Abstract
Throughout history the experience of multiple births has been associated with emotional and social stress for most mothers.1 This is particularly true because of the element of surprise, the concern over prematurity, and the anxiety over the potential loss of babies shortly after delivery.2 In this communication I report the emotional adjustment by parents who experienced a rare event: the birth and loss of a set of septuplets.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.
Buying options
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Learn about institutional subscriptionsPreview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
References
Mayer, C. F. Sextuplets and higher multiparous births: A critical review of history and legend from Aristoteles to the 20th century. Acta Genetica Medicae et Gemellologiae (Roma) 1:242–276, 1952.
Kaplan, D. M., & Mason, E. A. Maternal reactions to premature birth viewed as an acute emotional disorder. In H. J. Parad (Ed.), Crisis intervention. New York: Family Service Association of America, 1965. Pp. 118–128.
Caplan, G. Concepts of mental health and consultation. Washington, D.C.: Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Children’s Bureau, 1959.
Gemzell, G., & Roos, P. Pregnancies following treatment with human gonadotropins, with special reference to multiple births. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 94:490–496 1966.
Turksoy, N. R. et al. Birth of sextuplets following human gonadotropin administration in Chiari-Frommel syndrome. Obstetrics and Gynecology 30:692–698, 1967.
Thompson, C., & Hansen, L. Pergonal (menotropins): A summary of clinical experience in the induction of ovulation and pregnancy. Fertility and Sterility 21:844–853, 1970.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 1977 Plenum Publishing Corporation
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Burnell, G.M. (1977). Maternal Reaction to the Loss of Multiple Births. In: Moos, R.H. (eds) Coping with Physical Illness. Current Topics in Mental Health. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4684-2256-6_3
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4684-2256-6_3
Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA
Print ISBN: 978-1-4684-2258-0
Online ISBN: 978-1-4684-2256-6
eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive