Parents 'unaware' of extra care needs

Parents of twins and triplets are often unprepared for the fact their babies may need specialist care, according to a new survey.

Research for the Twins and Multiple Births Association (Tamba) found one in five are not warned their children may need medical help in the first days and weeks of life.

Multiple pregnancies are linked to a higher chance of premature birth and low birthweight babies. At least half of twins are born before 37 weeks, increasing the risk of health problems or death.

More than 50,000 babies are born prematurely in the UK every year.

The poll of almost 700 parents is to mark the launch by Tamba and the charity Bliss of the guide Multiple Births - A Parents' Guide to Neonatal Care.