What are the Advantages of PGD?
The ultimate advantage of PGD is the increased likelihood of a healthy baby as we screen for chromosomal abnormalities as well as gender.
Higher Live Birth Rate
Current success rates indicate that women in their thirties with ‘normal’ fertility have a 65% chance of a live birth from one cycle of PGD. This rises to 85% from two cycles and 95% from three. Women in their forties can, on average, expect live birth rates in the range of 40 – 60% for 1-3 cycles.
Lower risk of Malformed Babies and Pregnancy Termination
The chance of a woman delivering a baby with a genetic disorder is 1% if she is 35-39 years old and 3% if she is 40-45. PGD decreases the chances of having to terminate a pregnancy if a foetus is found to be abnormal.
Reduction in Spontaneous Miscarriages
In women 35 or older about 15% of pregnancies spontaneously miscarriage, with 50% or more of those miscarriages being caused by abnormalities. By transferring only normal embryos the number of pregnancies reaching term should increase. In one study, a significant reduction in spontaneous miscarriages occurred after PGD. The increase in implantation and the significant decrease in spontaneous miscarriages resulted in a significant increase in ongoing pregnancies and safely delivered babies.