Introduction
In the world of technology and innovation, medical science has achieved goals that people could only dream of a few decades ago. Back then, childless couples did not have many options to conceive. But now, because of IVF (in vitro fertilization), childless couples are blessed with multiple options. One such option is multiple births, which can include quadruplets, though they occur occasionally. This article will delve into details about quadruplets in IVF. Continue reading to know more.
What Are Quadruplets in IVF?
As the name suggests, Quadruplets refers to the birth of four babies from a single pregnancy. In the IVF procedure, when multiple embryos are transferred to the uterus, and all of them successfully implant and develop into fetuses, quadruplet pregnancies happen. It is not an ordinary event in IVF; it happens occasionally. Interestingly, while the birth of quadruplets is relatively rare, it represents a significant milestone in the journey of fertility treatment.
How Do Quadruplets Happen in IVF?
IVF procedures start with initial consultations and medical checkups. After that, the process of IVF begins. It starts with stimulating the ovaries to produce multiple eggs, which are then retrieved and fertilized with sperm in a laboratory setting. Following fertilization, the resulting embryos are cultured and monitored for their development. During embryo transfer, one or more embryos are usually transferred to the uterus to achieve a successful pregnancy. However, in some cases, multiple embryos may be transferred to increase the chances of pregnancy, leading to the possibility of multiple gestations, including quadruplets.
Quadruplets can arise from various combinations of zygosity, including fraternal (multizygotic), identical (monozygotic), or a blend of both. Multizygotic quadruplets result from four distinct egg and sperm pairings, while monozygotic multiples stem from a fertilized egg splitting into two or more embryos. Fully monozygotic quadruplets are rare, occurring approximately once every 13 million pregnancies. Research suggests that over half of the families with quadruplets comprise a mix of monozygotic and multi-zygotic individuals, with gender combinations ranging from all male and all female to a mix of genders. Monozygotic quadruplets are always of the same gender.
What Are the Challenges in Qudraplet Pregnancy?
The news of a quadruplet pregnancy often evokes a mixture of emotions for parents, ranging from excitement and anticipation to apprehension and anxiety. While the prospect of welcoming four newborns into the world brings unparalleled joy, it also poses significant challenges, both during pregnancy and after birth. Quadruplet pregnancies are considered high-risk due to the increased likelihood of complications such as preterm birth, low birth weight, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and placental abnormalities. The health and well-being of both the mother and the babies require vigilant monitoring and specialized care throughout the pregnancy journey.
What Preparations Are Required for Quadruplet Pregnancy?
From a logistical standpoint, preparing for the arrival of quadruplets involves meticulous planning and extensive resources. Parents must ensure that they have adequate support systems in place to meet the needs of four newborns simultaneously, including childcare, financial support, and emotional assistance. The demands of caring for multiple infants, including feeding, diapering, and sleep schedules, can be overwhelming, requiring unwavering dedication and teamwork from all family members involved.
The American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) provides guidelines regarding the number of embryos to transfer to an IVF patient, considering factors such as age, reproductive background, and embryo viability. However, not all transferred embryos culminate in live births, and even if only one embryo is implanted, the possibility of it splitting and resulting in twins exists. Ultimately, the outcome of IVF is not entirely predictable or controllable by either the patient or the physician.
What Is the Duration of Quadruplet Pregnancy?
The typical duration of a quadruplet pregnancy spans from 28 to 31 weeks, contrasting with the 40-week gestation period for a full-term baby. Throughout a quadruple pregnancy, mothers typically gain between 40 and 100 pounds, with an average weight gain exceeding 50 pounds. Roughly 25 percent of mothers may require cervical cerclage, a surgical procedure involving the suturing of the cervix to mitigate the risk of preterm labor.
The majority of quadruplet pregnancies culminate in cesarean delivery, with less than 3 percent of quadruplets being delivered vaginally, according to MOST. The average birth weight of a quadruplet is approximately 3 1/4 pounds, and most quadruplets receive medical attention in a hospital NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) for an average duration of one month post-birth.
What Are the Risks Associated with Quadruplet Pregnancy?
The risks associated with quadruplet pregnancy are discussed below.
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Higher Likelihood of Infant Mortality: Twins are five times more likely than single-birth infants to perish within the first month after birth.
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Increased Incidence of Preterm Birth: Twins and other multiples have a significantly elevated risk of being born prematurely. In 2006, approximately 60 percent of all twins born in the United States arrived before full term, compared to only 11% of single babies. Moreover, 12 percent of twins were delivered very prematurely, prior to 32 weeks of gestation, in contrast to approximately 2 percent of single infants.
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Elevated Probability of Low Birth Weight: Twins and other multiples are more predisposed to being born with a low birth weight. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 58 percent of U.S. twins born in 2006 had a low birth weight, while only about 6 percent of single babies fell into this category. Additionally, 10 percent of twins were born with a very low birth weight, compared to approximately 1 percent of single infants. Increased risk of birth defects, including cerebral palsy, particularly in babies born prematurely.
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Risks to Maternal Health: Women carrying more than one baby face heightened susceptibility to conditions such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and antepartum or postpartum hemorrhage, in contrast to those carrying a single baby.
Conclusion
To conclude, IVF is a boon to childless couples as it offers a solution for infertility. However, aiming for four embryos at a time may not always be successful and rarely occurs. There are risks involved for both the mother and the babies. Proper precautions and support can help lower the risks associated with multiple births. It is important to remember that the success of quadruplets in IVF does not solely depend on doctors. While they can try their best, they cannot guarantee success due to their extreme rarity.
