In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a medical procedure that can help couples who are struggling to get pregnant achieve their dream of having a baby. While IVF is generally successful in helping couples achieve pregnancy, it does carry some risks and complications, including the possibility of miscarriage.
IVF Miscarriage can be an incredibly heartbreaking experience. After dedicating months to the IVF process, the hope of bringing a child into the world can be quickly taken away. It can be a difficult and emotional journey, and taking the time to grieve and process the loss is essential. It can be hard to find the hope to try again, but understanding that it’s a common experience and there are support systems available which can be a helpful beginning.
If you are considering IVF or are in the process of undergoing the procedure, you may be wondering how you can reduce the risk of miscarriage.
In this article, Dr. Hrishikesh Pai a Gynecologist & IVF Specialist from Babies & Us IVF Center in Mumbai will discuss more about reducing risks of IVF miscarraige.
Factors that Increase the Risk of IVF Miscarriage
There are several factors that can increase the risk of IVF miscarriage, including:
- Advanced maternal age: Women who are older when undergoing IVF have a higher risk of miscarriage. This is because the quality of eggs tends to decline with age, which can affect the chances of a healthy pregnancy.
- Poor egg quality: The quality of the eggs used in the IVF process can affect the chances of pregnancy and the risk of miscarriage. Women with poor egg quality may be at a higher risk of miscarriage.
- Poor embryo quality: The quality of the embryos used in the IVF process can also affect the risk of miscarriage. Embryos with chromosomal abnormalities or other issues may be less likely to result in a successful pregnancy.
- Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as uterine abnormalities, hormonal imbalances, and autoimmune disorders, can increase the risk of IVF miscarriage.
- Multiple embryos: Transferring multiple embryos during the IVF process can increase the risk of miscarriage, as well as the risk of multiple pregnancies (e.g., twins, triplets).
- Previous miscarriages: Women who have had previous miscarriages may be at a higher risk of miscarriage during IVF.
It’s important to keep in mind that these are just some of the factors that can increase the risk of IVF miscarriage. Every person’s situation is unique, and it’s important to talk to IVF Specialist about any concerns or questions you may have.
Steps to Reduce the Risk of IVF Miscarriage
Following are the steps that can be taken to help reduce the risk of IVF miscarriage:
- Choose a reputable fertility clinic: It’s important to do your research and choose a fertility clinic that has a good track record of success and experienced, knowledgeable staff.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Prior to undergoing IVF, it’s a good idea to make sure you are in the best possible health. This includes eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption.
- Get as healthy as possible before starting treatment: If you have any underlying health conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, it’s important to get them under control before starting IVF treatment. This can help reduce the risk of complications during pregnancy.
- Use high-quality embryos: The quality of the embryos used in the IVF process can have a significant impact on the chances of pregnancy and the risk of miscarriage. Ask your fertility clinic about their protocols for selecting and transferring embryos.
- Consider using assisted hatching: Assisted hatching is a technique that can help the embryo hatch from its protective outer layer, or “shell,” and attach to the uterine lining. This can increase the chances of successful implantation and reduce the risk of miscarriage.
- Talk to your doctor about your options: If you are concerned about the risk of miscarriage during IVF, talk to your doctor about your options. They may be able to recommend certain treatments or procedures that can help reduce the risk.
Dietary Adjustments to Reduce Risk of IVf Miscarriage
There are certain lifestyle changes that may help reduce the risk of miscarriage during IVF.
Here are some recommendations to consider:
- Quit smoking: Smoking can increase the risk of miscarriage and other complications during pregnancy. It’s important to quit smoking before attempting to conceive and during pregnancy.
- Avoid alcohol: Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can increase the risk of miscarriage and birth defects. It’s important to avoid alcohol completely while trying to conceive and during pregnancy.
- Avoid caffeine: While moderate caffeine intake (less than 200 mg per day) is generally considered safe during pregnancy, some studies have suggested that high levels of caffeine may increase the risk of miscarriage. It’s a good idea to limit caffeine intake or avoid it altogether while trying to conceive and during pregnancy.
- Get enough rest: Lack of sleep can affect overall health and increase the risk of miscarriage. It’s important to get enough rest while trying to conceive and during pregnancy.
- Manage stress: High levels of stress can affect overall health and increase the risk of miscarriage. It’s important to find ways to manage stress, such as through exercise, relaxation techniques, or counseling.
- Avoid certain medications: Some medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and certain types of antibiotics, may increase the risk of miscarriage. It’s important to talk to a doctor about the safety of any medications you are taking while trying to conceive and during pregnancy.
Conclusion
To reduce the risk of IVF miscarriage, it is important to choose a reputable fertility clinic, maintain a healthy lifestyle, get any underlying health conditions under control before starting treatment, use high-quality embryos, consider assisted hatching, and talk to a doctor about any concerns or options. Making certain dietary and lifestyle adjustments, such as getting enough folic acid and quitting smoking, may also help reduce the risk of miscarriage.