Some times more than two babies start growing in the uterus like triplets (three), quadruplets (four) and quintuplets (five). Most of the times this is associated with Assisted Reproductive Technology i.e. IVF pregnancy. In very less number of cases this can happen naturally also.   Although major medical advances have improved the outcomes of multiple births, multiple births still are associated with significant medical risks and complications for the mother and children.

When a triplet or high-order multiple pregnancy occurs, multifetal pregnancy reduction may be considered to improve the chance for survival of the fetuses.

How it is done?

Detailed scan is done to assess the structures. The fetus which is uppermost or fetus showing some abnormality is selected. A needle is passed through the mother’s tummy under local anaesthesia and a medicine is injected into the fetus to be reduced. It is done under continuous ultrasound guidance.

Is there any risk to other babies if I undergo selective fetal reduction?

Any invasive procedure carries some risk of miscarriage (abortion). While multifetal pregnancy reduction carries some risk of a complete miscarriage, it also reduces the chances of extreme premature birth.

Precautions to be taken before and after fetal reduction

You should not take any food or liquid for four hours before the procedure. The procedure is done in presence of an anaesthetist and under local anaethesia. Have good sleep the night before the procedure, so that you are relaxed during the procedure. You will be advised to take rest for a week after the procedure.