Fertility in Nigeria: Let’s Talk About Multiple Births

PCFC Celebrates Nigeria on World Fertility Day!

November 2nd, World Fertility Day, is a moment for deep reflection, especially in Nigeria. Famous for its diverse culture, colorful festivals, and boundless energy, Nigeria also stands out on the global stage for its fertility rates.

A Fertile Giant Amid Global Counterparts

Recent statistics place Nigeria at the pinnacle of fertility within the African continent. While the world’s average fertility rate hovers around 2.4 children per woman, Nigerian women surpass this average, making the nation a beacon of fertility. This statistic becomes even more compelling when compared to countries spanning Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

Multiple Births: Nature’s Surprise and IVF’s Potential

Multiple births—where more than one baby results from a single pregnancy—have fascinated humanity for centuries. This phenomenon, while occurring naturally due to factors like genetics and maternal age, can also be influenced by one’s environment. An interesting case in point: the Yoruba of Nigeria. This group was identified as having the highest rate of twinning globally. Researchers, intrigued, scoured Yoruba land to unearth the reasons for this phenomenon. A surprising discovery was made: a specific species of yam native to the region contained elements that could enhance fertility. Such natural surprises, combined with Nigeria’s inherent genetic predisposition, make it a hotspot for multiple births.

Yet, the world of IVF has further escalated the incidence of multiple births. At Primecare Fertility Clinic Abuja (PCFC), about half of our IVF procedures lead to multiple births. This high rate is partly because during IVF, multiple embryos might be implanted to enhance the chances of pregnancy.

Walking the Tightrope: Benefits and Challenges

There’s no denying the sheer joy multiple births can bring to families. Completing a family in a shorter time span is indeed a blessing. However, multiple pregnancies come with their own unique set of challenges.

Cons include the heightened risk of premature labor, neonatal complications such as underdeveloped lungs, and the potential for prolonged stays in neonatal intensive care units. The more babies, the steeper the risks, with neonatal deaths being more probable.

For mothers, the journey can be even more challenging. From severe anemia and hyperemesis gravidarum (prolonged and severe vomiting) to the heightened severity of common pregnancy complaints

Guidelines and the Path Ahead

To balance the joys of multiple births against the potential risks, regulatory bodies are stepping in. The Association for Fertility and Reproductive Health (AFRH), aspiring to be Nigeria’s primary regulatory body in this area, has stipulated that a maximum of three embryos can be transferred during IVF. This contrasts with nations like the UK, where the cap is set at two embryos. The intention behind this is clear: minimize the complications arising from multiple pregnancies while preserving the joy and aspirations of prospective parents.

At PCFC, we’re not only committed to upholding these statutory guidelines, but we also ensure that every treatment is tailored for the individual, always aiming for the best possible outcome.

As we commemorate World Fertility Day, let’s champion the blessings of fertility, unravel the complexities around multiple births, and pave a path forward where every birth, single or multiple, is celebrated with fervor and care.

Start a Fertility Journey With Us Today! Call: +234 809 515 9681