Twins or Singletons? Exploring the Factors to Consider After IVF Success
Thanks to the latest and cutting-edge technological advancements in fertility treatments, individuals with issues of infertility can now use assisted reproductive technology (ART) to become parents. In vitro fertilization, or IVF is the most widely used and successful type of ART.
It may be rather challenging to become pregnant with twins. Overseeing the lives of two tiny humans at the same time is a difficult task. Apart from the number of cribs and clothing you purchase, there are some significant distinctions between having a singleton and twin pregnancy, even though both provide you with the joys of parenthood.
Types of twins:
1. Identical or monozygotic twins:
The fertilized egg splits in two when still a tiny collection of cells, resulting in around one in three sets of twins being identical. Known as monozygotic or one-cell twins, these twins grow into two infants with the same genetic makeup. About 25% of pairs of identical twins have mirror pictures in which the left and right sides match up.
2. Fraternal or dizygotic twins:
Around two out of every three twin sets are fraternal. Two distinct sperm fertilize two separate eggs (ova), creating fraternal or "dizygotic" (two-cell) twins. These babies won't resemble siblings born at different times anymore. The infants may have different sexes or be of the same sex.
The Probability of Twins with IVF:
For many infertile couples throughout the world, in vitro fertilization (IVF) is nothing more than a blessing. This medical procedure raises a woman's chances of becoming pregnant after several months of natural trying. When a couple chooses to have IVF for twins, the doctor implants the formed embryo—which was created from the couple's egg and sperm in a cutting-edge laboratory—into the woman's uterus, where it will implant and grow.
Nowadays, more people than ever before have twins. A study claims that during the past 40 years, the number of twin births has doubled. IVF therapy may be a contributing factor in the rising incidence of twin pregnancies. With IVF, women have a greater probability of becoming pregnant with twins. In a typical pregnancy, there is a 6% chance of having twins; with in vitro fertilization, there might be a 25% risk.
Twin Probability Increasing Factors:
The likelihood of twins increasing with the use of reproductive medications is well known. However, other factors contribute to the higher frequency of twins and higher-order pregnancies than fertility treatments.
Age: Twin conception is more common in those over 30, especially those over 35. One increasingly essential but little-known factor contributing to the country's excess of multiple births is delayed childbearing. This is because when parents of young children age, their follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels increase. Eggs must mature before being released from the ovaries, and FSH does this.
People need more FSH as they age because their eggs need more stimulation to expand than they did in the past. Occasionally, follicles overreact to elevated FSH levels, releasing and fertilizing two or more eggs, which leads to multiple pregnancy development.
Family background: While the kids of male identical twins may be more likely to produce identical twins, having identical twins in your family does not always mean you will have multiples. Your odds of having twins, however, increase if your family has fraternal twins or non-identical twins. Your odds of having twins increase even further if there are fraternal twins on either parent's side or if the donor is an egg or sperm donor
Weight and height: Due to elevated ovulation and estrogen levels, those who weigh more are more likely to become pregnant with twins. However, other factors might complicate getting pregnant. Taller people, averaging 164.8 cm in height, may also be more likely to give birth to twins due to improved nutrition.
Factors to consider:
Couples undergoing IVF treatment are increasingly advising their physicians to transfer numerous embryos, reasoning that this would improve the likelihood of becoming pregnant. Nevertheless, this strategy might not be ideal as it puts the mother and child in danger. Numerous IVF clinics support this unethical practice. Having a healthy child should be the aim of fertility therapy, and fertility doctors should decide after considering several variables, including age, medical history, embryo quality, and past IVF experiences.
Maternal and baby health:
There is a greater chance of miscarriage and early labor in twin pregnancies; 47% of prematurely born twins have low birth weights, and 39% have low birth weights. With 20% of twin pregnancies frequent, pregnancy-induced hypertension is a typical occurrence. In IVF twin pregnancies, pre-eclampsia is also a risk factor; one in three instances is at risk. Twins have a threefold increased risk of gestational diabetes. In twin IVF pregnancies, cesarean sections are more prevalent.
Compared to singletons, IVF twins had a 7-fold increased risk of preterm labor and low birth weight kids, as well as a greater likelihood of delivery before 32 weeks. Early and late miscarriages are more frequent in premature newborns, and they are at higher risk of physical and mental impairments. IVF-born twins or multiples may need extensive newborn care.
Parenting challenges:
Caring for multiples can be physically challenging, especially for infants and toddlers, and can lead to feelings of exhaustion and stress. Parents may also feel socially isolated due to their busy schedules and financial struggles. Balancing personal interests with children's needs is crucial, but it's important not to abandon hobbies or interests.
Multiples may attract attention, which can have positive or negative consequences depending on the parents' personalities and the nature of the attention. Plan on how you will respond to this kind of attention and questions. Keeping a sense of humor is essential.
Additional support from family and friends is often short-term, and parents of multiple often need extra help, even if one parent stays at home. Premature infants require smaller, more frequent feedings and more time to feed them at night. If one parent cannot assist, a schedule should be worked out so that each parent shares the work equally.
Lack of sleep can cause fatigue and depression, and it's essential to work together to overcome these difficulties. Postpartum depression (PPD) is more common in mothers of multiple fathers, and recognizing and treating symptoms is crucial for the well-being of both the mother and her infants.
Emotional challenges:
Due to the ongoing need to divide time and attention and the requirement to offer the same degree of care as a single infant, caring for numerous newborns can be difficult. Over 10% of moms who have had multiple children have postnatal depression within a year after giving birth. Postnatal depression is more likely to occur in twins because they are more likely to get treatment in the neonatal unit. Additionally, twin pregnancies are more likely to have problems, which can complicate delivery and lead to fatigue. Especially if the twins are the product of IVF, the realities of raising twins may not match conventional notions of motherhood.
Because caring for many newborns can be mentally and physically demanding, and because it can be hard to escape the situation, mothers with single children may experience feelings of jealousy, isolation, and unsupport.
Roughly 10% of men have postpartum depression, with rates more excellent in multiples. Although men may find it challenging to get help, it's essential to let a general practitioner know if they suffer from anxiety or depression.
Financial implications
The cost of a twin pregnancy might increase due to the increased number of doctor appointments, obstetrician visits, and ultrasounds. A cesarean section is more common, and delivery expenses are likewise substantial, particularly when twin babies are involved. A vaginal delivery should cost no less than $10,000, and a c-section should cost more than $30,000. Complications and postpartum care result in higher expenditures, which might rise significantly if the newborns need time in the NICU. Strollers, cribs, swings, breast pumps, bottles, booster seats, and nursery room furnishings are durable products for twins. Ongoing costs include clothes, laundry detergent, diaper rash ointment, wipes, diapers, and baby shampoo/soap. Twin feeding should be provided at no cost or a reduced rate, and all necessary supplies should be bought.
As they age, the elder twin's expenditures become more like a singleton child's. Long-term goals should include funding future weddings, education savings, and the twins' allowance. Parents may have a significant financial strain as a result of these costs.
Making decisions:
The most extraordinary sensation in a woman's life is becoming a mother. Despite being overpowering, it nevertheless has a particular enchantment. Enjoying the company of twins or triplets increases a woman's happiness. Still, women find that confusing. They consider their financial circumstances and postpartum care and are constantly willing to inquire about your readiness.
Because over 60% of twins and higher-order multiples are prematurely delivered before 37 weeks, twin pregnancies are dangerous. Babies born before their time need help breathing, eating, and recovering from illnesses. Babies born repeatedly are twice as likely to have congenital disabilities. Identical twins can suffer from twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome.
As this risk stands, most parents choose singletons.
MMC IVF: your partner in IVF
At MMC IVF we understand that each fertility journey is unique, and so are the decisions that come with it. MMC IVF offers comprehensive support and guidance for those embarking on their fertility journey. We understand the emotional complexities and critical choices involved in fertility treatments, from embryo selection to preparing for life after a successful cycle. We are not just a medical provider but also a partner in your journey towards parenthood, providing emotional support and guidance.