THE UK鈥檚 guidelines on assisted reproduction are being tightened up in an attempt to cut the number of multiple births.
From March, clinics will be allowed to transfer no more than two embryos to women under 40 years old. Previously, doctors could transfer three embryos in 鈥渆xceptional circumstances鈥�, but an analysis showing that a third of clinics account for more than half of all triplets suggests some clinics have been interpreting this rule more loosely than others.
There is growing concern worldwide about the 鈥渆pidemic鈥� of multiple births caused by fertility techniques such as IVF. Twins and triplets are more likely to die in their first year or suffer long-term health problems such as cerebral palsy. Their mothers are more likely to have complications during pregnancy, as well as stress, depression and exhaustion afterwards.
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