Everything About Multifetal Pregnancy Reduction

 What is Multifetal Pregnancy Reduction?

When you have more than one fetus, multifetal pregnancy reduction (MPR) is a technique that aims to reduce the overall number of foetuses. If you're at high risk, this can improve your chances of having a safe pregnancy and assist the surviving fetus or fetuses survive. It's typically done between 11 and 14 weeks of pregnancy after genetic testing has been done to see if there are any issues. Because MPR can be difficult for both you and your partner to deal with, it's critical to work with a maternal fetal medicine specialist who can help you deal with what is often a very emotional and complex situation.

How Is It Performed?

There are some hazards associated with carrying a pregnancy with more than one fetus, and undergoing a multifetal pregnancy reduction treatment is one effective option to lower your risks. Although deciding to have one and navigating the procedure might be stressful, it's critical to understand your options and what they represent for you and your health. Your maternal fetal medicine specialist can help you through the process, but here's what you should know about it and how it can benefit you.

What Should You Expect During The Procedure?

MPR is done with the help of ultrasonography as a guide. A needle is used to inject medication into the fetus during the process. Only a few fetuses are affected, leaving the remainder intact. Over time, your body will absorb the afflicted fetuses. This can result in bleeding, which is entirely normal.

What Are The Risks?

MPR carries some hazards, but they're uncommon, and your maternal fetal medicine specialist can let you know what to expect. MPR can result in a miscarriage of the remaining pregnancy or fetuses, but this happens in less than ten surgeries out of a hundred. Miscarriage rates vary depending on the number of fetuses involved; the rate is highest when the number of fetuses is reduced from six or more. In contrast, the risk is lowest when the total number of fetuses before reduction is modest. Infection is also a possibility, but it's implausible. Even when MPR is deemed medically essential, and you successfully carry the remaining pregnancies, MPR can be emotionally draining in many circumstances.

How Can One Lower The Risks?

It's crucial to understand that MPR does not reduce your risk of all pregnancy issues, so you should work with a maternal foetal medicine professional who can help you plan a successful pregnancy. You may still give birth to children with long-term health issues or diseases, so receiving the proper testing and care can help you get your children the help they need after birth. Because MPR is more common in women who use in vitro fertilisation (IVF), your reproductive endocrinologist and maternal foetal medicine specialist can advise you on the best treatment to avoid multiple pregnancies.

Coping With Fetal Reduction

Considering MPR can be highly distressing, and it's totally normal to experience sadness and grief during the process. Although your maternal fetal medicine specialist can assist you, it's generally recommended that you and your spouse seek counselling services as you navigate your path. Because deciding to undergo MPR might be a challenging decision, it's critical to seek out assistance as you move forward.