Size May Determine Risk of Prematurity After IVF
Posted on July 18, 2008
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A new study printed in the Washington Post may provide the answer that can reduce the risk of a woman delivering premature twins after a successful IVF. Aaron and Malky over at The Second Time Around posted a link to this article the other day and then discussed it in their most recent podcast. So, yes, I’m copying their material.
What I love about this study is that it is a proactive approach to managing prematurity associated with fertility treatments. Wouldn’t it be great to know in advance that your uterus is too small to carry multiples? Then you could use this information to discuss the BEST treatment option for you and your soon-to-be child(ren). With this knowledge, RE’s could help reduce the rate of infant mortality and prematurity. Shouldn’t this be part of their responsibility anyway?
But, will it really change the outcome? A friend of mine called me last night to tell me that she was pregnant and that she was hoping for twins this time (she has two other children). I said, “After reading my book and knowing what we went through you really want twins?” Of which she said, “Yeah, that kinda scares me, but I’d really love to have twins.” The reality is that she is less likely to give birth prematurely because she has carried two other babies full-term. So, if she is in fact pregnant with twins, I suspect (and hope) that she’ll carry them to at least 36 weeks.
Even knowing the risks, we are so fascinated by twins that we’ll assume the risk of prematurity. Until we experience prematurity first hand (similar with infertility too), we have no idea how devastating it can be. I’m lucky, as are most women who give birth to premature babies, that my girls are healthy today. However, what about those who are not so lucky. This is about preventing unnecessary suffering for women and their babies.
Will this information change how you approach your fertility treatments?
Creative Commons image courtesy of ewar woowar.
» Filed Under Infertility, Premature Births, pregnancy
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2 Responses to “Size May Determine Risk of Prematurity After IVF”
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No problem using our material - feel free. The whole point of our IF community is to help each other out, so the more we can share the better for everyone. I’m glad you liked the podcast.
Thanks Malky. I agree that we all benefit by helping each other.