Success in drive to reduce IVF multiple births

The proportion of multiple births following IVF treatment is falling, according to new figures.

A drive to cut twin and triplet births appears to be paying off, with 22 per cent of births in the first six months of 2009 being two or more babies, down from 24 per cent in 2008.

The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) launched the initiative in January 2009 with the overall aim of cutting the IVF multiple birth rate to 10 per cent in the coming years.

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All IVF clinics must now have a strategy for reducing their number of multiple births.

Twins and triplets have a higher risk of health problems than single babies.

Half of all twins are born prematurely and have a low birth weight of under 2.5kg (5.5lbs).

Triplets have a 90 per cent chance of being born prematurely and of low birth weight.

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