IVF/PGD

Jennifer from what I've read this is a method of diagnosing a potential problem through genetic information from the embryo. Is that correct? I'm not sure how this works but I will try and find you some answers. Sorry I couldn't be more help.

Donnavie

Hi Jennifer,

This is Lindsay and I work at the March of Dimes.

Here is an excerpt from an article about PGD and IVF. "Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is a technique used to identify genetic defects in embryos created through in vitro fertilization (IVF) before transferring them into the uterus. Because only unaffected embryos are transferred to the uterus for implantation, PGD provides an alternative to current postconception diagnostic procedures, ie, amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling..." Here is a link to the whole article. article

In essence, yes this does work to prevent certain genetic conditions from being passed on. It is not without risks, however, as well as benefits and can be costly. You might want to use this article as a starting point for making a list of all the questions you can think of for your doc. Take the list with you to your next appointment. This way you won't accidentally forget to ask about something.

I hope this is helpful to you. Best wishes,

Lindsay
Pregnancy & Newborn Health Edducation Center