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Multiple births always attract attention and there is generally a great deal of fascination about the concept of more than one baby being born at the same time. But for parents of quadruplets, their initial responses can be far from what can be called exuberance, at least in the early stages. The practicalities of raising four babies to adulthood can seem utterly overwhelming, which is why experienced parents of higher order multiples (HOM) say it can help to just take things slowly at first and to allow the news to settle in, one steady day at a time. The most common form of multiples are twins. Statistically 90% of all multiple births are made up of twins and the remaining 10% being shared between triplets, quadruplets and more. The most common variety of quadruplets is formed when four separate eggs are fertilised by four separate sperm. There are however, a range of possibilities when it comes to the different combinations of quadruplets and how they are conceived. Quadruplets may be identical, non identical or a combination of both. As well as the four separate eggs and sperm variety, there is also the possibility that:
Quadruplet pregnancy is usually diagnosed on ultrasound. This is the most common time for parents to be told that four babies have been conceived and implanted. Seeing four little embryos on the screen can help the idea become a reality, but it’s very normal for expectant parents to leave the ultrasound rooms in a state of shock. If they have had fertility assistance then there is an increased risk of multiple birth so the possibility may already have been raised and discussed. Although rare, it is not unknown for quadruplets to be naturally conceived. Tell us again how lucky we areDifferent cultures view multiple births in diverse ways. For the Mayans, identical twins were seen as a blessing from God and a sign that they shared one soul which had been split between the two. In Roman culture twin boys were also viewed as a blessing, but unfortunately this belief did not extend to twin girls. They were seen as too much of a burden and the expense of raising two dowries instead of one overshadowed the “specialness” of two babies. Within Greek and other European mythology, twins and other higher order multiples all feature, with their existence being attributable to the blessing or alternately, a curse from an almighty God. In some ancient cultures, multiple births were seen as an outward sign that a woman had been unfaithful to her husband and the existence of more than one baby was indisputable proof of this. Without any means of disproving this theory the poor women and their babies were often left to fend for themselves. It goes without saying that we have much to be thankful for in terms of our current understanding of science and reproductive biology. But no matter how smart we have become and irrefutable evidence now supports our knowledge, there is still a little mystery and specialness surrounding multiple births. Are quads as common as they used to be?In the 1980s-1990s, multiple pregnancies were generally more common than at the present time. This decrease is thought to be due to overall advances in technology surrounding fertility assistance as well as the increased likelihood of these pregnancies being successful. In the early days of assisted reproductive technology the general approach was to implant as many fertilised eggs as possible and therefore increase the chances of at least one of them implanting. But since there has been a greater understanding of the processes involved, as well as changes in the legislation surrounding the numbers of embryos which can be implanted, this has meant a reduction in the number of quadruplets being born. There is an increased likelihood of quadruplets when:
Risks of quadruplet pregnancyTo the mother:
To the babies:
For more support:
NB Most multiple birth associations have their own state specific organisations and groups. Check the contact details for the one which is right for you. Last Published* November, 2021 *Please note that the published date may not be the same as the date that the content was created and that information above may have changed since. Recommended TopicsCheck out these other topics you might like Recommended Products Find the right product for your child.
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Huggies Ultimate NappiesOur best care for skin. Every liner is wrapped^ in plant-derived materials sourced from renewable sugarcane. All CurrentPromotions & OffersExplore our exciting promotions. Win FREE nappies for 6 months!Join the Huggies Club for your chance to WIN Join Huggies ClubHuggies NewbornHow do I get a triplets?Identical twins or triplets happen when a single egg is fertilized and then later splits. These newly divided embryos are identical. Children that are identical multiples will look like each other and be the same sex. Fraternal multiples develop from separate eggs that are fertilized by a different sperm.
What makes you more likely to have triplets?You're more likely to have twins, triplets or more if there's a maternal history of multiple pregnancies. The influence of the father's family history is less clear. If you already have fraternal (non-identical) twins, you're five times more likely to carry multiples in your next pregnancy.
How do you get a quadruplets baby?The most common variety of quadruplets is formed when four separate eggs are fertilised by four separate sperm. There are however, a range of possibilities when it comes to the different combinations of quadruplets and how they are conceived. Quadruplets may be identical, non identical or a combination of both.
Can you naturally get triplets?Naturally, twins occur in about one in 250 pregnancies, triplets in about one in 10,000 pregnancies, and quadruplets in about one in 700,000 pregnancies. The main factor that increases your chances of having a multiple pregnancy is the use of infertility treatment, but there are other factors.
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