Knowledge and Attitudes of Women towards Multiple Embryo Transfer, Fetal Reduction and Multiple Pregnancy

Background: Multiple pregnancy and preterm delivery are well-known complications of IVF/ICSI treatment. Fetal reduction is also performed in the cases of high order multiple pregnancy. There is increased impetus on transferring fewer embryos, preferably only one in younger women. Materials and Methods: 186 women, who conceived following IVF/ICSI treatment participated in a questionnaire study regarding their knowledge and attitudes towards multiple embryo transfer, fetal reduction and multiple pregnancy. Results: A majority of women said that they were aware of the complications of multiple pregnancy (90%) and preterm delivery (85%). Nevertheless, none of them opted for a single embryo transfer. A positive pregnancy test was more important to most women than the outcome of that pregnancy (74%). Fetal reduction did not pose any moral concerns to most women (67%). Anxiety about the safety of the remaining twins persisted throughout pregnancy (73%). Having twin babies did not affect the quality of life of most women (74%). Conclusion: Indian women were similar with their western counterparts in desiring multiple embryo transfer in order to maximize their chance of getting a positive pregnancy result. The negative impact of twin or higher order pregnancy appears to be disregarded by the women prior to getting pregnant. The confidence of the treating physician to offer single embryo transfer also appears to affect the patients’ choices.