Single-embryo IVF reduces stillbirths and baby deaths

Transferring just one embryo during in-vitro fertility (IVF) treatment to a womb cuts the risk of stillbirths and post-natal deaths, a study has found.

Deaths were 53 per cent more likely to occur when two embryos were transferred. The difference was even greater when fresh rather than frozen embryos were used.

Twins accounted for half the number of infant deaths occurring up to 28 days after birth. Transferring more than one embryo is known to increase the risk of multiple pregnancies, which creates risk for mothers and babies.

The research involved an analysis of more than 50,000 births recorded in Australia and New Zealand between 2004 and 2008. Professor Elizabeth Sullivan, from the University of New South Wales, in Sydney, said there was justification for advocating single-embryo transfer to minimise stillbirths and infant deaths.