MULTIPLE BIRTHS
The number of confinements resulting in a multiple birth has increased consistently since the 1970s. In 2009, there were 4,400 confinements resulting in a multiple birth; of these, 82 were triplets and 4 were quads or higher order. This was 27% higher than the number recorded in 1989 (3,200 confinements), but 3% lower than the number recorded in 2008 (4,600 confinements).
2.10 Multiple births, States and territories - 2009 |
|
| Single | Twins | Triplets and higher order | Total multiple births | Total confinements |
State or territory of usual residence | no. | no. | no. | no. | no. |
|
New South Wales | 90 086 | 1 310 | 28 | 1 338 | 91 424 |
Victoria | 68 591 | 1 133 | 21 | 1 154 | 69 745 |
Queensland | 64 028 | 1 014 | 19 | 1 033 | 65 061 |
South Australia | 19 158 | 283 | 4 | 287 | 19 445 |
Western Australia | 29 999 | 435 | 8 | 443 | 30 442 |
Tasmania | 6 488 | 59 | 3 | 62 | 6 550 |
Northern Territory | 3 712 | np | np | 53 | 3 765 |
Australian Capital Territory | 4 711 | np | np | 74 | 4 785 |
Australia(a) | 286 796 | 4 358 | 86 | 4 444 | 291 240 |
|
np not available for publication but included in totals where applicable, unless otherwise indicated |
(a) Includes Other Territories. |