1 in 30 U.S. babies is a twin
By MIKE STOBBE AP Medical Writer January 4, 2012 12:28PM
In 1980, only 1 in every 53 babies was a twin. | Sun-Times Library
Updated: February 6, 2012 9:28AM
More U.S. women are having twins these days. The reason? Older moms and fertility treatments.
One in every 30 babies born in the U.S. is a twin — an astounding increase over the last three decades, according to a government report issued Wednesday. In 1980, only 1 in every 53 babies was a twin.
“When people say it seems like you see more twins nowadays, they’re right,” said Joyce Martin, an epidemiologist who co-authored the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report.
Some increase was expected as more women are waiting until they are over 30 to have babies. For some unknown reason, mothers in their 30s are more likely to have twins than younger or older women. As much as a third of the increase can be attributed to that, Martin said.
The rest of the rise is due to fertility drugs and treatments, experts said. AP
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