Greetings from Amma Bear,
IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) is a beautiful dance of hope and science coming together, sparking many questions for those embarking on this journey. A common inquiry is the connection between IVF and the increased likelihood of having multiples, such as twins or triplets. Let's explore this subject together.
The Science Behind Multiples and IVF
Historically, IVF pregnancies have had a higher rate of twin births compared to natural conceptions. This can be attributed to several factors:
- Multiple Embryo Transfer: In the early days of IVF, to bolster the success rates, multiple embryos were often transferred to the uterus. This naturally increased the chances of more than one embryo implanting and developing.
- Stimulation of Ovaries: IVF procedures stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. While this mainly ensures the retrieval of several eggs for the IVF process, occasionally, it might also lead to the release and fertilization of more than one egg.
- Embryo Splitting: It's also worth noting that in rare instances, a single transferred embryo might split, leading to identical twins or triplets. This phenomenon can occur in natural pregnancies too, but it's an important factor to be aware of in the context of IVF.
Today’s IVF Practices
As IVF technology has advanced and our understanding of reproductive medicine deepened, there's been a positive shift in practices:
- Elective Single Embryo Transfer (eSET): Many clinics now opt for transferring a single, high-quality embryo. This approach reduces the risk of multiples while preserving commendable success rates.
- Improved Laboratory Conditions: Enhanced lab conditions and techniques mean that embryos are now more viable. As a result, fewer embryos need to be transferred to ensure a successful pregnancy.
What Do the Numbers Say?
While IVF can amplify the chances of conceiving multiples compared to natural conception, it isn't a guarantee. The probability of twin births via IVF is influenced by factors like the patient's age, the number of embryos transferred, and overall health.
Crafting an Informed Choice
If IVF is a path you're considering, it's vital to have an in-depth discussion with your healthcare provider about the potential for multiples. Understand the clinic's practices, their reasoning behind the number of embryos they advise transferring, and the entailed risks and benefits.
The possibility of twins or triplets can be exciting for some. However, it's essential to remember that pregnancies with multiples have their unique challenges for both the mother and the babies. Informed choices, aligned with your health, comfort, and desires, make all the difference.
With admiration for the steps you're making,
Amma Bear
Sources:
- https://www.kjkhospital.com/ovarian-stimulation-ivf/#:~:text=During%20the%20ovary%20stimulation%20procedure,increase%20in%20the%20LH%20levels.
- https://www.pfcla.com/blog/how-does-an-embryo-split-affect-pregnancy#:~:text=In%20IVF%2C%20the%20chance%20of,mass%20to%20split%20into%20two.https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ovarian-hyperstimulation-syndrome-ohss/symptoms-causes/syc-20354697
- https://www.cdc.gov/art/key-findings/multiple-births.html#:~:text=Multiple%20births%E2%80%94the%20delivery%20of,one%20embryo%20during%20the%20procedure.
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3379537/
- https://fertilityinstitute.com/blog/the-risk-of-multiples-pregnancy-with-ivf/index.html
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1555695/
- https://today.uconn.edu/2021/03/advances-in-ivf-may-make-triplets-an-anomaly/#
- https://www.webmd.com/baby/features/twins-demand-through-ivf
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/9710-expecting-twins-or-triplets
- https://www.newlife-ivf.co.uk/blog/worried-about-ivf-twins-or-triplets
- https://agoraclinic.co.uk/fertility-treatment-twins-or-triplets/
- https://www.infertilityivfhouston.com/blog/2019/09/29/reciprocal-ivf-and-twins-200627
- https://www.indiaivf.in/blog/chances-of-having-twins-with-ivf-guide/
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