• Meera Bhavan, Kollam, Kerala
  • meerahridya1@rediffmail.com

Ensure A Healthy Pregnancy With Preimplantation Genetic Testing

Healthy Pregnancy
Did you know that nearly 60% of early miscarriages are due to chromosomal abnormalities that could have been detected before implantation? This is where preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) plays a crucial role. With the expert care of Dr. Meera B—a renowned fertility specialist with over 30 years of experience—you can ensure that your journey to parenthood begins on the right foot. Her proficiency in IVF with genetic testing offers couples renewed hope and control over their fertility journey.

What Is Preimplantation Genetic Testing?

Preimplantation genetic testing refers to a cutting-edge method used in conjunction with IVF to analyze embryos for genetic or chromosomal abnormalities before they are transferred into the uterus. This advanced technique significantly increases the chance of a healthy pregnancy and reduces the likelihood of miscarriage or inherited conditions.

Why Choose Dr. Meera B For Genetic Screening?

When it comes to something as sensitive as genetic testing, expertise and experience matter. Dr. Meera B (MBBS, DGO, DNB, MRCOG, FRCOG) has trained at Bourn Hall Clinic, Cambridge—where the world’s first IVF baby was born. With her internationally recognized credentials and compassionate approach, you’re not just choosing a doctor; you’re choosing a partner in your parenthood journey.

The Different Types of PGT: PGT-A And PGT-M

There are primarily two forms of preimplantation genetic testing that Dr. Meera B may recommend based on your medical background:
  • PGT-A (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidies): Screens embryos for abnormal chromosome numbers, helping avoid failed implantation and miscarriages.
  • PGT-M (Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Monogenic/Single Gene Disorders): Detects specific inherited disorders such as cystic fibrosis or Tay-Sachs disease.

How Genetic Screening Works During IVF

The process begins at Dr. Meera B’s place of practice with ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval, followed by fertilization in the lab. On day five or six, a few cells are carefully extracted from the embryo—a process known as embryo biopsy. This does not harm the embryo but provides vital insights into its genetic health. Only the healthiest embryos—free from chromosomal errors or disease-causing genes—are selected for transfer.

The Importance Of Embryo Biopsy

Embryo biopsy is a pivotal step in preimplantation genetic testing. It allows for high-accuracy analysis while ensuring the embryo remains viable for implantation. When performed under the skilled supervision of Dr. Meera B, this procedure becomes a game-changer in preventing genetic diseases and improving IVF success rates.

Benefits Of IVF With Genetic Testing

Combining IVF with PGT offers numerous advantages:
  • Reduces miscarriage rates
  • Increases chances of a healthy, full-term pregnancy
  • Helps couples avoid passing on inherited conditions
  • Provides peace of mind during pregnancy
  • Allows gender selection if required for medical reasons

Understanding Chromosomal Testing

Chromosomal testing is especially important for women over 35, those with recurrent miscarriages, or previous IVF failures. Dr. Meera B uses advanced technology to detect aneuploidies—abnormal numbers of chromosomes—which are often the root cause of implantation failure and pregnancy loss.

Helping Couples In Preventing Inherited Diseases

Many families carry silent genetic mutations that don’t show up until the next generation. Preventing inherited diseases is one of the most critical reasons to opt for preimplantation genetic testing. Disorders like thalassemia, spinal muscular atrophy, or Huntington’s disease can be identified and excluded from the reproductive process through PGT-M.

Why You Shouldn’t Wait

If you’re a couple struggling with infertility, have a family history of genetic conditions, or simply want to ensure the best outcome for your pregnancy, preimplantation genetic testing is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. Delaying can mean starting from scratch, enduring emotional and financial strain, and risking another disappointment. With Dr. Meera B guiding your journey, you gain both confidence and clarity at every step.

How To Get Started With Dr. Meera B

Booking a consultation is simple. You can fill out the form at drmeerab.com/contact/, call +91 9447145101, or use the WhatsApp chat option on her website. Her dedicated team will respond promptly to schedule your appointment at her place of practice.

About Dr. Meera B

Dr. Meera B is a senior consultant in Obstetrics, Gynaecology, and Reproductive Medicine. An alumnus of the Government Medical Colleges in Trivandrum and Kottayam, she holds prestigious fellowships from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in the UK. Her training at Bourn Hall Clinic—home of the world’s first IVF baby—adds a unique credibility to her name in the field of assisted reproduction. Over the years, she has helped thousands of couples achieve successful pregnancies with innovative solutions like PGT-A and PGT-M.

Your Next Step

Parenthood is a precious goal—don’t leave it to chance. Choose Dr. Meera B and take proactive control of your future with advanced genetic screening and chromosomal testing. The window of opportunity for success may be narrow, but with expert intervention, the results can be life-changing. Act now—your healthy baby begins with informed choices today.
 

Frequently Asked Questions – Ensure A Healthy Pregnancy With Preimplantation Genetic Testing

Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) is a specialized diagnostic technique used during the IVF process to analyze embryos before implantation. It identifies chromosomal abnormalities or genetic mutations that could lead to failed pregnancy, miscarriage, or inherited diseases. At Dr. Meera B’s place of practice, this technology is used to enhance pregnancy success and safeguard the health of the future baby.

Couples who may benefit from preimplantation genetic testing include:

  • Women aged 35 and above
  • Couples with a history of recurrent miscarriages
  • Those with failed IVF cycles
  • Individuals with known genetic disorders
  • Couples seeking preventing inherited diseases

Dr. Meera B will assess your medical history and advise whether PGT is suitable for your fertility plan.

PGT-A is short for Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidies. It screens embryos for chromosomal imbalances—conditions where there are missing or extra chromosomes—which can result in conditions like Down syndrome or lead to miscarriage.

PGT-M refers to Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Monogenic or Single-Gene Disorders. It helps detect specific inherited diseases such as thalassemia, cystic fibrosis, or Tay-Sachs. Dr. Meera B recommends the appropriate testing based on your family history and risk profile.

The genetic screening process starts with standard IVF. After fertilization, the embryos are cultured for 5–6 days until they reach the blastocyst stage. At this point, embryo biopsy is performed—gently removing a few cells for analysis. The genetic information from the biopsy is examined to determine if the embryo is suitable for transfer. This screening helps choose the healthiest embryo, minimizing risks and maximizing success.

Yes, embryo biopsy is a safe and highly refined procedure. It is typically done at the blastocyst stage and does not harm the embryo’s development. Performed by experienced embryologists at Dr. Meera B’s place of practice, it enables accurate genetic and chromosomal testing without affecting the embryo’s potential to implant or grow into a healthy baby.

IVF with genetic testing goes a step beyond standard IVF by incorporating PGT. While traditional IVF relies on morphological grading of embryos (how they look under a microscope), genetic testing gives a deeper understanding of their chromosomal and genetic integrity. This reduces the chances of miscarriage, failed implantation, or genetic disorders, helping achieve a successful and healthy pregnancy under the care of Dr. Meera B.

Chromosomal testing helps detect abnormalities in chromosome numbers such as aneuploidy (missing or extra chromosomes). These issues are a leading cause of miscarriage, developmental delays, and implantation failure. By detecting such abnormalities early, PGT-A performed at Dr. Meera B’s place of practice improves the likelihood of choosing a viable embryo for a healthy pregnancy.

Absolutely. Through PGT-M, couples with a known genetic mutation can prevent transmission of that condition to their child. Conditions like sickle cell anemia, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, or fragile X syndrome can be identified in embryos before implantation. Preventing inherited diseases through this proactive approach gives couples peace of mind and secures a healthier future for their child.

Booking a consultation is simple and can be done in three convenient ways:

Her experienced team will help you schedule your visit at Dr. Meera B’s place of practice.

Success rates with preimplantation genetic testing depend on several factors such as maternal age, embryo quality, and overall health. However, studies show that PGT can increase live birth rates by as much as 20–30% in certain populations. With Dr. Meera B’s extensive experience in reproductive medicine, the success rates are further optimized through personalized care and world-class protocols.

The cost of PGT-A or PGT-M depends on the number of embryos tested and the complexity of the genetic condition being screened. During your consultation, Dr. Meera B and her team will provide a transparent cost estimate and help you understand any additional steps involved in your IVF cycle.

Whether you’re an older mother, a couple with past IVF failures, or someone with a family history of genetic illness, genetic screening could significantly improve your odds of having a healthy baby. Dr. Meera B evaluates each case individually and helps you decide the best course of action based on your fertility goals and medical history.