Washington, DC -- The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), along with the American Society for Reproductive Medicine and the March of Dimes, has issued a consumer document on fertility treatments and their associated risks for multiple pregnancy and premature birth.

"Over the last few decades, assisted reproductive technology (ART) has been associated with a 30-fold increase in multiple pregnancies. It is critical that obstetrician-gynecologists educate our patients who are undergoing fertility treatments on the possible obstetric and perinatal risks, as well as the socioeconomic consequences, of multiple births," said Ralph W. Hale, MD, ACOG executive vice president. "Addressing these issues with couples seeking ART may play a significant role in their decisions regarding the number of embryos to be transferred." ACOG strongly supports the effort toward lowering the risk of multiple births with ART.

This consumer document discusses health concerns and outcomes from fertility therapy, including the risks of multiple pregnancies such as prematurity and low birthweight. It also reviews issues associated with multiple births, including choosing a fertility program, carrying and delivering multiples, and coping with the challenges of parenting multiples.

Please click here to view the consumer document on "Multiple Pregnancy and Birth: Considering Fertility Treatments."

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