Invitro Fertilization is a blessing for most people across the globe. This scientific procedure helps infertile couples to increase their possibility of being conceived. Twin births are more common in IVF when compared to natural birth than it was in the past.
According to research, twin births have doubled in the last forty years. The reason is, in IVF treatment or assisted reproductive techniques women have higher chances of twin pregnancy. Only six percent is possible for conceving twins in natural pregnancy, whereas through IVF the chances of getting twins is around twenty five percent.
What are the Chances of Twin in IVF?
Considering the age and other related factors, physicians may insert multiple embryos inside the uterus that may increase the chance of pregnancy. In some cases both eggs fertilize and lead to multiple births.
According to the Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority (HEFA) out of five, one pregnancy results in twins during the IVF treatment.
Sub-fertile Couples Mostly Prefer Twins
Research has also explored that the couples seeking pregnancy through IVF treatment expect twin pregnancy. In a research study, about 75 to 90 percent of couples prefer twin birth which is higher than people who fear multiple pregnancies.
On the other hand, seventy nine percent of the couple could opt for two embryo transfers in their future IVF treatment procedure cycles.
Moreover, the reason for couples to continue with twin birth is associated with various factors such as income, nulliparity, lack of knowledge on complications, being younger, and a longer period of infertility. Additionally, the parents can rejoice in the birth of two children with the price of once.
How Does Twin Birth Happen in IVF?
There are two different types of twin birth. Monozygotic twins are mostly identical and they often divide from the single ovary. The embryo split up to form two zygotes resulting in twin birth. Whereas, Dizygotic twins fertilize two embryos individually and result in non-identical twins. In IVF treatments two or embryos are transferred in the uterine line resulting in multiple births.
Details to Understand if you want Twin Pregnancy
It is important to understand deeply about twin pregnancy. You must get the detailed information from your fertility doctor by discussing your probability of conceiving twins. Things you should know before you conceive twin pregnancy are listed below.
Family Health History- If your family descendant already had twins, then the chance of multiple births is high.
Body Type– Research has demonstrated that women with higher BMI are likely to have the risk of having twins. Women who are taller than the average height have a high probability to conceive twins.
Age- If you are a woman in your 30s or near 40s and trying for IVF, your doctor may suggest implanting two embryos rather than one because of the success probability. This can sometimes result in multiple births.
Previous Pregnancies- If the secondary infertility is treated with IVF then there is a high chance for multiple twins or IVF twins.
Advantage of Having IVF Twins
There are definitely certain obvious benefits of twins and they are listed below:
- The apparent benefit is that there is no need of going through pregnancy all over again.
- Moreover, the average cost of an IVF ranges from Rs. 90,000 to Rs. 1,50,000. Hence, the cost of another procedure can be saved with the cost of one.
- Additionally, twins become better companies and are there for eachother reducing the demand for parent attention.
- You no need to go another round of pregnancy hence benefiting both emotionally and financially.
Risk Associated with Twin Birth
There are certain complications that are present in the pregnancy, and in the health of the twins. The risks are described below:
Early Delivery- The twins are often born before the due date. The mother needs extra care and rest during this period. The twins can also have certain disorders in some cases.
Decreased Weight- Compared to single babies twins experience higher levels of low-weight and are smaller in appearance. In certain cases the babies may also be subjected to certain health problems that appear later in life.
Medical Conditions- Mothers who carry twins are often at high risk of getting certain conditions namely gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and placental abruption. However, if you follow a healthy lifestyle and stick with your doctor recommendation then you can avoid these risks.
How to Minimize the Risk of Having Twins?
To save yourself from juggling between two diapers, there are two things that you can do to minimize the risk of having twins and they are listed below:
eSET (Elective Single Embryo Transfer): With the help of your physician find the best embryo and transfer just one. This will increase the pregnancy rate and decrease the risk of multiple pregnancy.
PGT (Preimplantation Genetic Testing): This test helps to determine the most suitable and viable embryo.
Conclusion
In summary, having twins through IVF is a common fact. This is because of the number of embryos that are placed in the uterine line. Multiple pregnancy through IVF is often welcomed by couples as it helps them to save money and helps them to appreciate double blessing. There are certain risks that are associated with twin birth and with the help of your physician you can dodge the risk.
The strong truth is that having a single baby is a healthier option for both the mother and the baby. This is because twin birth can lead to premature delivery of the babies, and often have complications to the mother.
The two primary advantages of IVF is that it has recorded more success rates than IUI, and it helps people who are struggling to get pregnant enjoy the fruit of motherhood. The less known advantage is that it can help same-sex couples and single women to have a baby of their own.
Yes, it is possible that couples can choose twins in IVF procedure. The clinic will dictate the risk and the advantages if you agree to proceed with the procedure then the physician will focus on twin birth.
