Every year thousands of families are created with the assistance of in-vitro fertilization. Many of those newborns are twins. While some may see this as a double blessing, it is important to understand that there are many potential risks associated with multiple gestation. Statistics show that a higher percentage of twins are born prematurely compared to singleton pregnancies. Premature birth can cause complications resulting in physical impairment, learning disabilities, and even death. In addition to the increased risk to the children born from a multiple pregnancy, there is also an increased risk for the pregnant woman of complications associated with carrying multiples.

Pacific Fertility Center (PFC) has been taking steps to minimize the risk of multiple gestation for several years. “We have worked actively to increase pregnancy rates and decrease the number of multiples,” comments Carolyn Givens, M.D. “Balancing high pregnancy rates with low pregnancy risk improves pregnancy outcomes. Our goal is to achieve this balance and reduce the risk of multiple gestation.”

PFC recently completed the analysis of our Elective Single Embryo Transfer (eSET) program for 2009. The twin rate was significantly lower, and, triplets were eliminated entirely. 79 patients underwent an embryo transfer procedure where they elected to transfer only one embryo created from their own eggs; these 79 transfers resulted in 38 pregnancies, two of which were identical twin pregnancies (the embryo split from one into two) and NO triplets. Compare this statistic to patients choosing to transfer two embryos: 159 patients, with embryos derived from their own eggs, transferred two embryos resulting in 80 pregnancies, of which 31% were non-identical twins and two triplet pregnancies (again from one of the embryos splitting).

Patients that choose eSET have excellent pregnancy rates with a single embryo. eSET embryos are grown for 5 days in the lab to the blastocyst stage, which allows for selection of the healthiest embryos for transfer. The transfer of fewer embryos provides for the healthiest outcomes; eSET produces high pregnancy rates while minimizing the risk of multiple pregnancy. “For many patients, there is no advantage to transferring more than one embryo. It is all about educating our patients. Given this information, these numbers and the potential risks of twin pregnancies, many will choose to transfer only one embryo,” says Carolyn Givens, M.D.

At PFC, careful consideration is given to the number of embryos transferred to each patient. Our goal is to create healthy singleton pregnancies. Utilizing advanced embryo culture techniques, the highest quality embryos can be selected for transfer. Special environmental conditions, advanced culture media, and the delicate handling of gametes and embryos is required; these efforts result in better embryos, with higher implantation and pregnancy rates.

In addition, PFC has developed an outstanding and robust program for freezing embryos not transferred in the fresh cycle. Using a technology called vitrification, we have been able to achieve pregnancy rates with frozen embryos that are very similar to those using fresh embryos. “The outstanding success of our freezing program has allowed us to be confident in transferring just one embryo at a time, which all but eliminates the risk of triplets or higher pregnancy,” says Dr. Joe Conaghan, PFC Lab Director. He adds, “We have been so successful with embryo freezing over the last 3 years that our embryologists are in high demand to provide training across the country and around the world. Our goal is to help our patients overcome infertility and build their family; one healthy baby at a time.”