Prevention of multiple pregnancies in an in vitro fertilization program.

OBJECTIVE

To limit the high number of multiple pregnancies in an IVF program.

SETTING

In Vitro Fertilization Laboratory, Fertility Department, Public Hospital.

INTERVENTIONS

The number of embryos transferred was limited to two instead of three.

RESULTS

Limiting the number of embryos transferred to only two did not influence the take home baby rate but eliminated triplet and quadruplet gestations. Moreover, the number of patients with good quality supernumerary embryos available for cryopreservation increased.

CONCLUSIONS

To reduce the high frequency of multiple gestations in an IVF program, the number of embryos replaced should be limited to a maximum of two.