PGS can prevent chromosomal abnormalities during IVF: Doctors

To detect the possibility of chromosomal abnormalities in embryos during IVF treatment, doctors have suggested that women undergo Pre-implantation Genetic Screening (PGS), a process that ensures healthy baby during IVF.

According to them, PGS is performed on a small embryo biopsy prior to transfer and identifies which embryos are chromosomally normal.

"Chromosomally normal embryos are the most likely to develop to term and to be born as a healthy baby. PGS testing helps IVF physicians and patients decide which embryos to transfer," said Rajni Khajuria, Laboratory Manager, Igenomix India, a reproductive genetics laboratory.

Emphasising on the clinical outcomes, Khajuria said: "Application of PGS techniques doubles pregnancy rates obtained compared to 30 per cent obtained without performing PGS."

Medical science states that chromosomal abnormalities in the embryo during the IVF can lead to repeated failure in implantation in the women's uterus.

Up to 70 per cent of embryos, whether created naturally or through IVF, are lost before birth. This usually occurs within the first three months of pregnancy, most often before implantation.