Transmission of genetic problems from parents to children through IVFDr Asha S Vijay

Parents always take precautionary measures to ensure that their babies are safe and healthy. The present generation of parents goes an extra mile to secure their children’s health. But there are still a few grey areas where creating awareness is essential. One of such is genetic testing and its role in treating birth abnormalities.

One of the critical treatment options for infertility is IVF. IVF involves combining eggs and sperm outside the body in a laboratory. Once an embryo or embryos are formed, they are injected into the uterus for a successful conception. Today, technological advancements in IVF have made it feasible to detect genetic disorders at the embryonic stage. This allows specialists to choose the best embryo with minimal risk of genetically transmissible diseases and conditions. Millions of children are born worldwide following IVF treatments. The majority of IVF babies are very healthy.

> One important risk in the process of IVF is the risk of multiple pregnancies (twins or more) from transferring more than one embryo. At GarbhaGudi IVF Centre, we are working very hard to reduce the risk of high order multiple pregnancies by implanting fewer embryos, usually, only one or two depending on your age. We transfer fewer embryos with higher pregnancy rates due to our excellent success with blastocyst culture. A blastocyst is an embryonic stage about five days after fertilization when the cells separate into the embryo and the placenta.

> A critical risk in the process of IVF is the risk of multiple pregnancies (twins or more) from transferring more than one embryo. At GarbhaGudi IVF Centre, we work very hard to reduce the risk of various high-risk pregnancies by implanting fewer embryos, usually only one or two, depending on your age. We transfer fewer embryos with higher pregnancy rates due to our excellent success with blastocyst culture. A blastocyst is an embryonic stage about five days after fertilization when the cells separate into the embryo and the placenta.

In such a case, it is good to consider IVF with preimplantation genetic testing (PGT). This form of testing ensures that children don’t inherit the gene mutations from their parents. This method identifies a defect in an embryo before it is implanted back in the womb at embryo transfer.

Today, reproductive science can address genetic problems. Using preimplantation genetic screening (PGS) & preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) during an IVF cycle can help detect many chromosomal abnormalities.

With PGS and PGD, we can identify genetically abnormal IVF embryos that would result in infant abnormalities or failed pregnancy and not transfer those into the mother. After a successful pregnancy, there are various tests and screening during early pregnancy, such as amniocentesis or double marker test, triple marker test, quadruple marker test, anomaly scans, etc. We can detect most of the per cent of IVF babies with an abnormality.

Congenital abnormalities are rare. Several studies have indicated that couples with infertility, whether conceiving naturally or through non-IVF treatment, have the same risk of defects as those undergoing IVF. Recent studies suggest that if the sperm count is average, there is no increase in defects with ICSI.

Most studies show that infant development is expected in children conceived through IVF. The risk factor in infant developmental problems is premature delivery, more common in multiple pregnancies (twins, etc.).

The good news is that IVF can help many infertile couples have children without an abnormality. Advancements in genetic testing and technology have improved our ability to detect abnormalities early and address the same. Couples opting for IVF should discuss genetic testing options with their fertility doctor to determine if this service is appropriate for them.

GarbhaGudi IVF Centre is breaking barriers & helping build families. Since 2011, we have pioneered fertility treatment for all kinds of fertility challenges. We have been awarded the best IVF & Fertility Hospital in India for 2021. We are committed to our work & want to help you achieve your dream of having a baby.

Contact our fertility specialists to know more about safe pregnancy through IVF to welcome your happy & healthy baby!