Test tube babies are like miracles created with little science and love. Test tube baby is more of a common and a non-medical word used for In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) baby. But infact there is no difference between the two, it is just the way one says it.
The baby born through IVF is a result of successful fertilisation that involves medical intervention that manipulates both the egg and sperm cells rather than sexual intercourse between a man and a woman.
A test-tube baby is a term describing an embryo that is made in a test tube rather than the fallopian tube. The eggs and the sperm are fertilised in a laboratory dish, and this process of fertilisation which happens in a glass or petri dish, is called In vitro fertilisation. Therefore, the test tube baby technique is called In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)
World’s 1st Test-Tube Baby Born
In the year 1978, on July 25th, Louise Joy Brown was declared the first baby to be delivered through In-vitro fertilisation (IVF). She was born weighing 2.608 kgs. Her parents, Lesley and John Brown had been attempting to conceive naturally for nine years, but Lesley’s fallopian tubes were clogged, causing issues.
Process of test-tube baby and IVF baby
Since both the terms mean the same, their fertilization process also remains the same.
Step 1- Ovarian Stimulation
The purpose of ovarian stimulation is to maximise the chances of getting pregnant. At the start of the cycle, hormone medications are given to stimulate the ovaries so as to produce a large number of eggs. Once the follicles that generate eggs have been monitored with the help of blood tests and ultrasounds, the doctor will schedule the next step, egg retrieval.
Step 2- Egg Retrieval
A transvaginal ultrasound is done in which, to identify the follicles, an ultrasound probe is placed into the vagina. The procedure involves inserting a needle into the follicle through the vaginal canal.
Step 3- Fertilisation
Once the eggs are retrieved, they are sent to the lab for fertilisation. The sperm and the eggs are put in a petri dish in this step. The fertilised eggs further develop in 3-5 days in a controlled environment and are then transferred to the female’s uterus for implantation.
Step 4- Embryo Transfer
The embryo is inserted into the vagina using a catheter, which is passed through the cervix and into the womb with the intent of conception.
Step 5- IVF Pregnancy
Though it takes approximately 9 days for the implantation, it is recommended to wait at least 2 weeks before you get yourself tested for conception. Consulting a fertility expert would be the best option.
Cost of Test tube baby
The cost of IVF varies as per each clinic and is determined by several factors. When a couple plans to go for IVF, the first thing that comes to their mind is the cost of IVF. To decide which IVF centre to choose, there are certain things a couple is skeptical about. Does the centre provide best-in-class services? Will I become pregnant if I go to this clinic? Will we be able to afford their IVF packages? All these questions hover over our minds but what is the most important thing that one should look for is the pricing and experience of the doctors.
Birla Fertility & IVF is the best test tube baby centre in India because we ensure that the couple who visits will only receive the most essential and evidence-based procedures, which will help them to avoid spending unnecessary charges. Every patient is counselled extensively by a team of IVF experts who will assist you regarding the IVF treatment cost component of the treatment so that an informed decision can be made regarding the treatment.
We have always believed in offering highly competitive prices, easy-to-understand pricing breakdown, and have always been transparent while delivering care of th highest clinical standard.
To avoid unforeseen costs during treatments, we offer all-inclusive packages, an EMI option, and multicycle packages. We also offer packages that include information on the costs of IVF-ICSI, IUI, FET, egg freezing and thawing, surgical sperm retrieval, and fertility checkups.
Complications associated with IVF
Though IVF is considered a relatively safe procedure with a higher possibility of egg fertilisation and conception, but there might be some complications associated with IVF.
- Multiple pregnancies
- Miscarriage
- Ectopic pregnancy( Egg implants outside the uterus)
- Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS).
- Bleeding
- Premature delivery
- Placenta Abruption
- Congenital disabilities*
*Depends on each case, to avoid or treat birth defects, doctors recommend genetic testing of the baby when the baby is still in the womb)
Test tube baby success rate
There is no study or research to define the success percentage of IVF babies. But the birth success rate of test-tube babies has started to increase considerably over the years. For so many years, this ART procedure has been able to bless so many couples with their rainbow babies.
To conclude
IVF and test-tube babies have given hope and light to millions of couples who have long wanted to have a child but have been unable to do so due to infertility or other health issues. To fulfil their aim of becoming parents and enjoying parenthood, couples are increasingly adopting a number of reproductive technologies.
If you are looking for a world-class fertility treatment plan which can not only boost your chances of conception but will also cater the treatment as per your needs, you should book an appointment with our renowned IVF specialist Dr. Prachi Benara, a leading fertility expert at Birla Fertility & IVF.
FAQs
- Is there any difference between IVF babies and normal babies?
Yes, normal babies are born through natural sexual intercourse, and IVF babies are born with the help of Assisted Reproductive Technology IVF and are perfectly healthy.
- Are IVF babies delivered naturally?
Yes, IVF babies can be delivered naturally, but the female and the doctor should take the right precaution and care while delivering.
- Is test tube baby successful?
The success of IVF or test tube baby depends on each case. As per various researches, the success of IVF babies is increasing with the help of advanced technologies.
- Are test tube babies healthier?
Yes, unless there is any deformity, the babies are as healthy as a baby born through a natural process.
- Can IVF babies have babies?
Yes, IVF babies can have babies. There are millions of babies that are born through IVF and are absolutely healthy and fit.
- Do IVF babies look like their parents?
IVF does not guarantee that that child will resemble his or her mother in a certain way. But if the sperm and eggs are that of the parents, then there are high chances that the child will resemble his or her parents.
- What are the side effects of test-tube baby?
Multiple births, premature delivery, miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, birth defects are some of the common risks that may arise in test-tube babies.
