In 2003, researchers reported on the stigma and quality of life issues for mothers of multiples following fertility treatment. (Ellison MA, Hall JE. Social stigma and compounded losses: quality-of-life issues for multiple-birth families.Fertil Steril. 2003 Aug;80(2):405-14. ) The stories were heartbreaking. Now, there's yet another report that mothers of multiples, following IVF treatment, are at much greater risk for postnatal depression (C. Sheard, S. Cox, M. Oates, G. Ndukwe, and C. Glazebrook. Impact of a multiple, IVF birth on post-partum mental health: a composite analysis. Hum. Reprod. 2007 22: 2058-2065.)
Most arguments favoring strategies to reduce multiple births have focused on the poorer health outcomes for the babies, but there is now clear evidence that there are both physical and mental health risks for the mothers as well. European countries have taken strong steps to reduce the rates of multiples caused by infertility treatment. While the ASRM has practice guidelines that, if followed, would reduce the rates of multiple births, we still need to do more to help educate infertile consumers that a multiple pregnancy is not necessarily the best outcome of treatment.