When aspiring parents make plans for a fertility treatment they need to be aware that it may come with surprises, one of which is multiple births. Going from no kids to two, three or even more babies? To some future parents this may sound too good to be true, but there is a caveat, as multiple embryos might also mean complications.
Dr. Andrew Levi of Park Avenue Fertility clinic believes that educating patients and providing them with comprehensive information is fundamental for a successful fertility management. We asked Dr. Levi to shed some light on common causes and risks of multiple births for fertility patients. First of all, let’s review some main factors contributing to this phenomenon:
Fertility drugs
Medications that are aimed to raise a woman’s follicle production often lead to multiple births.
Transferring multiple embryos during IVF (In Vitro Fertilization)
Traditionally, in an effort to increase the chances of a successful pregnancy doctors often implant more than one embryo during IVF, which results in twins, triplets or even more births.
You might have noticed an increase in occurrence of twins and “multiplets” over the past decades, and contemporary medicine seems to handle those cases without much difficulty. So, are there really any risks related with a multi-embryo pregnancy in a healthy woman? The answer is positive, and here is a short list of possible complications:
- Premature delivery (about 50% of twins and 90% of triplets are born prematurely)
- Low birth weight
- Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR)
- Various health conditions in babies
Considering the above, it is small wonder that fertility clinics have been striving to decrease the occurrences of multiple pregnancies, rightfully sacrificing quantity for better health and safety. However, there is no rule without exceptions. One of them is the age of the future mother. For example, it is still recommended for women over 37 to have multiple embryos transferred during IVF, as the occurrences of chromosomal defects are not uncommon.
A successful fertility treatment is a complex process with many variables, and it is important to be well aware of all the possible outcomes of fertility treatments. Selecting a qualified specialist who will guide you through the maze of different options and possibilities is crucial. Dr. Andrew Levi, MD, FACOG has received extensive education and training under his belt. Over the years, he has accumulated valuable experience working with a variety of cases. Dr. Levi’s compassionate and systematic approach has earned him an outstanding reputation and raving reviews from his patients.
Call Park Avenue Fertility offices today at 203-372-6700 to schedule your personalized consultation. After a thorough evaluation, Dr. Levi will discuss your specific case and assist you in making the most appropriate choice of treatment. For more information you may also visit our website at www.parkavefertility.com.