For a perfectly healthy couple, and under ideal conditions, the chances of achieving a successful pregnancy are rated about 25-30% per menstrual cycle. A high percentage (probably more than 30%) of all fertilized egg cells show a chromosome abnormality. 15% of registered pregnancies are aborted.

 

These figures show, how nature’s mechanism work and how they reject abnormal, mostly genetically defected embryos. There are no major differences between normal pregnancies and those resulting from infertility treatment.

 

 

 

 

The chromosomes carry the hereditary disposition. The mother provides half and the father the other half, when fertilization takes place. Sometimes, the chromosomes are falsely distributed as they unite. Trisomie 21 (Mongolism = Down Syndrome) is the most common defect. Women over the age of 35 have a higher risk of having a mongoloid child.

 

A genetic consultation and chromosome examination is recommended if a woman is over 35yrs of age, has a family history of chromosome defects, has a raised biochemical parameter (eg. Triple Test) or a conspicuous ultrasound report.