Do you know that the natural chance of conceiving twins is 6%? Well, if you’re planning to undergo IVF, the chances of having twins can be as high as 25%! Yes, the possibility of conceiving IVF twins is almost four times higher than in the natural process. This trend is growing, and it happens due to multiple pregnancy. Parents pursuing IVF must be both excited and cautious with their approach.
In this guide, we have explained why parents going for IVF treatment are likely to have twins. You will also get to know how this happens, along with the benefits and risks involved in the process. Here’s everything you must know before deciding the number of embryos to transfer.
What Is a Multiple Pregnancy in IVF?
A multiple pregnancy is a condition in which more than one embryo is implanted in your uterus. These embryos develop simultaneously to form IVF twins.
There are two ways in which this happens.
Dizygotic (fraternal) twins
This is a condition where two separate embryos implant and grow together.
Monozygotic (identical) twins
In this case, a single embryo splits into two after implantation.
Both these processes can occur naturally. However, instances of multiple pregnancies are more common with assisted reproductive technologies like IVF.
When the specialists transfer more than one embryo, it increases the chances of pregnancy. At the same time, it also raises the odds of twins or triplets. Data suggests that around 43% of infants conceived through assisted reproductive technology are twins. Around 3% are triplets, or more.
Why Are the Chances Of Multiple Pregnancy Increasing?
Over the last four decades, instances of twin births have doubled. The frequent use of IVF treatment is one of the key reasons shaping this trend. IVF twins can develop when the eggs are fertilized outside the body, after which they are transferred into the uterus.
However, identical twins can occasionally occur even when a single embryo transfer is performed. While this phenomenon is pretty rare, it still contributes to a small percentage of IVF twin pregnancies.
Why Do Some Couples Opt for IVF Twins?
Some couples willingly love to have IVF twins. They perceive this approach as a way to complete their family in a single pregnancy. These decisions are driven by several reasons.
Financial and emotional investment
IVF is expensive. That’s why some couples want to maximize their chances of success in a single cycle.
Older maternal age
For women above 38, the quality of the egg is usually low. That’s why they often prefer transferring multiple embryos.
Personal preference
Some couples even want to experience the joy of raising siblings together.
The Risks of Multiple Pregnancy in IVF
With multiple pregnancy comes a higher medical risk for both the mother and the babies. Sometimes, doctors advise not to transfer multiple embryos, considering the following reasons.
Common risks for mothers
Pre-eclampsia
This is a serious condition that results in high blood pressure, swelling, and protein in the urine.
Gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetes leads to higher blood sugar during pregnancy. It can affect both the mother and the babies.
Preterm labor
As a result of preterm labor, around 60% of IVF twins are born prematurely, before 37 weeks.
Cesarean Delivery
With twin pregnancies, the chances of requiring a C-section are almost double.
Postpartum Hemorrhage
Due to postpartum hemorrhage, the risks of increased bleeding during and after delivery are high.
Risks to Babies
Low Birth Weight
More than 50% of IVF twins weigh less than 2.5 gg. during birth.
Premature Birth
12% of twins are born before 32 weeks, which requires neonatal intensive care.
TTTS
Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome is a condition where twins share one placenta. In this case, one baby may get a higher blood flow than the other.
IUGR
Intrauterine Growth Restriction is another risk where one or both babies don’t grow at the expected rate.
Considering these complications, many fertility specialists encourage single embryo transfers as long as it’s a viable option.
Why Single Embryo Transfer Is Becoming the New Norm
With advancements in embryology and genetic testing, couples now experience improved outcomes of IVF. This makes it possible to achieve a high level of success with just a single embryo. Here are some of the common techniques that help in choosing the healthiest embryo.
- Blastocyst culture
- Time-lapse embryo monitoring
- Preimplantation genetic testing
For women under 38 years of age, embryo transfers can result in the same rate of success compared to multiple transfers. This almost eliminates the risk of multiple pregnancy.
Conclusion
Parenthood becomes a reality with IVF treatment. However, it demands careful choices like any medical process. As IVF chances are high, couples must understand how multiple pregnancy happens and what this means to the health of both the mother and the baby.
We have comprehensively discussed the factors you must know. Now, you can contact a top IVF clinic and make an informed decision as you proceed with your family planning.
FAQs
Can I have twin babies naturally due to IVF?
Yes. The chances of having twins are higher with IVF, particularly when you transfer more than one embryo. However, this can happen even when a single embryo splits into identical twins.
Is it safe to plan for IVF twins?
The truth is, it’s possible to have twins through IVF. But it’s not what fertility specialists usually recommend. There’s a higher risk of preterm birth and other complications for both the mother and the baby.
Can a single embryo transfer still lead to twins?
Yes. But this is rare. After implantation, a single embryo can split into two. This can result in identical twins.
Are IVF twins healthier than natural twins?
There’s no such evidence available to validate this claim. The health outcomes of babies depend on the care received by the mother, gestational age, and the weight of the baby at the time of birth. The risks faced by IVF twins are the same as those that are conceived naturally.
