Pregnancy and child outcome after oocyte donation

During the last decade oocyte donation has been highly successful for treating women previously thought to be hopelessly infertile. The pregnancy rate after oocyte donation is among the highest reported for any fertility-enhancing procedure. Most investigators have noted an increased rate of obstetric complications in these pregnancies. In particular, pregnancy-induced hypertension appears to occur more often than expected, and the Caesarean section rate is high. However, the majority of oocyte recipients experience a favourable pregnancy and perinatal outcome. When perinatal complications occur they are usually related to multiple gestation. The high frequency of multiple pregnancy after oocyte donation, as well as in all other fields of assisted reproduction, deserves attention, and efforts to avoid multi-fetal gestation must be made. There are only a few studies on post-natal growth and development of young children born after oocyte donation. The health of these children appears to be within normal ranges. The psychological consequences of the treatment on the child require further investigation. Thus far, studies have shown normal socio-emotional development in the child and a warm relationship between the parents and the child in oocyte donation families.