Parents of twins and triplets are often unprepared for the fact their babies may need specialist care, according to a new survey.

Research for the Twins and Multiple Births Association found one in five are not warned their children may need medical help in the first days and weeks of life.

Multiple pregnancies are linked to a higher chance of premature birth and low birth weight babies. At least half of twins are born before 37 weeks, increasing the risk of health problems or death.

The poll of almost 700 parents is to mark the launch by Tamba and the charity Bliss of the guide Multiple Births – A Parents’ Guide to Neonatal Care.

The survey found 21 per cent of parents who had babies in the last 18 months were unprepared for the possibility of premature birth or the infants requiring care in a neonatal unit.

Of those parents who were unprepared, 54 per cent had one or more baby who needed specialist care. Many said they were frightened or traumatised by the experience.

Of those surveyed with twins, 57 per cent had babies born before 37 weeks, with 11 per cent under 32 weeks. Some eight per cent of babies were born under 1.5 kg and 45 per cent between 1.5 kg and 2.5 kg.

However, most of those whose babies needed specialist help said they received good care.

Tamba chief executive officer Keith Reed said: “It appears that some health professionals, on occasion, forget to advise expectant parents of multiples that their babies may need treatment in a neonatal unit. In other instances, parents may have been told but not picked up on the fact.”