Test tube babies are a miracle in the world of gynaecology. Couples who can not conceive are now able to have their very own baby. The thought behind this fantastic innovation is that no couple should be deprived of this blessing. Numerous couples around the world try to conceive but fail. This makes them miserable. But this wonderful concept can bring back the lost smiles!
However, this unnatural way of reproduction has raised eyebrows. People do not exactly understand the concept. Before we dig deeper, you should first know what exactly test tube babies are.
What Are Test Tube Babies?
Just as the invention of contraception liberated sex from childbearing concerns, new reproductive technologies freed childbearing from sex.
A test tube baby results from successful human reproduction through methods other than sexual intercourse between a man and a woman. Instead, it uses medical techniques to manipulate both the egg and sperm cells for victorious fertilization.
Even as the name suggests, test tube babies are not fully developed in test tubes. In the past, fertilization was carried out in test tubes, but now a petri dish is used.
First, you take medication that causes several of your eggs to mature and become fertile. The eggs are then removed from your body and mixed with sperm in a lab to help the sperm fertilize the eggs.
Then they implant one or more fertilized eggs, called embryos, into your uterus. Pregnancy occurs if any of the embryos implants in the uterine lining.
This whole process is called IVF (in vitro fertilization) scientifically. It takes around several months to carry it out. Sometimes, it works the first time. Usually, it requires more than one round.
The Very First Test Tube Baby In The World
The very first test tube baby in the world, Louise Brown, was born in 1978 in England. That was a revolutionary time for infertile or barren couples.
She was born to a female who had blocked fallopian tubes. The couple had been trying for nine years. Upon consulting her doctor, he suggested this experimental procedure, and she took the chance.
While half of the world rejoiced, many people scrunched their noses. The conventionalists thought it to be against nature.
They thought that hell would break loose, but with time they realized they were mistaken. This revolution in the scientific world has many advantages.
The Miracles Of Test Tube Babies
Test tube babies have made it possible for depressed couples to become happy parents. Moreover, the following are the many benefits of test tube babies:
- It helps couples who have been trying to conceive for years.
- Anyone, even a surrogate mother, can use it.
- It reduces your chances of miscarriage.
- It increases your chances of conceiving a child.
Read more about the do’s and don’ts of pregnancy here
Myths Around Test Tube Babies
There are many myths around test-tube babies that need to be cleared. People tend to freak out when they hear about test tube babes. It is essential to clear the air.
You Can Get Customized Babies
This is a myth. You can not choose the genetic make-up of the baby. It all depends on whose egg and sperm is being used. You can not select the traits such as eye colour, or skin colour of your baby.
Test Tube Babies Do Not Have Belly Buttons
As absurd as it sounds, it isn’t valid. The belly button is a scar where the umbilical cord was attached to the fetus. The umbilical cord is vital for the baby’s nutrition and oxygen requirements.
As the embryo is implanted in the womb, the attachment site gives rise to the umbilical cord that attaches the baby to the placenta. So, in short, test-tube babies do have belly buttons!
Donating Eggs Is Very Common
Donating eggs is not an easy task. It comes with many risk factors, such as shortness of breath that may become severe. Egg donation is not very common.
However, egg donors donate ‘hope’ not ‘profit’. Yet, some females sell their eggs just like in any other market, but this does not happen in Pakistan.
IVF Enhances Your Fertility
The procedure of reproducing a test tube baby does not make you more fertile. Instead, hormones are given to mature the egg and stop the production of eggs.
The mature egg is then used for the procedure. Hormone therapy has its side effects.
Your Baby Will Have Birth Defects
Not all test-tube babies need to have birth defects. Although there is a slight risk, all that depends on the quality of the egg and sperm. You can get your sperm tested through online lab tests.
Test Tube Babies In Pakistan
After six years of the first test tube baby’s birth, the first-ever IVF clinic was established in Pakistan. The main idea behind it was to spread hope. The very first test tube baby in Pakistan was delivered in 1989.
There is no official record of test tube babies in Pakistan; however, an estimate suggests that over 5000 babies have been delivered through this process.
The process of developing test tube babies either occurs if a couple uses their egg and sperm or if they use others’.
However, in Pakistan, only couples’ eggs and sperm are allowed to be used. In addition, couples can also select the gender of their choice.
Read more about the early signs and symptoms of pregnancy here.
Controversies Behind Test Tube Babies
The very name of test tube babies sounds artificial. This is why it sounds pretty unnatural and fake. However, it is not that strange.
Only fertilization occurs outside the body. The rest of the pregnancy is quite normal. Moreover, according to the news, the Shariah Court has legalized this procedure which is good news for childless couples.
If you are a couple searching for your blessing in the form of a child, wait no more. You can become parents as you have every right to be one. Wait no longer and speak to your doctor at any fertility centre for more information on this procedure. Little miracles do happen every day!
Consult Dr. Shamim Fatima – Gynecologist
Dr. Shamim Fatima is one of the most experience gynecologists of Pakistan with over 30 years of experience in this field. She has a 100% patient satisfaction score on Marham and is known to provide excellent advice for any reproductive issue. Book your appointment now to consult with Dr. Shamim Fatima in just 500/- PKR via Marham. Call the Marham Helpline: 0311-1222398 now!
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FAQ’s
1. Are test tube babies and IVF the same?
Yes, both are the same thing. IVF stands for in-vitro fertilization, which means fertilization outside the body i.e. in the laboratory.
2. Where do test tube babies grow?
Test tube babies grow inside the female’s womb. Only fertilization occurs outside the body.
3. Can we choose the gender of a test tube baby?
Yes, it is possible to choose the gender of your choice.