Prevention of prematurity by single embryo transfer

J Perinat Med. 2011 May;39(3):237-40. doi: 10.1515/jpm.2011.020. Epub 2011 May 3.

Abstract

The development of assisted reproduction techniques (ART) represents an important advance in the treatment of human infertility. However, their great effectiveness has brought with it an excessive increase in multiple pregnancy rates with the serious medical, financial and social consequences that they entail. Now, the scientific societies, the health professionals, and the infertile couples themselves are aware of these risks and have worked together to implement various strategies to deal with this situation. The result that is being obtained from the strategy of selectively reducing the number of embryos transferred is obvious. The pandemic of multiple pregnancies is being brought under control and so we have effective prevention of the obstetric and neonatal complications arising from it. It is to be hoped that it will also contribute to significantly reducing the rates of prematurity and thus of severe neonatal complications.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Fertilization in Vitro
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy, Multiple
  • Premature Birth / prevention & control*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Single Embryo Transfer / methods*