IVF procedures are quite safe, and most women are no more likely to have health or pregnancy concerns than women who have conceived naturally. Although, there are some concerns to be aware of, ranging from little discomfort to severe conditions. Learn about all of the risks and what to look out for in order to have a safe and healthy pregnancy.
Maternal fatalities as a result of in vitro fertilization (IVF) are uncommon, although they do occur. Complications of ovarian stimulation, surgical procedures, and pregnancy itself are all risks linked with IVF and similar assisted reproduction technologies. Serious problems are very minimal, although they can be life-threatening.
The research results offer some confidence regarding the safety of IVF procedures — alluding to the presence of a healthy patient effect — in which the unhealthiest women in the population are deterred from conception and infertility therapy.
How secure is fertility treatment?
IVF treatment is normally highly safe, and the majority of people who receive it have no difficulties with their health or pregnancy. There are, however, some problems to be aware of, which include:
- delivering multiple births or pregnancies (twins, triplets, or more)
- syndrome of ovarian hyperstimulation (a critical reaction to fertility medications)
- experiencing an ectopic pregnancy
What should you know about multiple births?
Multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets, or more infants) can be harmful to both the mothers’ and the babies’ health. At least half of all twins are born prematurely and underweight, which can result in significant (and in some cases, long-term) health issues and even death. If you’re carrying multiple infants, you’re also considerably more likely to experience an early or late miscarriage. Mothers with multiples are also more prone than single-baby mothers to experience health issues such as high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, anemia, and hemorrhage. That’s why we always recommend having a single, healthy baby.
What can you do to lower your chances of having multiple babies?
Many women undergo what is known as an elective single embryo transfer (eSET). This implies that just one embryo is transplanted to your womb rather than two or three as was previously customary, greatly reducing your chances of having multiple births and the associated health complications. If there are any leftover embryos, they can be saved and used in future treatments if you so want.
Utilizing an eSET has no noticeable effect on success rates. Although, this may not be appropriate for everyone, especially older women, so you should consult with your specialist to see whether it is appropriate for you.
What should you understand about ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome?
The reaction to gonadotrophin fertility medicines used to stimulate egg production is known as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). OHSS happens in women who are extremely sensitive to fertility medicine, resulting in an overabundance of eggs forming in the ovaries, which tend to be quite big and painful. A third of women might have minor OHSS, which may usually be handled well at home with pain medication. Only a tiny proportion of women will experience moderate or severe OHSS, but severe OHSS can be life-threatening in extremely rare circumstances, so it’s critical that you report any symptoms to your specialist.
OHSS symptoms include; stomach swollenness and aches (which can be severe), vomiting and nausea, breathing difficulty, faintness, decreased urine output.
Women who develop severe OHSS symptoms usually do so within a week of egg collection. Once you notice any of these symptoms, you should contact your clinic right once. Don’t feel like you’re wasting the clinic’s time.
What should you be aware of when it comes to ectopic pregnancies?
When a baby grows outside of the womb, generally in the fallopian tube, this is known as an ectopic pregnancy. Unfortunately, when this happens, the baby cannot be moved, and the pregnancy is lost. It is critical to seek medical attention as soon as possible in these circumstances since ectopic pregnancies that are left untreated for too long can cause rupturing in the fallopian tubes, resulting in internal bleeding. Every pregnant woman is at risk of having an ectopic pregnancy, however, those undergoing IVF might be at more risk. This happens due to the likelihood that the embryo would migrate to the fallopian tube instead of the womb when being transplanted.
Ectopic pregnancy symptoms include; pain in the lower abdomen that is just on one side, vaginal bleeding, or vaginal discharge that is dark brown or red, when you go to the toilet, you experience diarrhea or pain.
Orion IVF is proud to be a top choice for couples and individuals around the state. Our patients receive comprehensive treatment solutions from us. Our clinic is staffed with top infertility specialists, and we provide ovulation induction, intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilization (IVF), egg donation programs, and preimplantation genetic screening (PGD, PGS). Schedule your appointment with the best IVF hospital in Pune today.