Twins Trust response to the latest MBRRACE-UK maternal mortality report

The latest MBRRACE-UK report, Saving Lives, Improving Mothers' Care 2026, paints a deeply concerning picture of maternal health across the UK and Ireland. The report shows that maternal mortality rates remain significantly higher than they were more than a decade ago, with no meaningful improvement since the previous reporting period.

At Twins Trust, we are particularly concerned about what these findings mean for women pregnant with twins, triplets and more, who are already at increased risk of complications during pregnancy and birth.

The report highlights that blood clots, cardiac disease, mental health conditions, neurological disorders and infections remain among the leading causes of maternal death. These are all areas where women experiencing a multiple pregnancy may require additional monitoring, specialist care and timely intervention due to the increased complexity of their pregnancies.

We are also alarmed by the continued inequalities in maternal outcomes. The report shows that Black women remain almost three times more likely to die during pregnancy or shortly after birth than White women, while women living in the most deprived areas face around double the risk of those in the least deprived communities. Asian women and women aged over 35 also face higher risks. Many families expecting twins, triplets or more will sit within these groups already identified as being at greater risk, making equitable access to high-quality specialist care essential.

The report's findings on maternal mental health are especially stark. Suicide remains the leading cause of death between six weeks and one year after pregnancy, and psychiatric causes account for around one-third of maternal deaths during this period. Parents of multiples often face additional emotional, practical and financial pressures during pregnancy and after birth, underlining the importance of accessible perinatal mental health services and ongoing support for families.

The report calls for improvements in workforce planning, better management of women with complex medical conditions, stronger action to prevent and treat serious pregnancy-related complications, and renewed efforts to tackle inequalities and improve mental health support. These recommendations align closely with what Twins Trust has long been advocating for: consistent, high-quality specialist maternity care for every family expecting twins, triplets or more, regardless of where they live.

The central message from this year's report is that many maternal deaths are linked to known risks and recurring themes, including delays in recognising deterioration, variation in care, and failures to consistently implement existing guidance. For women with multiple pregnancies, who are more likely to require coordinated care from multidisciplinary teams, it is vital that maternity services have the staffing, expertise and resources needed to provide safe, personalised care throughout pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period.

Twins Trust will continue to work with healthcare professionals, policymakers and NHS leaders to ensure that the needs of women carrying twins, triplets and more are recognised within maternity policy and practice, and that every family receives the specialist care and support they need to achieve the safest possible outcomes.

Nick Wilkie, Interim Chief Executive of Twins Trust, said:

"This report is a stark reminder that too many women are still dying during pregnancy and after birth, and that progress in reducing maternal deaths has stalled. Families expecting twins, triplets or more often face additional risks and complexities, making access to specialist maternity care more important than ever. We urge healthcare leaders to act on the report's recommendations, tackle persistent inequalities and ensure that every woman, regardless of her background or where she lives, receives the high-quality care and support she deserves."

You can read the full report on the MBRRACE-UK website [opens as PDF].