AMBA’s Patron, Associate Professor Mark Umstad, spoke about a study from the Robinson Research Institute at the University of Adelaide and said: “Finally, some good news on preventing preterm delivery in twins! The data on progesterone initially looked promising for twins, then twin experts became despondent over the years as several studies and reviews suggested little benefit, and possibly harm.  The study has shown that progesterone does reduce adverse perinatal outcome in twins but only if the cervix is identified as being short prior to 24 weeks' gestation."

Lesley, mum of premature twins, shares an insight into her heart-wrenching story when pregnancy doesn’t go as planned.  “I was 25 weeks pregnant and was admitted to hospital with contractions. The medical staff told us statistic after statistic of survival rates, disability rates, neonatal loss and even asked the most dreaded, awful question of all – did we want to resuscitate? “ 

“After a week of trying to stop the labour, it was time for me to deliver my boys. My heart sank, I felt like a failure, I had failed in my pregnancy; I had failed in keeping my babies safe. I had done my research on pregnancy, birth and bringing home my babies but it never even entered my mind that I could be faced with a premature delivery and with such scary statistics, as well as a long hospital journey”.

Lesley’s boys are now 12 months old (9 months corrected). Ryley was in hospital for 12 weeks and Axel was in hospital for 15 weeks.

Ali Mountifield, Communications Director for AMBA said, “This news is incredibly important for the multiple birth community as approximately 50 percent of twin pregnancies end in preterm birth compared to 5% of single births.”

For media enquiries or to arrange an interview, please contact

Ali Mountifield, Communications Director
Australian Multiple Birth Association
communications@amba.org.au
Mobile: 0411 250 758