Maintenance of Pregnancy and Obstetric Outcome in Donor Egg Pregnancies

Data are presented on the outcome of 43 pregnancies between 1983 and 1991. Maintenance of pregnancy in agonadal women begins at the time of embryo implantation, and initial hormone replacement therapy to prime the endometrium before embryo transfer is an important factor. Synchronization in agonadal women is successful with the variable-length oestrogen replacement regime but can be difficult in ovulating recipients. The outcome of donor egg (DE) pregnancies in this study is comparable to that of IVF pregnancies, with the possible exception of an increased rate of monozygous twins. Pre-eclampsia does not appear to increase significantly in DE pregnancies. Vaginal delivery is possible for DE pregnancies in women with ovarian failure.