Since the criteria for fertility treatment changed to favor single embryo transfers for improving safety of mothers as well as babies, triplet and higher-order births in the United States have decreased by 62% since 1998.
It has dramatically reduced chances of witnessing triplets or even more babies being born within a single birth in the United States.
Newer standards concerning assisted reproductive technologies, like IVF, have also led to 62% triplet and higher-order birth decreases since 1998, a CDC study just released reveals.
In the early stages of fertility treatment, several embryos were transferred back into a woman’s womb in order to enhance the prospects to improve at least one successful pregnancy.
These increased the chances of high-order multiple births, increasing risks associated with low birth weight and preterm delivery for both mothers and newborns.
This includes moving fewer embryos, often sending only one to women under 35, with new guidelines.
The trends reflect larger changes in reproductive treatment, including more advanced embryo testing and a greater emphasis on singleton pregnancies, considered healthiest for both mother and fetus.
Disparities in access to high-tech fertility treatment persist, with Black and low-income moms bearing a disproportionate burden as the decline is celebrated as a silver lining for maternal and newborn health.
These women may be using less modern methods, which sometimes lead to multiple births. Experts say further progress depends on equal access to modern, safe fertility treatments.
