The Human Multiple Births Database (HMBD)

Abstract

BACKGROUND The frequency of twin births has increased dramatically since the 1970s in nearly all developed countries. This upsurge poses a public health challenge because multiple pregnancies are associated with higher health risks and other disadvantages for both the children and the parents. A better understanding of the variation and trends in twinning and other multiple rates is therefore urgently needed. OBJECTIVE The Human Multiple Births Database (HMBD) provides open access national statistics on multiple births for numerous countries.