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13 October 2022
Today, Twins Trust seeks to reassure the multiples’ community in the wake of the figures released by the MBRRACE-UK Perinatal Mortality Surveillance Report (2022) into baby deaths in the UK.
The statistics for the years 2016-2020 show a 19% increase in the twin stillbirth rate and a 16% increase in the twin neonatal mortality rate.
Shauna Leven, Chief Executive of Twins Trust, said: “Every baby loss is devastating and these statistics are a stark reminder of the work that still needs to do be done to ensure that the UK’s maternity services are delivering the best care, 100% of the time. Yet it’s important to remember that the vast majority of multiple pregnancies have good outcomes.
“We understand that these statistics will cause concern in our community, particularly if you are currently expecting multiples. We urge every family expecting multiples to understand their rights during pregnancy, including what care they can expect. Our antenatal checklist can help ensure you are receiving the best care throughout your journey. If you continue to have concerns, please get in touch with one of our twinline specialists”.
“Twins Trust works with with maternity units across the UK to ensure that every person experiencing a multiple pregnancy receives the care that they are entitled to. All maternity units should be adhering to the NICE multiple birth guidance including offering each multiple pregnancy a core multidisciplinary team of specialists within a dedicated multiple pregnancy clinic.
“If you or someone you know has experienced a bereavement during or after pregnancy with multiples, our bereavement service offers a comprehensive range of support”.
As part of its maternity engagement programme, Twins Trust works with maternity units across the UK to ensure that they’re adhering to NICE guidelines. In its first three years funding (2016-2019), the units audited by the Twins Trust team saw a 7% reduction in stillbirths and an 18% reduction in neonatal deaths.
