In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a revolutionary step in reproductive medicine, offering hope to couples struggling with infertility. One intriguing aspect of IVF is its association with an increased likelihood of twin pregnancies. As the demand for assisted reproductive techniques increases, understanding the considerations surrounding twin pregnancy resulting from IVF becomes paramount.
IVF IN A NUTSHELL
IVF is an assisted reproductive technique in which, after hormonal stimulation and ovarian follicle puncture, fertilization of eggs takes place outside the body, with the resulting embryo(s) subsequently implanted in the uterus. Depositing the embryos into the uterine cavity is called embryo transfer. The best quality embryos are selected for the transfer. Usually 1 to 3 embryos are transferred, depending on the patient’s age and medical history.
WHY ARE TWINS MORE COMMON WITH IVF?
Twin pregnancy with IVF is usually explained by the transfer of several embryos. Identical twins are quite rare. Current recommendations favor the transfer of 1 embryo, except in some very specific cases. The transfer of more than one embryo is affected by various factors, including the age of the woman, the quality of the embryos and the presence of previous unsuccessful IVF attempts.
RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH TWIN PREGNANCY
While the prospect of twins can be exciting, it presents challenges for expectant parents and their chosen medical team. Twin pregnancies are considered high risk because of the increased likelihood of complications for both the mother and the babies. They include:
Occurrence of potentially life-threatening complications for the mother such as pre-eclampsia and hemorrhages. Pregnant women with twins also have an increased risk of developing gestational diabetes.
Twins are often born preterm (before 37 weeks of gestation) and they may have low birth weight (under 2.5kg). In the case of twins, it is more common for one or both babies to remain for observation and treatment in a neonatal unit.
If you are expecting twins, this does not mean that you will necessarily have a complicated pregnancy. However, it is possible to visit your obstetrician-gynecologist for more frequent check-ups. That’s why it’s of utmost importance to choose a medical team you trust.