Dynamics of a Pregnancy When Two Become Four: A Case Report and Literature Review.

ABSTRACT

The incidence of pregnancies with multiple gestational sacs has increased with the use of assisted reproductive technology because more than one embryo is frequently transferred. The splitting of one or more embryos further complicates the pregnancy. Some of these complications include intrauterine fetal death, growth restriction, discordant birth weight, and preterm delivery. Monozygotic twins suffer from a few unique complications including twin-twin transfusion syndrome, twin reversed arterial perfusion sequence, and twin anemia-polycythemia sequence. Therefore, patients should be informed about the possible obstetric complications regarding monozygotic twinning after embryo transfer as poor obstetric/perinatal outcome is significantly impacted by the presence of an "extra" fetus. The etiology of monozygotic twinning is not fully understood although a few risk factors have been identified. The objective of this communication is to report successful management of a pregnancy resulting in four gestational sacs after transfer of two embryos on day-three post retrieval.