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Fetal development after assisted reproduction--a review
I Cetin1, V Cozzi, P Antonazzo
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, DMCO San Paolo, University of Milano, Milano, Italy. Irene.cetin@unimit.it
Placenta
|October 16, 2003
Summary
Assisted reproduction technologies (ART) may increase risks for fetal birth weight alterations and malformations. Further research is needed to understand potential long-term and transgenerational effects of ART procedures.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Developmental Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Assisted reproduction technologies (ART) enable conception for infertile couples.
- ART pregnancies show increased risks for fetal birth weight alterations, malformations, aneuploidies, and imprinting disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review potential causes for increased fetal defects in ART pregnancies.
- To discuss the implications of in vitro gamete/embryo manipulation and maternal environment on fetal development.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing evidence on ART outcomes.
- Analysis of differences between ART and spontaneous pregnancies.
- Discussion of epigenetic reprogramming and genomic imprinting roles.
Main Results:
- ART involves in vitro culture, multiple embryo transfers, and altered timing, differing from natural conception.
- Epigenetic reprogramming and genomic imprinting are implicated in altered fetal growth.
- Ovarian hyperstimulation may affect maternal response to trophoblast invasion, potentially increasing placental weight.
Conclusions:
- ART procedures may contribute to fetal developmental anomalies.
- Potential long-term and transgenerational effects of ART warrant further investigation.