IVF and Multiple Pregnancies: What You Need to Know

In vitro fertilization (IVF) has revolutionized reproductive medicine, offering hope to couples facing infertility. This assisted reproductive technique involves fertilizing an egg outside the body and transferring the resulting embryo to the uterus. However, while IVF enhances the chances of pregnancy, it also significantly increases the likelihood of multiple births—including twins or triplets.

Why IVF Leads to Multiple Pregnancies?

IVF often involves transferring more than one embryo to boost pregnancy success. This multiple embryo transfer approach increases the probability of implantation but also raises the chance of a twin or higher-order pregnancy. Even when a single embryo is transferred, there is a minor risk of embryo splitting, resulting in identical twins.

Studies indicate that IVF increases the chances of twins by up to 25%, compared to just 6% in natural conception. Factors like maternal age, embryo quality, and clinic protocols influence these outcomes.

Learn more in this IVF and Test Tube Baby Guide

Risks of Multiple Pregnancies in IVF

Multiple pregnancies carry higher risks for both mother and babies. Some of the common complications include:

• Premature labor
• Low birth weight
• Preeclampsia
• Cesarean section delivery
• Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) admissions

For mothers, these risks can also include gestational diabetes and increased physical stress. Many of these risks can be managed with expert prenatal care from a skilled gynecologist in Noida.

For more insights, read: Common Causes and Treatments for Infertility

Benefits and Challenges of Having Twins or Triplets

For many hopeful parents, the idea of welcoming twins feels like a blessing. It offers the advantage of building a family quickly, especially after prolonged fertility struggles. However, there are substantial physical, emotional, and financial challenges such as:

• Greater medical attention during pregnancy
• Higher delivery and postnatal care costs
• Increased parenting demands

Hence, leading clinics now prefer safer practices like Elective Single Embryo Transfer (eSET) to balance pregnancy success with maternal and fetal health.

Understand the Key Considerations Before IVF

Reducing the Risk of Multiple Births

Reducing multiple pregnancies involves embracing modern protocols like PGT-A (genetic screening) and eSET, which focus on transferring one healthy embryo per cycle. A good IVF specialist evaluates hormonal levels, uterine health, and overall reproductive readiness before suggesting embryo transfer numbers.

You can consult an experienced infertility specialist in Noida to explore personalized IVF options based on your fertility profile.

Expert Fertility Guidance by Dr. Aprajita Srivastava

If you’re exploring fertility treatments, trust the expertise of Dr. Aprajita Srivastava. Based in Sector 121, Noida, she is a renowned gynecologist, IVF expert, and laparoscopic surgeon. With years of experience in treating complex infertility and managing high-risk pregnancies, she provides advanced care with compassion. Her clinic is equipped with cutting-edge technology for IVF, IUI, egg freezing, and gynecologic surgeries.

Schedule a personalized consultation here: Contact Dr. Aprajita Srivastava

FAQs: IVF and Multiple Pregnancies

Q1. Can I request twins through IVF?
Doctors cannot guarantee twins. Clinics today focus on healthy singleton pregnancies to avoid complications.

Q2. What is the safest method to reduce the risk of multiples?
Using single embryo transfer and preimplantation screening helps maintain safety without lowering IVF success.

Q3. Are multiple births more likely in older women using IVF?
Yes. Older women often need more embryos transferred, raising their chance of twins or more.