IVF Twin Pregnancy

IVF and a Twin Pregnancy

Fact vs. Myth about IVF Twins

Myth: In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) will result in a multiple birth.

Fact: A study conducted in Europe resulted in 78.2% success in singleton pregnancies, 21% were twin pregnancies and less than 1% led to triplets which was the highest number of babies.

See more Myths vs Facts here

Twins are always of curiosity and often the question is asked “Are they natural or IVF twins?” to mothers who have a twin pregnancy. Whether our beautiful babies were conceived the old fashioned way or through IVF, does it really make a difference?

A Bit about the IVF Process

The IVF process can seem over whelming so read this basic step by step guide. There are five steps to the IVF process, these include:

Step 1 – Ovarian Stimulation
Fertility medications will be prescribed. This is to stimulate the healthy development of eggs and increase the chance of multiple eggs being produced for collection. The fertility drugs give can have some side effects like pelvic discomfort, tender breasts and mood swings. This process will be monitored by ultrasound to check the ovaries, as well as blood (or urine) tests to check hormone levels.

Step 2 – Collection of Eggs
The procedure of retrieving the eggs is referred to as follicular aspiration. With the use of an ultrasound for visibility a hollow needle is inserted through the pelvic cavity, the eggs are collected, rinsed and then stored in an IVF incubator. A local anesthesia is given to help with discomfort during this process. Afterwards there may be some cramping usually for the first day only.

Step 3 – Sperm
The guy will ‘collect’ his sperm either during the egg retrieval or before hand and then frozen for later use.

Step 4 – Fertilization and Embryo Growth
After step three, you will go home while the egg and sperm are combined, a process called insemination. Once the sperm has been injected into the egg they will be monitored by a embryologist who will confirm that fertilization has occurred. Successful inseminations will graduate to the embryo status.

Step 5 – Embryo Transfer
After a few days, between one and six days, the embryo transfer is ready to go. This is usually when the embryo has two, three or four cells, each clinic will have they own procedures and may vary on when they recommend implantation. During this process a catheter is inserted through the vagina to the womb which is likely to be directed by an ultrasound. Drinking a few glasses of water will help the doctor’s to see your uterus more easily.

What Next?

It’s basically a waiting game from now on. Waiting for pregnancy signs, resting, then blood tests and an ultrasound to find out whether you are pregnant.

Maybe with a Twin Pregnancy... Are you having twins?