Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 14, 2026
10:16
Accurate and Phenol Free DNA Sexing of Day 30 Porcine Embryos by PCR
Published on: February 14, 2016
Does fetal sex affect pregnancy outcome?
Gian Carlo Di Renzo1, Alessia Rosati, Roberta Donati Sarti
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Center for Perinatal and Reproductive Medicine, Univesity of Perugia, Perugia, Italy. direnzo@unipg.it
Gender Medicine
|June 23, 2007
Summary
Male fetuses face higher risks during pregnancy, including preterm birth and complications. Female fetuses generally experience better perinatal outcomes, especially after preterm birth, indicating a sex-based advantage.
Area of Science:
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Perinatal Outcomes
- Sex Differences in Health
Background:
- Gender differences in pregnancy outcomes are frequently observed in maternal-fetal medicine.
- These variations impact various stages of pregnancy, from conception to birth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review fetal sex-dependent differences in pregnancy outcomes.
- To synthesize findings on gender-based variations from conception through birth.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Current Contents (1985-2006).
- Utilized keywords: fetal gender, sex ratio at birth, pregnancy outcome, preterm birth, stillbirth.
- Included examination of bibliographies of relevant articles for comprehensive data capture.
Main Results:
- Higher male-to-female ratio observed in early gestation, stabilizing at term.
- Increased incidence of preterm birth and premature rupture of membranes in male pregnancies.
- Male fetuses associated with higher rates of gestational diabetes, macrosomia, labor complications, and cesarean sections.
Conclusions:
- Male sex is identified as an independent risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes.
- Female fetuses demonstrate a survival advantage, particularly in the perinatal period and after preterm birth.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:07Teratogenicity
The ability of a drug to produce structural deformations and functional abnormalities in the developing embryo or the fetus is called teratogenicity, and the drug producing this effect is known as a teratogen. Teratogenic effects include stillbirth, miscarriage, intrauterine growth restriction, and neurocognitive delay. A teratogen may affect the embryo at different stages of development, which is important in determining the type and extent of the damage. During blastocyst formation, the early...
01:41Spermatogenesis
Spermatogenesis is the process by which haploid sperm cells are produced in the male testes. It starts with stem cells located close to the outer rim of seminiferous tubules. These spermatogonial stem cells divide asymmetrically to give rise to additional stem cells (meaning that these structures “self-renew”), as well as sperm progenitors, called spermatocytes. Importantly, this method of asymmetric mitotic division maintains a population of spermatogonial stem cells in the male reproductive...
02:19The Y Chromosome Determines Maleness
The Y chromosome is a sex chromosome found in several vertebrates and mammals, including humans. In addition to 22 pairs of autosomes, the human males have one X chromosome and one Y chromosome. In these organisms, the presence or absence of the Y chromosome determines the development of male traits.
Evolution
Around 300 million years ago, the two sex chromosomes diverged from two identical autosomal chromosomes. Over time, the Y chromosome has lost most of its genes, shrinking in size. Today,...
Evolution
Around 300 million years ago, the two sex chromosomes diverged from two identical autosomal chromosomes. Over time, the Y chromosome has lost most of its genes, shrinking in size. Today,...
02:57Meiosis vs. Mitosis
Cell division is necessary for growth and reproduction in organisms. Mitosis aids cell growth and development by dividing somatic cells. In contrast, meiosis causes the division of germ cells and plays an essential role in sexual reproduction. Due to their unique functional requirements, mitosis and meiosis differ from each other in multiple aspects.
Before the start of mitosis and meiosis I, the cell synthesizes DNA, resulting in two homologous copies of each chromosome. DNA synthesis is...
Before the start of mitosis and meiosis I, the cell synthesizes DNA, resulting in two homologous copies of each chromosome. DNA synthesis is...
01:38Fertilization
During fertilization, an egg and sperm cell fuse to create a new diploid structure. In humans, the process occurs once the egg has been released from the ovary, and travels into the fallopian tubes. The process requires several key steps: 1) sperm present in the genital tract must locate the egg; 2) once there, sperm need to release enzymes to help them burrow through the protective zona pellucida of the egg; and 3) the membranes of a single sperm cell and egg must fuse, with the sperm...
01:15Development of the Sexual Organs in the Embryo and Fetus
Development of the reproductive organs in an embryo starts from a bipotential state. This means the early embryo can develop either male or female reproductive organs. The formation of these organs begins with the growth of gonadal ridges that arise from the intermediate mesoderm during the fifth week of development.
Near the gonadal ridges, two duct systems are present: the mesonephric ducts (Wolffian ducts) and paramesonephric ducts (Müllerian ducts). These ducts form the basis for the male...
Near the gonadal ridges, two duct systems are present: the mesonephric ducts (Wolffian ducts) and paramesonephric ducts (Müllerian ducts). These ducts form the basis for the male...