Although the number of triplets born in 2004 rose to 163 sets, this increase has not continued with 146 sets born in 2005. It was expected that this rate would fall following the issue of national guidelines from the HFEA, who recommend that a maximum of two embryos are replaced during IVF treatments in women under the age of 40, it adds.

“These statistics mean that 1 in 67 pregnancies is a multiple pregnancy and 1 in 33 children born in 2005, is a multiple. The latest figures also highlight that multiples are more frequently born to older mothers with 62% of twins and 67% of triplets born to women aged 30+, compared to 48% of singletons.” 

Having triplets used to be rare, says Twin Store, but triplets now account for one out of every 8000 live births – 100 times as many as 20 years ago! This is increasing year on year due to the increased use of fertility drugs, as well as the increasing number of older mothers, who are more prone to multiple births, it says.

Reflecting on a rise in multiple births in the States, pregnancy.org shares the view that the increase is due to women delaying their childbearing years into their 30’s and the use of fertility treatments.

Mothers who have multiple births however, are slightly more at risk of postnatal depression says The Guardian. A study of 8,000 women found that 19 in 100 mothers who had multiple births showed signs of depression 9 months later, compared with 16 in 100 mothers who had only one baby. “Although the difference between 19 in 100 and 16 in 100 sounds quite small, it works out as a 43% increase in relative risk.”

Many mothers also choose to have their children quite close together, often only a year apart. So in that sense, they too face their own set of challenges in looking after more than one baby. As an industry, responding to these demands with products that help ease the strain is vital.

Research suggests that, especially when buying in preparation for a multiple birth, parents are not sure if they need two or three of everything so it is paramount that you help them identify areas of cost saving, but still ensure they are equipped for every eventuality.

From twin breast feeding cushions to breast pumps, feeding and weaning accessories, to twin changing bags, baby carriers, nursery furniture, twin, triple and quad pushchairs, walking reins and more, there much to offer this highly lucrative target market.

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