What It Is and When It Becomes Necessary
The journey towards parenthood can be filled with excitement and anticipation, especially for intended parents navigating the surrogacy process. At our facility, we prioritize the health and well-being of both the future baby and the surrogate mother, which includes careful consideration of embryo transfers and the possibility of embryo reduction. In this blog, we will clarify what embryo reduction is, explain when it becomes necessary, and provide reassurance about our approach to managing this delicate situation.
Our Approach to Embryo Transfers
In line with best practices, we generally recommend transferring a single embryo to the surrogate mother. This approach maximizes the chances of a healthy pregnancy while minimizing potential complications. However, it is important to note that all of our surrogate mothers are informed during their recruitment process that they must be understanding of the possibility of carrying identical twins if the transferred embryo happens to split.
While the transfer of one embryo significantly reduces the likelihood of a multiple pregnancy, there remains a rare chance that an embryo will split after implantation, leading to an identical twin pregnancy. As part of our policy, we do not allow for embryo reduction in cases of twin pregnancies. This is a mandatory guideline, reflecting our commitment to protecting the health and integrity of the pregnancy.
When Is Embryo Reduction Necessary?
Embryo reduction may become necessary in specific circumstances. The most common scenario occurs when two embryos are transferred, and one of them splits, resulting in a triplet pregnancy. Triplet pregnancies carry a heightened risk of preterm labor and other serious complications that can affect both the surrogate mother’s health and the well-being of the babies.
In such cases, our medical team, comprising experienced professionals who specialize in these scenarios, carefully evaluates the situation. If the pregnancy is deemed high-risk, and especially before the twelfth week, the doctor may recommend embryo reduction as the safest option. The aim is to mitigate risks and ensure the health of both the surrogate and the developing fetuses.
It is worth mentioning that in some cases of triplet pregnancies, one of the fetuses may naturally stop developing. In these situations, the doctor will wait for optimal timing before making a decision regarding reduction, ensuring that any actions taken prioritize the health of the remaining fetus.
Procedures for Twin Pregnancies
In the event of a twin pregnancy where one fetus shows signs of not developing well or stops developing altogether, there is a specific procedure that allows the nonviable fetus to be safely frozen within the uterus. This technique ensures that an invasive procedure is not performed, which could negatively impact the healthy fetus and protect it from potential infections.
Our medical team has extensive experience handling these rare cases, and we are pleased to report that all procedures conducted over the years have led to successful outcomes. Our focus is always on maintaining a safe environment for both the surrogate and the developing baby.
While the possibility of embryo reduction may seem daunting, it is essential to understand that such instances are rare and can be managed effectively with the right expertise and care. If you have any further questions about embryo reduction, the transfer process, or other aspects of surrogacy, please do not hesitate to reach out. We are here to provide guidance and reassurance.
