Pregnancy loss in twin or triplet pregnancies is more common than in a singleton pregnancy. Multiple pregnancies carry more risks, meaning complications can occur which can result in miscarriage or stillbirth.
Also in this section
- I've lost a twin, triplet or more
- Losing a twin or triplet after birth
- How might I feel after losing a baby or babies?
- If you have a surviving baby or babies needing extra care in hospital
- Bringing your baby or babies home
It isn't unusual to feel incredibly anxious and worried about the health of your surviving baby or babies if they need to spend time in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). This can be a worrying and stressful time. Having a surviving twin or triplet(s) can bring a complex mix of emotions; it can be hard to grieve for the twin or triplet(s) who've died, whilst caring for your surviving baby or babies in hospital or at home.
If all your babies were in NICU, you may have felt remorse that you didn't get the opportunity to hold the twin or triplet(s) who've died as much as you would've liked while they were alive. If one twin or one or two triplets were well before the other baby or babies died, you may have felt divided both practically and emotionally between caring for your healthy twin or triplet(s) and devoting your time and love to the unwell twin or triplet(s).
Purple butterfly cot cards
Many hospitals place a purple butterfly card on the cot or incubator of a surviving twin or triplet. This makes staff members or families aware that the baby was part of a multiple pregnancy, but not all the babies survived. If your hospital doesn't have the purple butterfly cot card, you can contact the Skye High Foundation who will send you a cot card with the butterfly symbol on it. It can be placed next to your surviving baby with space to write the name of your baby or babies who you're remembering.
Contact the Skye High Foundation
