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Fertility journal · reviewed by a doctor
Are Twins More Likely With IVF?
Yes, twins are more common after IVF, mainly because more than one embryo may be transferred. A twin pregnancy carries higher risks for mother and babies, including preterm birth and pre-eclampsia. At Jananam Fertility Centre, Chennai, we never transfer more than two embryos, and one embryo is preferred whenever embryo quality allows.
Key takeaways
- Twins are more common after IVF because more than one embryo may be transferred, and each can implant.
- A twin pregnancy is a higher-risk pregnancy for the mother and for the babies.
- Transferring one good embryo and freezing the rest keeps the twin risk low without wasting embryos.
- At Jananam, no more than two embryos are ever transferred, and one is preferred when quality allows.
How many embryos does Jananam transfer?
One, whenever embryo quality allows, and never more than two. Dr Vani's rule: "We do not transfer more than two embryos under any circumstance. Single embryo transfer is preferred for tested euploid embryos at any age, and usually under 38 with a good blastocyst." The number is agreed with you before transfer day, not on it.
We would love twins. Can we ask for two embryos?
You can ask, and we will talk it through honestly, but twins are not a shortcut to a family of two. The risks fall on the mother and the babies, and they rise with age, blood pressure and diabetes. Many couples who wanted twins choose one embryo now and a frozen one later, once they have heard the risks.
When to call us
- You are about to have a transfer and nobody has discussed how many embryos.
- You were offered three or more embryos elsewhere.
- You have high blood pressure, diabetes or a past difficult pregnancy and are planning IVF.
- Scans on ovulation tablets or injections show several follicles and you are unsure what to do.
Questions couples ask
Still unsure? Ask us on WhatsApp — a real person replies.
Why are twins more common after IVF?
Mainly because more than one embryo may be transferred, and more than one can implant. The likelihood follows directly from how many embryos are placed, which is why transfer policy is the main lever for controlling it.
Is a twin pregnancy riskier?
Yes, for both mother and babies. It carries an increased chance of pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, anaemia, preterm delivery and low birth weight, and a higher likelihood of caesarean section and neonatal intensive care admission.
Why transfer only one embryo?
Because the aim of modern IVF is a single healthy baby rather than the fastest possible pregnancy. Where embryo quality allows, transferring one and freezing the rest gives a comparable cumulative chance of a live birth with substantially lower risk.
Does single embryo transfer lower my chances?
Not when measured cumulatively across the transfers from one egg collection, including frozen ones. The chance per transfer may be lower, but the chance of eventually having a healthy baby is broadly comparable and the risks are lower.
Can identical twins still happen with one embryo?
Yes, though it is uncommon. A single embryo can split, producing identical twins. This is why a twin pregnancy cannot be entirely excluded even when only one embryo is transferred.
Who is most affected by twin pregnancy risk?
Risk rises with maternal age and with pre-existing conditions such as hypertension or diabetes. Your doctor will factor this in when discussing how many embryos to transfer, alongside embryo quality and your history.
Are twins more likely with IUI as well?
They can be, where ovulation induction produces more than one mature follicle. Monitoring exists partly to identify this and to advise accordingly before insemination proceeds.
Can a twin pregnancy be reduced to one?
Fetal reduction exists but is a difficult decision with its own risks. Avoiding the situation through single embryo transfer is considerably preferable to managing it later.
Is it ever reasonable to transfer two embryos?
Occasionally, and it is a decision made with your doctor rather than a default. It may be discussed where embryo quality is limited, where several transfers have not succeeded, and where you understand the risks a twin pregnancy carries for both mother and babies. Age and any pre-existing condition such as hypertension or diabetes weigh heavily in that conversation.
How Many IVF Cycles Does It Take to Get Pregnant?
There is no fixed number of IVF cycles.
Unexplained Infertility: Is IVF the Only Option?
No. When every test is normal but pregnancy has not happened, the diagnosis is unexplained infertility, and IVF is one option among several.
Frozen Embryo Transfer Steps: The Cycle Explained
At Jananam Fertility Centre, Chennai, a frozen embryo transfer is usually done around day 18 to 22 of your cycle.
One embryo or two? Let's decide it with you.
A real person from our team replies on WhatsApp during clinic hours (Mon to Sat, 9am to 5pm. Sunday closed.).
Sex selection is prohibited in India under the PCPNDT Act, 1994 and the ART Act, 2021.