical twins. Preeclampsia, also known as toxemia, occurs 2 to 5 times more often in multiple pregnancies. Fifteen percent to 20% of women with twin pregnancies will experience preeclampsia, and an even higher percentage is preeclamptic in triplet or high-order pregnancies. Preterm labor and birth pose the greatest risk to a multiple pregnancy. Sixty percent of multiples are born prematurely (<37 weeks) compared to about 10% of singleton pregnancies. Fetal and Newborn complications such as preterm delivery, respiratory distress syndrome, brain damage are responsible for almost 10% of premature newborn deaths. Birth defects and stillbirths account for about 30% of the deaths in twins and multiple pregnancies. Low birth weight of less than 5.5 pounds (lb.) [2,500 grams] occurs in over half of twins..

Multiple gestations are high risk pregnancies which may be complicated by prematurity,low birthweight, pre-eclampsia, anaemia, postpartum haemorrhage, intrauterine growth restriction, neonatal morbidity and high neonatal and infant mortality. There are more multiple births today in part because more women are receiving infertility treatment, which carries a risk of multiple pregnancy.They are many risk factors for multiple pregnancy such as: race, heredity, maternal age and pregnancy history as well as fertility drugs and assisted reproductive technology(ART). The frequency of twins increases with maternal age and number of pregnancies. Multiple pregnancy is more common in women who utilize fertility medications to undergo ovulation induction or superovulation. Assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) also contribute to the increase in the multiple birth rate. The risk of multiple pregnancy increases as the number of embryos transferred increases.