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Pregnancy and perinatal outcomes after assisted reproduction: a comparative study
C Allen1, S Bowdin, R F Harrison
1Human Assisted Reproduction Ireland, Rotunda Hospital, Dublin, Ireland. drcathyallen@eircom.net
Background:
Increasing use of fertility therapy has elicited concerns regarding adverse effects for expectant mothers and the health of children thus conceived.
Aims:
To study the risk of adverse perinatal outcomes, birth defects and pregnancy complications following assisted reproductive technology (ART).
Methods:
Questionnaire-based study involving 1,524 children and 1,182 pregnancies conceived following in vitro fertilisation (IVF) in two units. Outcomes were compared with the general population.
Results:
In the study group versus the general population; multi-foetal gestations, 26 versus 2%; singleton preterm delivery and low birth weight, 8.7 and 6.4 versus 4.3 and 4%, respectively; non-lethal congenital malformation rate, 2.6 versus 2.1%; placenta praevia, 2.8 versus 0.5%.
Conclusions:
Multi-foetal gestations remain the principal cause of adverse perinatal outcomes after ART. Singleton ART pregnancies have an increased risk of preterm delivery and low birth weight at term. Non-lethal congenital malformation rates are not increased following ART. Placenta praevia is increased following ART.
