Embryo Reduction: Ensuring Healthier Pregnancies with Expert Care
Multiple pregnancies, especially those resulting from IVF or other assisted reproductive techniques, can increase the risks for both the mother and babies. In cases where a pregnancy involves three or more fetuses, embryo reduction can be a necessary procedure to improve the chances of a healthier pregnancy and outcome.
At Sishu Fertility Clinic & IVF Center, we provide specialized care for women facing high-order multiple pregnancies. Our team of fertility experts and best gynecologists in Nepal are dedicated to helping you navigate this decision and offering the best possible care during and after the procedure.
What is Embryo Reduction?
Embryo reduction (also called selective embryo reduction) is a medical procedure that involves reducing the number of fetuses in a multiple pregnancy to minimize the risks for the mother and remaining babies. In higher-order pregnancies (triplets or more), one or more fetuses are selectively terminated to improve the health and well-being of the remaining fetuses.
The procedure is typically recommended for pregnancies resulting from IVF where the risk of complications is higher due to multiple fetuses. It can also be advised for spontaneous multiple pregnancies when there are concerns about the risks of carrying multiple babies.
Why is Embryo Reduction Advised?
The decision to undergo embryo reduction is made with the health and safety of both the mother and the babies in mind. Here are some key reasons why this procedure is advised:
- Reduced Risk of Premature Birth: The risk of preterm labor increases as the number of fetuses grows. A singleton pregnancy typically lasts about 40 weeks, but twins are born around 36 weeks, and triplets or more often arrive prematurely, between 28 to 32 weeks.
- Healthier Babies: Reducing the number of fetuses helps to lower the chances of low birth weight, developmental delays, and prolonged stays in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
- Improved Maternal Health: Carrying multiple fetuses places additional strain on the mother’s body, increasing the risk of complications like gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and high blood pressure. Embryo reduction lowers these risks and allows the mother to carry the remaining babies more safely.
At Sishu Fertility Clinic, our expert team offers personalized care to ensure that the decision is in the best interest of the mother and her babies.
Benefits of Embryo Reduction
Undergoing embryo reduction at Sishu Fertility Clinic provides multiple benefits, including:
- Increased Pregnancy Duration: Reducing the number of fetuses helps extend the duration of pregnancy, offering the remaining babies a better chance to grow and develop healthily.
- Lower Risk of Premature Birth: Studies show that reducing the number of embryos significantly lowers the likelihood of preterm birth. For example, triplet pregnancies reduced to twins show a 54% preterm birth rate, compared to 87-92% in non-reduced triplet pregnancies.
- Improved Birth Weight: Reduced pregnancies are associated with higher birth weights, which means healthier babies and fewer complications after birth.
- Shorter NICU Stays: Reducing the number of fetuses also reduces the chances of complications, meaning shorter stays in NICU and quicker recovery.
- Lower Perinatal Mortality: Perinatal mortality rates are lower in pregnancies that undergo embryo reduction, ensuring better outcomes for both the mother and the babies.
When is Embryo Reduction Performed?
Embryo reduction is typically performed between 11 and 13 weeks of pregnancy, with Sishu Fertility Clinic preferring to conduct the procedure around 12 weeks. This timing allows for first-trimester screening and genetic testing to ensure the health of the remaining fetuses.
In some cases, multiple pregnancies may naturally reduce by the end of the first trimester, with the so-called “vanishing twin” phenomenon, where one fetus is absorbed by the body without harming the remaining babies.
How is Embryo Reduction Done?
At Sishu Fertility Clinic, embryo reduction is performed using ultrasound guidance to ensure precision and minimize risks. The procedure involves:
- Needle Insertion: A needle is inserted through the mother’s abdomen, and a medication is injected into the fetus or fetuses to be reduced.
- Minimally Invasive: The procedure is minimally invasive and usually takes less than 30 minutes.
- Post-Procedure Monitoring: After the procedure, the mother will be monitored for a few hours to ensure everything is proceeding well and to check the fetal heartbeats.
What Are the Risks of Embryo Reduction?
As with any medical procedure, embryo reduction does carry some risks:
- Pregnancy Loss: There is a 7% chance of losing the entire pregnancy before 20 weeks following the procedure.
- Other Risks: Potential risks include infection, bleeding, and premature labor, although these are relatively rare. Our fertility experts ensure that the procedure is carried out with the utmost care to minimize these risks.
At Sishu Fertility Clinic, we provide comprehensive counseling and monitoring to help you make the best decision for your health and well-being.
What to Expect After the Procedure
Following embryo reduction at Sishu Fertility Clinic, you can expect:
- Rest and Monitoring: You will be monitored for a few hours after the procedure to check the fetal heartbeats and ensure you’re feeling well.
- Mild Discomfort: Some women may experience mild bruising at the needle entry site or light cramping and spotting for a few hours.
- Recovery: Most women can return to their normal activities after a few days, though our doctors may recommend a short rest period to reduce the risk of infection.
If you experience any severe symptoms, such as fever, heavy bleeding, or contractions, it’s important to contact our clinic immediately.
Contact Sishu Fertility Clinic for Expert Care
At Sishu Fertility Clinic, we are committed to providing the highest level of expert care and personalized support for women facing high-order multiple pregnancies. Our fertility experts and best gynecologists are here to guide you through every step of the embryo reduction process, ensuring the health and safety of both you and your babies.
If you are considering embryo reduction or have concerns about your multiple pregnancy, contact us today. Our team is here to offer the support and care you need for a healthy, successful pregnancy.
Call us now at Sishu Fertility Clinic to schedule a consultation or get more information about our services.
Sishu Fertility Clinic & IVF Center is a leading provider of fertility and IVF treatments in Nepal, known for its high success rates and expert care. With a team of top fertility specialists and gynecologists, the clinic offers personalized treatments, including IVF, IUI, ICSI, PCOS and advanced reproductive technologies, ensuring optimal outcomes and compassionate support throughout the fertility journey.
