I-16: Assisted Reproduction and Multiple Gestation: What Are The Psychological Consequences

To describe the social and historical impact of ART on multiple gestations and to discuss psychological issues unique to these families. At the time of the birth of the Dionne quintuplets in 1934, only 33 cases of quintuplets had been reported in the literature and none of the quintuplets survived more than 50 days. Spontaneous higher order multiple gestation is still rare but the number of iatrogenic multiple pregnancies has dramatically increased as a result of assisted reproduction. Despite pretreatment counseling about the medical and emotional risks of having multiples, many infertile couples continue to want that experience and their religious affiliation, education and knowledge of multiple gestation outcomes were not predictors of that desire. The transition to parenthood of multiples can be difficult and couples often find themselves overwhelmed by the social, psychological and financial pressure of raising multiples. Mothers of multiples may experience social stigma, isolation, stress and depression. On the positive side, couples report increased marital solidification as a result of dealing with the stress of raising multiples. In conclution, though raising multiples may provide unique rewards, couples are often unprepared for the stresses and challenges involved in raising them.