Rising Rates of Multiple Births in South Korea Present Increased Risks & Demand Policy Attention
South Korea is experiencing a notable increase in multiple births, especially those resulting from infertility treatments.While natural multiple pregnancies account for 1-2% of all pregnancies,this figure rises to 30-40% following infertility procedures. The number of these procedures has climbed significantly in recent years, from 14,354 in 2019 to 20,777 in 2022.However, this trend is accompanied by increased risks for both mothers and children. women carrying multiples face two to three times the risk of pregnancy complications like gestational diabetes, with 50-60% experiencing premature birth and low birth weight.Postpartum challenges are also more prevalent, with 30.2% of mothers of multiples reporting ‘high depression’ and 70% experiencing significant psychological and emotional difficulties for up to two years after childbirth.
Data from the World Multiple Birth Database (HMBD) reveals that South Korea’s multiple birth rate (number of multiple births per 1,000 total births) was 26.9 in 2023, the second highest among 27 major countries surveyed (Greece led at 29.5).This is considerably higher then the average of 15.5 across those nations,representing a difference of 11.4.
Moreover, South Korea holds the highest rate of high-order multiple births (more than three babies) at 0.59 in 2023, exceeding Greece’s 0.37 and the global average of 0.21.
Interestingly, the increase in multiple births is occurring despite a significant decline in South Korea’s overall birth rate.The total fertility rate fell from 1.48 in 2000 to 0.72 in 2023. However, the number of multiple births rose dramatically during the same period, increasing from 1,768 to 12,222. consequently, the proportion of total births that are multiples has more than tripled, growing from 1.7% to 5.5%.
Parents of multiples are also older on average. Between 2000 and 2023, the average age of fathers of multiples increased from 32.4 to 37.4 years, and mothers from 29.5 to 35.2 years.For parents of twins, the average age of fathers rose from 31.5 to 36 years,and mothers from 28.5 to 33.6 years.
Multiple pregnancies are also associated with earlier deliveries. Pregnancies with multiples are, on average, three weeks shorter than singleton pregnancies. The premature birth rate (before 37 weeks) is ten times higher for multiples (6.3%). The rate of moderate prematurity (32-37 weeks) increased from 34.2% in 2000 to 64.6% in 2023, while extremely premature births (under 28 weeks) increased fivefold from 0.4% to 2.1% over the same period.
The report emphasizes that both advanced maternal age and multiple pregnancies carry significant health and care burdens. Therefore,it calls for “continuous monitoring and mid- to long-term policy considerations” to support the health of women and children.
The report also highlights the need to “enhance the qualitative improvement to strengthen the medical and social response system for the birth of multi-taea.” It notes a current limitation in available data, stating that “statistics related to domestic polytai are limited to the basic status of births, weight, and pregnancy, and there is a lack of data to comprehensively identify pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting status.”
(Reported by Park Byung-tak, staff reporter ppt@nongmin.com)
