Risks of Multiple Births in IVF: What to Know in 2025

Multiple births are a well-recognized risk associated with in vitro fertilization (IVF) and other assisted reproductive technologies. Understanding these risks and how they can be managed is crucial for a healthy pregnancy and delivery.

Risks of Multiple Births in IVF

1. Increased Pregnancy Complications

• Preterm Birth: Higher risk of early delivery, leading to potential respiratory and developmental issues.
• Preeclampsia: A common complication in multiple pregnancies that increases risks for both mother and babies.
• Gestational Diabetes: More likely in multiple pregnancies, impacting overall pregnancy health.

2. Delivery Complications

• Cesarean Section: More common due to abnormal fetal positions or uterine overdistension.
• Uterine Overdistension: Carrying multiple babies can strain the uterus, complicating labor and delivery.

3. Neonatal Risks

• Low Birth Weight: More likely with multiple births, increasing risk of complications after delivery.
• Respiratory Problems: Premature or underweight babies often experience breathing difficulties.

4. Long-Term Health Issues

• Developmental Delays: May occur due to prematurity and low birth weight.
• Increased Medical Needs: Multiple births can require ongoing pediatric and developmental care.

Factors Influencing the Risk of Multiple Births

• Number of Embryos Transferred: More embryos mean higher chances of multiples, which is why many clinics now promote single embryo transfer (SET).
• Maternal Age: Older women may receive more aggressive protocols, increasing risk of multiples.
• Type of IVF Protocol: Some ovarian stimulation methods increase egg production.
• PCOS: Women with PCOS often produce more eggs, raising the potential for multiple embryos.

Managing the Risks

• Single Embryo Transfer (SET): A key method for reducing the risk of multiple pregnancies.
• Regular Monitoring: Early detection and management of complications through routine ultrasounds and checkups.
• Patient Education: Knowing the risks helps families make informed choices about IVF treatment options.
• Health Management: Maintaining a healthy weight, managing conditions like PCOS, and following medical advice can improve outcomes.

Final Thoughts

While IVF increases the chance of multiple births, careful planning and individualized treatment can minimize the risks. Discuss your options thoroughly with a fertility specialist to find the safest and most effective path to pregnancy.

Ectopic Pregnancy and IVF: Risks, Diagnosis & Prevention

An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, often in a fallopian tube. This is a potentially life-threatening condition requiring prompt medical attention.

Why It Matters in IVF

While IVF is designed to place embryos directly into the uterus, there’s still a small chance of an ectopic pregnancy. Let’s understand how and why this can happen.

IVF Procedure

During IVF, fertilized embryos are transferred into the uterus. However, if the fallopian tubes are damaged or if embryo migration occurs, there’s a risk of ectopic implantation.

Risk Factors

• History of tubal surgery or infections
• Previous ectopic pregnancies
• Endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• Use of fertility drugs

Diagnosis

Early ultrasound and blood tests (like hCG monitoring) help confirm whether the pregnancy is correctly located inside the uterus or is ectopic.

Treatment Options

• Medication: Methotrexate is commonly used to stop ectopic tissue growth if detected early.
• Surgery: Laparoscopic surgery may be needed if the fallopian tube has ruptured or the pregnancy is advanced.

Preventive Measures

• Careful embryo placement during IVF
• Screening for tubal abnormalities before treatment
• Close monitoring post-embryo transfer

Final Thoughts

Though the risk of ectopic pregnancy during IVF is low, being aware of the signs and working closely with your fertility specialist ensures timely intervention and safety throughout your reproductive journey.