Arno van Peperstraten, Willianne Nelen, Richard Grol, Gerhard Zielhuis, Eddy Adang, Peep Stalmeier et al
van Peperstraten A, Nelen W, Grol R, Zielhuis G, Adang E, Stalmeier P et al.
The effect of a multifaceted empowerment strategy on decision making about the number of embryos transferred in in vitro fertilisation: randomised controlled trial
BMJ 2010; 341 :c2501
doi:10.1136/bmj.c2501
Twins and more risk is worth avoiding
Finally some evidence to support the decision my wife and I took to
insist on only 2 embryos implanted in 1993. At that time, we were being
hurried into having 3 embryos implanted because 'it would pretty much
guarantee a successful outcome'. We suspected on the basis of Australian
anecdotal reports from Prof Wood's team in Melbourne that such a strategy
would ensure a successful outcome in the eyes of the clinic, while
condemning us to at least twins, and probable triplets and a chance of 4
babies.
In the event, 2 embryos were implanted from the 12 or so which were
harvested. My 16 yo twins (boy and girl) continue to bring us much
pleasure.
In light of this report, if we could roll the clock back, we would
have preferred a singleton pregnancy. It is so much easier to love and
manage a single baby every couple of years than 2 at once!
Competing interests: Father of IVF twins