Birth defects in multiples on the rise: study

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) – The number of birth defects among twins and triplets increased nearly two-fold in 14 European countries between 1984 and 2007, according to a new study. Researchers, who had information on more than 5.4 million births occurring over the 24-year period, found that congenital defects rose from about 6 in every 10,000 multiple births to about 11 in every 10,000 multiples. “The importance of knowing this is twofold. First, to make sure we have appropriate services available for mothers and babies. …