Fetal Reduction

What is selective fetal reduction?

Fetal Reduction is a procedure used to reduce the number of fetuses in multiple pregnancies, usually more than two.

Or when one or more babies have a structural abnormality or increased risk for chromosomal abnormalities on ultrasound.

Why is it advised?

Fetal reduction is used when a mother carries an unsafe or undesirable number of fetuses in a multiple pregnancy and reduce it to a relatively safe number.

Fetal Reduction refers to choosing to reduce a fetus in multiple pregnancies, decrease the health risks to the mother in carrying and giving birth to more than one or two babies, and decrease the risk of complications to the remaining fetuses.

What are the benefits of selective fetal reduction?

Fetal reduction substantially increases the duration of pregnancy, reduces the risk of premature births associated with multiple pregnancy.

When is fetal reduction done?

It is usually done between 11 to 13 weeks of pregnancy after the NT scan. Fetal reduction can be done till 22 weeks.

How is it done?

Under continuous ultrasound guidance a needle is passed through the mother’s abdomen and a medicine (potassium chloride) is injected into into one of the babies to stop its heart beat.

The reduced fetus is usually absorbed by the mother’s body. This may include some vaginal bleeding occasionally.

What are the risks associated with the procedure?

Depending on how many babies are reduced, there is a 5-10% chance of miscarriage.

What precautions should be taken after fetal reduction?

There is no restriction of daily activities. The mother may have some spotting or mild cramping for a couple of hours for which she may take oral paracetamol

If the mother develops fever, vaginal bleeding, leaking or contractions, she should report to the hospital. The mother should come after one week for a fetal heart rate check and at 16-17 weeks for check scan.

Is fetal Reduction legal?

The legality of fetal Reduction is limited to cases where there is no violation of the law (i.e. fetal Reduction for pure gender-based and financial reasons is not allowed).