Recent study revealed that using double embryos doesn’t increase chances of pregnancy, but it increases the risk of multiple births and complications related to it.  

Earlier doctors used to transfer half a dozen embryos with a belief that at least one embryo would develop into a healthy fetus. With the passage of time and improvement in technology, the chances of pregnancy were increased with implanting of fewer embryos.

But, the debate regarding benefits and problems linked with implanting two embryos as compared to one still continues.

Dr. Ann Thurin-Kjellberg of Gothenburg University and collogues studied the effect of implanting one or two embryos. For the study, 661 IVF patients were enrolled.

Around 331 women were given two embryos, whereas other 330 women were given single embryo. If the women didn’t get pregnant on the first attempt, they were again given embryos that had been frozen and thawed.

Data analysis revealed that nearly 53% women given single embryo gave birth on initial try as compared to 57% who received two embryos on the first attempt, an insignificant difference.

The study results proved that number of embryos doesn’t affect the chances of pregnancy. It was also found that multiple birth rate was 28 percent in women, who received two embryos and risk of premature baby was also doubled in this group.