Better Health Channel
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
  • Twins account for 98 per cent of multiple births.
  • Multiple births in Australia have remained relatively stable. In 2021, multiple births accounted for 2.7 per cent of births, which is a very slight decrease in the last decade.
  • To form identical or monozygotic twins, one fertilised egg (ovum) splits and develops into two babies with exactly the same genetic information.
  • To form fraternal or dizygotic twins, two eggs (ova) are fertilised by two sperm and produce two genetically unique children.
  • Triplets are usually a combination of the types of twins, with a set of identical twins (two) and a fraternal (one) triplet.
  • Stay in regular contact with your care team (GP, midwife, obstetrician) as multiple pregnancies and births are associated with an increased number of health risks to both mother and babies.
  • If you are carrying more than one baby, it is best to give birth in hospital rather than at home.

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Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website.

Reviewed on: 11-07-2023