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| Multiple Pregnancy |  In the majority of surrogate mothers, less than 20% of the embryos are implanted into the uterus after the embryo transfer. This is the reason why two or more embryos are usually replaced, which may cause the multiple pregnancy to occur. According to the latest data, which concerns the multiple pregnancy rate, more than 30% of gestational surrogate mothers delivered twins, about 10% gave birth to triples or other higher order multiples in the result of In Vitro Fertilization procedure.
Of course for some infertile couples of future intended parents it may seem attractive to have several babies at a time, however, multiple pregnancy is associated with increased risk of different kinds of maternal and fetal complications for the surrogate mother as well as for the babies, she is carrying. This is why the risks of possible complications are to be well balanced against the number of embryos, which will be transferred and the corresponding increase in success rate.
To the possible maternal risks, which are associated with multiple pregnancy may be referred such health complications as diabetes, anemia, hemorrhage, polyhydramnios – meaning that there is excessive amount of amniotic fluid, which surrounds the fetuses in the uterus. In addition, such complication as pre – eclampsia occurs four times more frequently, there is the higher risk of miscarriage. It should also be pointed out that prolonged hospitalization will be needed, which results in higher cost for medical care, and Caesarean section is often necessary in twin pregnancy, and it is almost always required in triplet or other higher order pregnancy. in addition, multiple pregnancy is always associated with more sickness, nausea, vomiting, fatigue and other general pregnancy complications.
To the possible fetal complications, which are associated with multiple pregnancy may be referred the following ones:
Preterm delivery. Single pregnancy usually lasts about 40 weeks. The term of twin pregnancy is rarely longer than 35 weeks, and triplets arrive as early as during the 33rd pregnancy week. It is also important to point out that preterm delivery occurs in about 60% of twin pregnancies, and in 90% of triplet and other higher order pregnancies.
Low birth weight. This kind of complication is very frequent, when the multiple pregnancy concerned. And it should also be noted, that only 25% of babies survive, if their birth weight is less than 1kg.
Still birth rates and neonatal death rates. The risk of eihter still birth or of neonatal death for a single is less than 1% (in case if the baby has no serious abnormality, of course). While in about 5% of twins delivery at least one baby is stillborn or dies soon after his arrival. Taking triplets and other higher order multiples into consideration – about 10% of these babies are stillborn.
In addition, in multiple delivery different kinds of birth defects are twice as common as in single delivery.
Moreover, the couple of perspective intended parents should keep in mind that twins, triplets ,and other higher order multiples place huge strains for them, which include possible financial problems, emotional stress as well as physical exhaustion.
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