{"id":28343,"date":"2025-07-02T17:34:49","date_gmt":"2025-07-02T17:34:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/progyny.com\/?p=28343"},"modified":"2025-07-02T17:35:08","modified_gmt":"2025-07-02T17:35:08","slug":"the-importance-of-single-embryo-transfer-in-modern-ivf","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/progyny.com\/education\/the-importance-of-single-embryo-transfer-in-modern-ivf\/","title":{"rendered":"The Importance of Single Embryo Transfer in Modern IVF"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

IVF is a multi-step and complex process, and patients may have questions about the final stage — embryo transfer<\/a>. The current best practice is Single Embryo Transfer (SET)<\/a>, in which a single embryo is placed into a patient\u2019s uterus to begin a pregnancy. We talked to Dr. Charles Miller, Director of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery at the Advanced IVF Institute in Chicago<\/a>, to learn more about this recommendation and how it has changed over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Background\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When Dr. Miller first opened his IVF clinic in Naperville, Illinois in September 2001, the common practice was to transfer multiple embryos at one time. Two embryos would typically be transferred in hopes of increasing the chances of a successful pregnancy.  Dr. Miller\u2019s practice was successful, and the clinic soon earned the reputation of the \u201cTwin Capital.\u201d Because this was the standard at the time, patients going through treatment accepted it and sometimes even favored the practice, \u201cembracing the idea of being \u2018one and done\u2019 in terms of family building\u201d as put by Dr. Miller. However, sometimes multiple embryo transfers came with complications, or resulted in triplet pregnancies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hidden risks with multiple embryos transfers\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In addition to the occasional triplet pregnancy, Dr. Miller noted that once per quarter, his patients would deliver prematurely. Most of the twin pregnancies<\/a> would be delivered nearly at full term (36-38 weeks) but premature deliveries were usually due to cervical incompetence, where the cervix dilates too early. According to Dr. Miller, \u201cthe risk of delivery prior to 32 weeks was 2% for singleton pregnancies, 8% for twins, and 26% for triplets.i<\/sup>\u201d Even with healthy pregnancies and births, children were left with long-term health impacts like cerebral palsy, profound developmental delays, and severe sensory and motor disabilities. Other risks associated with multiples include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n