Parents of Twins Have More Mental Health Problems

There’s a reason why they call twins “double trouble.” According to a study presented at the 2008 annual meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology in Barcelona, Spain, mothers and fathers of twins have more mental health symptoms following their babies’ delivery, as well as one year after birth, than do parents of single babies. Although we often hear about women suffering postpartum depression, especially due to elevated hormone levels following a multiple birth, the study also reported that fathers of twins had more anxiety, depression, sleep problems and social dysfunction than other fathers.

The study also compared parents who conceived twins spontaneously against parents who conceived twins through assisted reproductive technology (ART). Mothers of twins who conceived through ART had less symptoms of depression before the birth, probably because they had been better prepared for the likelihood of twins due to their procedures.

Dr. Unkila Kallio of Helsinki University Central Hospital in Finland, one of the study’s researchers, says that her findings support the policy to try to reduce the number of twin pregnancies by encouraging single embryo transfers (implanting only one egg at a time) in order to improve the psychological health of expectant and new parents. Dr. Kallio also recommended better support for parents expecting twins, especially fathers, who usually receive less social support than mothers do. Fathers may also bear the increased responsibility to financially support their growing family, which can add stress to their lives.

If you’re an expectant or new parent of twins, it’s natural to feel tired, anxious and fearful about the monumental changes in your life. But if you find these feelings overwhelming, or they’re seriously affecting your performance as a parent or spouse, be sure to speak to your doctor about the types of support available. Having twins can certainly cause “double trouble” for many parents, but they are also “multiple blessings” when parents receive the proper information, guidance and support they need.

Source: European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology (2008, July 8). Parents of Twins Report More Mental Health Symptoms Than Parents of Singletons. ScienceDaily. Retrieved July 16, 2008, from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080707100159.htm.

About the Author

Susan M. Heim is a writer and editor, specializing in multiples, parenting, women’s and Christian issues. She is a former Senior Editor for the bestselling "Chicken Soup for the Soul" series. Susan's books include "It’s Twins! Parent-to-Parent Advice from Infancy Through Adolescence," "Twice the Love: Stories of Inspiration for Families with Twins, Multiples and Singletons," "Oh, Baby! 7 Ways a Baby Will Change Your Life the First Year," and the upcoming "Boosting Your Baby's Brain Power" and "Chicken Soup for the Soul: Twins and More." Susan's articles and essays have appeared in many books, magazines and Web sites. She is a member of the National Association of Women Writers and the Southeastern Writers Association, and has a degree in Business Administration from Michigan State University. Susan lives with her husband and four sons (two teenagers and twin preschoolers) in south Florida.

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