Monthly Archives: September 2017
Multifetal Pregnancy Reduction
Multifetal pregnancy reduction (MFPR) is the medical procedure that reduces the number of fetuses carried during the multiple pregnancy. It might be a very depressing subject for the intended parents to discuss, however, in long term perspective, MFPR can lead to a healthier pregnancy.
It is a fact that multiple pregnancy is a common occurrence during the In vitro fertilization treatment. The reason is that in order to increase the chances of a successful transfer, 2 or 3 embryos are often transferred at a time. When all of them implant successfully, intended parents are often surprised with twins of triplets. MFPR is not performed when a female carries twins, but may be done to decrease the number of fetuses from 3 or more to 2.
In most of the cases, the aim of the multifetal pregnancy reduction is to increase the chances of a healthy pregnancy. More fetuses are unfortunately linked to higher chances of miscarriage, stillbirth and lifelong disabilities.
Procedure
The procedure itself is performed early in the pregnancy (9-12 weeks), when the size of the fetus is very small. Widely used method includes injecting potassium chloride in the fetus via a needle, which is inserted in woman’s abdomen.
As already mentioned, multifetal pregnancy reduction is not performed during the twin pregnancy. The risk of this medical procedure is to unintentionally harm other than selected fetus(es). In order to avoid termination of the pregnancy, most of the fertility doctors and surrogacy agencies will strictly refuse to perform MFPR in case of twins.
How to feel about multifetal pregnancy reduction?
The procedure is undoubtedly mentally traumatizing and has a heavy emotional load. However, as strange as it may sound, intended parents should realize that it is done in sake of a more successful and healthy pregnancy.
Surrogate Mother Selection Criteria
In reality, it is not that simple to formulate the golden standards for the surrogate mother selection. Criteria can sometimes be different across the countries and agencies. However, it is important that intended parents have the general understanding and have an idea of what should they expect and how their surrogate mother is controlled before being finally chosen for the program.
Intended parents need to be ensured that the agency will do it’s best, double check medical condition of the surrogate mother and choose the most appropriate candidate with the highest likelihood of success.
Does not matter whether baby is genetically connected to the surrogate mother or not. There exist a number of medical complications and conditions which may occur or transmit while the baby is being carried by the surrogate.
Most of the surrogacy agencies will require that surrogate mother does or provides the results of routine medical tests, such as : complete blood count, HIV test, hepatitis C, measurement of hormone levels, pap smear test and more.
The list of tests and requirements may vary across countries and agencies. In some cases, apart from the ordinary tests, the surrogate should provide additional reports:
- Chest X-ray and the conclusion that surrogate does not have tuberculosis.
- Conclusion from the breast physician.
- It is often required that the surrogate mother has her own children. It is important to check the report from the pediatrician and make sure that surrogate’s biological children are healthy and do not have any medical problems.
- Conclusion from the narcologist.
- Report from the psychologist – yes, it is important to know that a surrogate mother is mentally healthy and completely ready to get started with the program and such a responsible journey.
- The reports should of course include the final conclusion that the surrogate mother is healthy and does not have any pregnancy related issues.
During the introduction to the agency and the preliminary discussion, intended parents can require the list of surrogate mother selection criteria and double check that their candidate is satisfying them.
Huge amount of tests does not necessarily mean more qualitative check up and service. It is crucial that all of the tests have their purpose and are connected to the pregnancy. Intended parents should not hesitate to ask as many questions as needed and desired.
