Multifetal pregnancy reduction

Multifetal pregnancy reduction (MFPR) is a procedure to reduce the number of fetuses in a multiple pregnancy, usually to two. Pregnancy with triplets or more increases the fetuses' risk of disability or death. MFPR may help the remaining fetuses survive and help the mother have a healthy pregnancy.

MFPR is usually done early in a pregnancy. The doctor injects the selected fetus with a solution that stops its heart. The fetus is usually absorbed by the mother's body.

MFPR sometimes leads to miscarriage of the remaining fetuses.

Current as of: May 1, 2026

Author: WebMD Ignite Staff

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