Decreasing Multiple Births Due to Infertility Treatment

Over the past 5 years, the overall percentage of multiple pregnancies due to assisted reproductive technologies (ART like IVF) in the US decreased. This is the result of a recent research study at Women’s Hospital in Boston, whose data was published in April’s New England Journal of Medicine.

The researches found that the average number of transferred embryos in ART has declined, which is due to the guidelines set by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM). “Like the ASRM, we have a high interest in improving patient care”, states Dr. Hummel, who implemented the Center’s policy of transferring very low numbers of embryos before the guidelines were issued. “A healthy baby is our goal, not just a pregnancy.” IVF patients undergoing infertility treatment have always been concerned with the a risk of multiple gestation. The results of this study may help educate patients about the positive development in recent years.