What are the risks of multiple births?

Multiple births, such as twins or triplets, are associated with higher risks of premature birth, low birth weight, and complications for both the mother and babies.

Why do doctors sometimes transfer multiple embryos during IVF?

Transferring multiple embryos during IVF increases the chances of a successful pregnancy, especially in older women or those with a history of failed IVF cycles. However, it also increases the risk of multiple pregnancies.

Can multiple births affect the health of the mother?

Mothers carrying multiples are at higher risk of pregnancy-related complications such as high blood pressure (preeclampsia), gestational diabetes, and the need for cesarean delivery.

Are babies born from multiple births more likely to have health problems?

Babies born from multiple births are more likely to experience health problems, including respiratory issues, developmental delays, and long-term health challenges due to being born prematurely.

Is there a higher risk of miscarriage with multiple births?

Yes, the risk of miscarriage increases with the number of fetuses in a multiple pregnancy.

What is selective reduction, and why is it used?

Selective reduction is a procedure used to reduce the number of fetuses in a multiple pregnancy to lower health risks for both the mother and the remaining fetuses. It is typically considered when a high-order multiple pregnancy (more than twins) poses significant health risks.

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3.5 Minute

02-08-2024 Team Medicover Fertility

Overview of IVF And Multiple Births

IVF treatment requires an investment of time and money. Having already experienced disappointment over failed attempts to conceive, couples who turn to IVF also invest a lot of mental energy and emotion - they want very much for it to succeed.

Sometimes, couples choose to transfer two embryos to improve their chances of success, which can result in twins. The prospect of bringing two babies into the world can be thrilling to a couple. Still, there are risks associated with multiple births that couples should be aware of before choosing to transfer more than one embryo in the IVF process.

Some couples desire twins, thinking they are "cute," but overlook the problems of prematurity and parenting difficulties.

Twin pregnancies cost society billions annually due to increased maternal hospitalisations, intensive care for premature babies, and higher rates of lifelong disabilities like cerebral palsy.

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Risks of IVF and Multiple Births

Higher Likelihood of Multiple Births

IVF often involves transferring multiple embryos to increase the chances of pregnancy, raising the risk of twins, triplets, or higher-order multiples.

Complications for Mothers

Increased risk of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and premature labour.
More tremendous physical strain and the potential need for cesarean delivery.

Complications for Babies

Higher chances of preterm birth, low birth weight, and neonatal intensive care admission.
Increased risk of long-term health issues and developmental delays.

Emotional and Financial Strain

Raising multiple babies simultaneously can be emotionally and financially demanding.

Selective Reduction

In some cases, doctors may recommend a selective reduction to improve outcomes for the remaining fetuses, which can be a difficult decision for parents.

Does IVF Cause Multiple Births?

According to the UK's National Health Service (NHS), one in every 12 twin pregnancies will result in significant disability or the loss of at least one baby. Twin pregnancies also increase the risk of most pregnancy-related health problems for the mother. A couple can reduce these risks by transferring just one embryo in the IVF process.

An American non-profit organization that works to prevent birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality reports that:

Nearly 60% of all twins and more than 90% of triplets are born prematurely (before 37 weeks).
Premature babies may have underdeveloped lungs, brain, and other organs.
Their immune systems may not be strong enough to fight infection.
They may struggle to suck or swallow.

Couples opting for IVF must carefully weigh the risks of transferring more than one embryo before making a decision. Their fertility consultant will help them understand the risks and reach a conclusion that considers all factors.

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Conclusion

The summary of this blog is, that while IVF enhances pregnancy chances, it also raises the risk of multiple births, leading to potential complications for both mothers and babies. Mothers may face increased risks of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and preterm labour, while babies are more prone to preterm birth, low birth weight, and long-term health issues. Additionally, the emotional and financial strains of raising multiple children simultaneously are significant. Therefore, careful management and consultation with healthcare providers are crucial to mitigate these risks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Premature birth is more likely in families with many children, low birth weight, and complications for both the mother and babies.

In order to increase the likelihood of a fruitful pregnancy, especially in older women or those with previous failed IVF cycles.

Yes, mothers carrying multiples have a higher risk of high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, and other pregnancy-related complications.

Yes, they are at higher risk for complications such as respiratory issues, developmental delays, and long-term health problems due to being born prematurely.

Yes, the risk of miscarriage increases with the number of fetuses.

In order to lower the health risks for the mother and the remaining fetuses in a multiple pregnancy, a technique known as "selective reduction" is employed to limit the number of babies.