Should I undergo a frozen embryo transfer if I am pregnant?

A frozen embryo transfer (FET) is a type of IVF treatment whereby a preserved embryo (that has been created in a woman’s previous egg retrieval cycle) is thawed and then transferred to the uterus. In this article, Mr Mahantesh Karoshi, a skilled and trusted women’s health expert and consultant gynaecologist, reveals whether or not frozen embryo transfers are safe for pregnant women, and what conditions they might suffer from if they undergo the procedure when pregnant.

Are frozen embryo transfers (FET) safe for pregnant women?

Unfortunately, the recent data that has been slowly emerging is demonstrating that a frozen embryo transfer (FET) is not entirely safe for pregnant women. Studies have shown an increased risk of pre-eclampsia and hypertension disorders in women who undergo FET.

What conditions might pregnant women who undergo FET suffer from?

Pregnant women who undergo FET carry a significantly higher rate of preeclampsia when compared to those who don't (7.5 per cent vs. 4.9 per cent) and eclampsia (4 per cent vs. 2.5 per cent).

What are the main associated risks for women undergoing a frozen embryo transfer?

The rates of preterm labour (PTL) after the use of frozen oocytes compared to a fresh embryo transfer certainly indicates that it is not a good idea to freeze all embryos. Women who undergo FET have a three-fold increase in hypertensive disorders (4.4 per cent vs. 1.4 per cent) after freezing was also confirmed in PCOS patients.

Hypertensive disorders such as preeclampsia, eclampsia, and chronic hypertension were all also confirmed in a meta-analysis of women who underwent FET. The main take-home message for all pregnant women considering undergoing FET is that they should have a good clinical reason to freeze the embryos.

Mr Mahantesh Karoshi is an incredibly experienced and highly regarded London-based women’s health expert and consultant gynaecologist. Make sure you visit his Top Doctors profile today in order to book an appointment with him if you are considering undergoing a frozen embryo transfer.