Trends in Twin Birth Outcomes and Prenatal Care Utilization in the United States, 1981-1997

Abstract
National statistics indicate that the rates of both preterm birth and low-birth-weight (LBW) infants have increased in the last 10 to 15 years.1 Since infants born with these conditions are at greatly increased risk of infant mortality and subsequent developmental difficulties,2-4 the rising incidence of these adverse birth outcomes is a matter of importance.