Number of Multiple Births Continues to Decline - Germany's multiple births hit a 30-year low in 2024

Germany recorded its lowest number of multiple births in nearly 30 years during 2024. Official figures show that just 3.1% of all deliveries involved twins or more. This decline comes as reproductive medicine continues to evolve, changing how pregnancies are managed.

In 2024, 20,550 twin children were born in Germany, making up 97.7% of all multiple births. On average, one in every 32 children delivered that year was part of a twin or higher-order pregnancy.

The average age of mothers giving birth to twins stood at 32.9 years, slightly higher than the 31.8 years recorded for mothers of single children. Over the past five years, the share of first-time mothers over 35 has risen from around 22% to 27%, while births to women under 25 have continued to fall. A key factor in the drop of multiple births is the shift away from implanting several embryos at once. Clinics now favour single-embryo transfers, reducing the likelihood of twins or triplets. This approach aligns with broader trends in fertility treatments, where safer, more controlled pregnancies are prioritised.

The 2024 data marks the fewest multiple births since 1997. With reproductive techniques advancing, the trend towards single-embryo transfers appears set to continue. This shift reflects both medical progress and changing preferences among expectant parents.