Two Models of Embryo Reduction

When a woman has a multiple pregnancy due to fertility treatments and/or the division of embryos in the uterus, embryo reduction is commonly performed.

Twin or triplet pregnancies usually have a good prognosis if the woman is young and in good health. However, the greater the number of developing fetuses, the higher the risk of complications such as low birth weight, preterm birth, maternal heart problems, preeclampsia, and others.

For this reason, embryo reduction is sometimes necessary. It can be performed in a selective or non-selective manner, depending on whether any of the fetuses show abnormalities—in which case those would be selected for reduction.