Families with twins – a systematic review

Abstract

Parenthood is among the developmental transitions that set major challenges for contemporary families. When there is a twin pregnancy, those challenges increase. Our aims in this study are understanding the parental experience in families with twins and identifying the factors which condition parental experience in such families. It is a literature review focusing on studies published between 2000 and 2012 based on reference data. The articles were analyzed considering the aims, participants, phases of data collection, tools used; and results achieved regarding the dimensions involved in parenting experiences faced by parents of twins. In the 19 studies identified, maternity was the main focus of research. Women with twin children showed lower scores on well-being, higher stress risks, exhaustion and depression. The experience of these families was different, more demanding and complex than singletons’ parents. Understanding of this matter becomes crucial to contributing to better health for families.