Infertility treatment: implications for perinatology

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Neonatology
• Reproductive Medicine

Background:

• The multiple birth rate in The Netherlands saw a substantial rise of nearly 40% between 1975 and 1989.
• Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) are known contributors to multiple births.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the primary drivers behind the increasing multiple birth rate in The Netherlands during the specified period.
• To assess the impact of ovulation induction therapies on the rising incidence of multiple births.
• To highlight the consequences for specialized neonatal and obstetrical care.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of birth rate data from 1975 to 1989 in The Netherlands.
• Evaluation of the contribution of in vitro fertilization (IVF) versus ovulation induction to multiple births.
• Assessment of the impact on tertiary care centers.

Main Results:

• Only approximately 25% of the increase in multiple births was attributable to in vitro fertilization.
• Ovulation induction, used independently or with other ART, was identified as a major factor in the rise of multiple births.
• Increased burden on specialized neonatal and obstetrical care units in tertiary centers.

Conclusions:

• Ovulation induction is a significant, often underestimated, contributor to the rise in multiple births.
• There is a critical need for healthcare professionals to be aware of and communicate the risks associated with multiple pregnancies.
• An international collaborative effort is required to understand and manage the challenges posed by increasing multiple birth rates.