Twins in India: How Birth Order Affects Growth and Health Risks

In India, more twins are being born today than ever before. But this increase raises an important question: does being a twin affect a child’s health and growth? Research from 2019 to 2021 looked into this. It found that twins often face higher risks of not growing properly or getting sick compared to single-born children. Babies born together share the same space in the womb. This means they might compete for nutrients before birth. After birth, they may also get less individual care from parents. Both factors can slow their growth. The study compared twins and single-born kids in India. It found that twins were more likely to suffer from issues like being too small for their age or having weaker bodies.Not all twins face the same problems. The study noticed differences based on where they lived. In some areas, twins did better, likely because families and doctors were more alert about their needs. But in poorer regions, twins often slipped through the cracks. They got less medical attention and less food at home. This made their growth and health outcomes worse. Another surprising finding was about how twins are treated as they grow. Parents might unconsciously favor one child over the other. This could lead to one twin getting more food and care. Over time, this imbalance can create long-term health problems. The study suggests that more focus on equal care for twins could make a big difference.