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[Health and risk among children conceived after IVF and their mothers]

Ulla-Britt Wennerholm1, Erica Ginström Ernstad2, Christina Bergh3

  • 1prof, överläkare, obstetrikenheten, Sahlgrenska universitetssjukhuset/Östra, Göteborg; institutionen för kliniska vetenskaper, Göteborgs universitet.

Lakartidningen
|December 13, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Most children born via in vitro fertilization (IVF) are healthy. While IVF is linked to slightly higher risks of preterm birth, low birth weight, and birth defects, absolute risks remain low for both children and mothers.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Medicine and Perinatal Health
  • Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART)
  • Pediatric and Maternal Outcomes

Context:

  • In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a widely used assisted reproductive technology.
  • Understanding the long-term health implications for children and mothers is crucial.
  • Existing research indicates potential risks associated with IVF conception.

Purpose:

  • To synthesize current evidence on the health outcomes of children conceived via IVF.
  • To assess risks for mothers undergoing IVF and pregnancy.
  • To identify areas requiring further research in adolescent and adult populations.

Summary:

  • The majority of children born after IVF are healthy, with outcomes similar to spontaneously conceived children regarding neurodevelopment, growth, and physical health.
  • Studies indicate a modestly increased risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, and birth defects in IVF-conceived children compared to spontaneous conception.
  • Mothers undergoing IVF may have an elevated risk of placenta-mediated complications, such as hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Both infertility and IVF procedures are potential contributing factors.

Impact:

  • Provides a balanced overview of IVF outcomes, emphasizing that absolute risks are low despite modest increases in certain adverse events.
  • Highlights the need for continued long-term follow-up studies into adolescence and adulthood.
  • Informs prospective parents, clinicians, and policymakers about the safety profile of IVF.

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