Health

What are the risks of multiple births(twins or triplets) with IVF?

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Multiple births, such as twins or triplets, are a common outcome of IVF treatment, but they come with several risks. Understanding these risks is essential for anyone considering in vitro fertilization. While the possibility of multiple births may initially seem positive for couples struggling with infertility, they pose significant health concerns for both the mother and babies.

Why Multiple Births Are Common with IVF

Multiple births occur more frequently with IVF because more than one embryo is often transferred to the uterus to increase the likelihood of pregnancy success. This increases the chances of having twins, triplets, or even more. Although this might seem like a good outcome for couples who have faced infertility issues, the reality is that multiple pregnancies increase the risk of complications for both the mother and the babies.

Increased Risk of Preterm Birth and Low Birth Weight

One of the most concerning risks of multiple births is preterm birth, where babies are born before 37 weeks of gestation. Preterm babies are more likely to face complications such as breathing difficulties, feeding issues, and developmental delays. In addition, babies from multiple pregnancies often have a low birth weight, increasing their vulnerability to infections and other health problems. Preterm infants may require extended care in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), which can be emotionally and financially stressful for families.

Gestational Diabetes and Hypertension

Women carrying multiple babies are at a higher risk of developing gestational diabetes. This condition causes high blood sugar levels during pregnancy, leading to complications such as larger-than-average babies (macrosomia), which can make vaginal delivery difficult. Additionally, there is an increased risk of gestational hypertension, a condition characterized by high blood pressure during pregnancy. Gestational hypertension can lead to more severe complications such as pre-eclampsia, which can harm the mother’s organs and require early delivery to prevent life-threatening issues.

Placental Problems

Multiple pregnancies can increase the likelihood of placental complications, such as placenta previa and placental abruption. Placenta previa occurs when the placenta covers the cervix, leading to bleeding and possible complications during delivery. Placental abruption, where the placenta detaches from the uterus too early, can cause severe bleeding and oxygen deprivation for the babies.

Developmental Problems

Multiple births, especially when associated with preterm delivery, also increase the risk of developmental issues such as cerebral palsy. The likelihood of neurological problems, developmental delays, and cognitive impairments is much higher in multiples due to the possibility of complications during pregnancy and birth. For families, these conditions can mean long-term medical care and therapies.

Emotional and Financial Impact

Having multiple babies can be an emotional and financial challenge for families. While many couples look for cheap IVF clinics to reduce costs, raising multiple children often requires more resources, time, and emotional support than anticipated. This financial burden can be exacerbated if the babies require extensive medical care after birth.

Elective Single Embryo Transfer (eSET) to Reduce Risks

To minimize the risks associated with multiple pregnancies, many fertility clinics now offer elective single embryo transfer (eSET). In this process, only one high-quality embryo is transferred to the uterus, significantly reducing the chances of twins or triplets while maintaining a strong success rate for pregnancy. Many infertility specialists recommend this approach for women with good-quality embryos or younger patients to reduce the risk of complications associated with multiple births.

Specialized Care for Multiple Pregnancies

Women carrying multiples require more frequent medical monitoring than those with single pregnancies. This includes regular prenatal visits, ultrasounds, and testing to ensure the health and development of the babies and to detect any complications early. Specialized care is essential for managing the risks associated with multiple births, and working with an experienced infertility specialist can help reduce these risks.

Conclusion

While multiple births can be a joyful outcome for couples undergoing IVF treatment, they come with several significant risks. From preterm birth and low birth weight to the long-term emotional and financial impact, the challenges of carrying and delivering multiples are considerable.
By working closely with an infertility specialist and considering options like elective single embryo transfer, couples can increase their chances of having a healthy pregnancy while minimizing risks. For those seeking affordable options, choosing cheap IVF clinics should be balanced with ensuring that they offer high-quality care and prioritize safety for both mother and babies.