Multiple births trend persists

The number of multiple births increased in 2010 compared to the previous year, according to the annual obstetric report which registered 74 sets of twins and six sets of triplets.

The progressive increase in the number of multiple births continued last year compared to 2009 when 62 sets of twins and nine triplets or quadruplets were born, the National Obstetrics Information System report said.

There were 4,036 births last year, a drop from the 4,180 in 2009. There were 4,018 live births and 18 still births last year. In 2009, there were 4,180 births including 4,152 live births.

There were 255 deliveries to teenage mothers last year when the average maternal age stood at 29 years.

The majority of deliveries, 71 per cent, were to married mothers, 24 per cent to single mothers and four per cent were widowed, separated or divorced.

The highest number of deliveries remained within the 25-29 age group.

Almost 32 per cent of births were carried out by Caesarean section and breast feeding remained the most popular choice at discharge.