Women who have multiple births following IVF (in vitro fertilisation) treatment are more likely to be depressed than single-birth mothers, according to a new US study presented at the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) last week. Researchers from Harvard Medical School in Boston interviewed 300 mothers who had a multiple birth (twins or more) following fertility treatment, and compared their responses with 128 mothers who had a single IVF birth. They found that multiple-birth mothers were significantly more likely to be depressed, and less satisfied with their partners and home life.
The study found that even affluent families - who would be less likely to suffer financial pressures following a multiple birth - struggled to cope with twins or triplets. They also found that the stresses of bringing up two or more children of the same age left many women questioning their decision to undergo fertility treatment. 'The results indicate that multiple births result in significant social risks which compounds previously recognised medical risks' said lead researcher Marcia Ellison. Multiple pregnancies are associated with low birth weight, and an increased risk of complications during pregnancy and childbirth.
'Women are designed to carry one child; not twins or triplets or quadruplets. Any way we can get fertility treatment births closer to the norm should be considered' said Alison Cook, a spokeswoman for the UK's Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA). British fertility clinics are currently advised to implant no more than two embryos during IVF treatment, although doctors can transfer three in exceptional circumstances. The HFEA is reported to be preparing new proposed guidelines on the number of embryos transferred following IVF treatment, which it will publish in December. 'Research shows a small group of women benefit from having two or more embryos put back, because the risk of a multiple birth is far outweighed by the risk that they would not get pregnant if any fewer were added' said Cook. But she added: 'There is general concern about multiple births because of the harm it does to babies and the possible harm to the mother. This latest research also shows the family's quality of life suffers'.
Sources and References
-
IVF embryo limit could cut multiple birth misery
-
Multiple births a mixed blessing for IVF parents
-
IVF multiples 'strain marriages'
-
Multiple birth IVF mothers at greater risk of depression
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.