Better Health Channel
betterhealth.vic.gov.au
betterhealth.vic.gov.au
  • Multiple births are more common due to the advancing average age of mothers and the rise in assisted reproductive techniques.
  • Twins account for more than 90 per cent of multiple births.
  • 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.
  • If you are carrying more than one baby, it is best to give birth in hospital, rather than at home, as multiple births are higher risk.

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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: 31-08-2014