January 18, 2026
IVF Risks: Why Multiple Births Can Harm You and Your Baby
A Wall Street Journal study reveals that multiple births from IVF increase risks like premature delivery and birth defects. Women like Jackie Hazlett faced early births and NICU stays after twins. Experts now recommend elective single embryo transfer (eSET) to reduce these dangers.
Key Takeaways
IVF Multiple Births Risks: Premature Delivery and Birth Defects
Transferring multiple embryos during IVF raises the likelihood of complications such as cerebral palsy, congenital malformations, and premature birth. Jackie Hazlett’s twins were born five weeks early and required NICU care, illustrating the medical risks associated with multiple gestations.
Fertility Insurance Mandates and Shared Risk IVF Programs Explained
Insurance coverage and financial pressure often push patients toward multiple embryo transfers. Programs like Shady Grove Fertility’s Shared Risk 100% Refund Guarantee offer up to six IVF cycles for a flat fee, reducing financial stress and enabling safer decisions like single embryo transfers.
Why Elective Single Embryo Transfer (eSET) Reduces IVF Complications
eSET is recommended for women under 37 with strong embryos, with 34% of Shady Grove Fertility patients choosing this method. It lowers multiple birth risks while maintaining pregnancy success rates, though usage drops to 1.3% for women over 40 due to age-related challenges.
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