Health of children born through IVF
Nona Sargisian
Senior consultant, Gynecology department, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg University, Sweden
Abstract
Although most pregnancies resulting from IVF proceed without complications for both mother and baby, the primary concern remains multiple births, which pose the greatest risk. Even singleton pregnancies from IVF are more prone to premature birth and low birth weight compared to those conceived spontaneously. While there is a slight increase in the incidence of defects, the overall risks are relatively low. Most IVF-conceived babies grow up healthy and develop normally. However, both low and high birth weights can potentially lead to increased morbidity later in life. It is believed that both the underlying infertility issues and the IVF treatment itself contribute to these differences in risk.