Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD)

Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) for Helping You Conceive and Deliver a Healthy Baby

The underlying goal of the best fertility clinics and the couples that visit them is to bring a healthy child into the world. The aim is not just to get pregnant, but also to deliver a baby that is as mentally and physically fit as possible, in the safest way for both the mother and for the child. Preimplantation genetic diagnosis is a procedure that helps in achieving these crucial fertility goals.

Using Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis in Identifying Abnormal Embryos

Preimplantation genetic diagnosis involves the genetic analysis of the embryo cells to spot genetically abnormal embryos. The cells tested are separated from the embryo 3 days after egg retrieval. Once the abnormal embryos are identified, they are excluded from the transfer to the uterus with the goal of decreasing the probability of a miscarriage.

If the PGD is conducted to identify specific disorders, the procedure helps avoid a situation where a couple who wants desperately to get pregnant may need to decide whether or not to terminate an abnormal pregnancy. PGD is also effective in preventing miscarriages for couples that carry an abnormally located chromosome, are over 35 years old, or have experienced miscarriages before.

Invaluable for Women over 35, especially for those 40+

Preimplantation genetic diagnosis is most strongly recommended if the aspiring mother is over 35. This is the age group where it becomes increasingly difficult for women to conceive and give birth to a healthy baby. Abnormal embryos are the main reason behind the increasing probability of miscarriage and diminishing chances of successful pregnancy. Hence, PGD is as a particularly effective method that will not increase female fertility but rather will increase the likelihood of having a healthy baby.

Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGS) for Chromosomes

PGS is used to analyze the chromosomal composition of an embryo. The goal is to identify abnormalities in the chromosomal structure, which can result in a miscarriage or cause your child to be born with a disorder. The preimplantation genetic screening is conducted as part of the IVF process. The only difference in an IVF treatment process that includes PGS is that the embryos are screened for specific abnormalities before insemination—this is referred to as IVF-PGS.

Click to read more about PGS for Chromosomes 

PGD for Single Gene Defects

When one or both aspiring parents carry a known genetic abnormality, the embryo is analyzed for that specific abnormality. This pre-implantation genetic diagnosis for genetic disease is a good precaution against an abnormality, which can result in a miscarriage or cause your child to be born with a disorder. Like the PGS for chromosomes, PGD for single gene defects is part of the IVF process where embryos are screened for specific abnormalities before insemination—this is known as IVF-PGD.

Click to read more about PGD for Single Gene Defects

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