Multiple pregnancy
The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority has recently advised all
IVF clinics in the UK that no more than 2 embryos should be transferred in an
IVF cycle. Although the chances of pregnancy will be slightly reduced by this it will virtually exclude the possibility of triplet pregnancy and also reduce the chances of twin pregnancy compared to a 3 embryo transfer. Many infertile couples are quite pleased at the idea of having twins although most couples would prefer not to conceive a triplet pregnancy. In couple who conceive naturally, the chance of a twin pregnancy is approximately one in every eighty pregnancies. With
IVF treatment, the chance of a twin pregnancy is one in every four pregnancies. The chance of a triplet pregnancy is in the region of one in every thirty pregnancies conceived by
IVF when 3 embryos are replaced. Apart from the social and professional problems of multiple pregnancies, particularly triplets, the medical problems related to the carriage of two or three babies can be very significant. These include an increased risk to the mother of pregnancy related complications such as high blood pressure, diabetes and haemorrhage. Problems for the babies include the risk of delivery of very premature babies who may not survive or who may survive with important handicaps including brain damage.
