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Comparison of Fetal Cardiac Function in Structurally Normal Fetuses Conceived Via IVF and Spontaneous Pregnancy: a
Irem Herguner1, Umutcan Kayikci2, Onur İnce3
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey. irem8herguner@gmail.com.
Reproductive Sciences (Thousand Oaks, Calif.)
|July 1, 2026
Summary
In vitro fertilization (IVF) pregnancies, especially those using hormone replacement therapy (HRT), show altered fetal cardiac function in the second trimester compared to spontaneous conceptions.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Fetal Cardiology
- Medical Ultrasound
Background:
- Assisted reproductive technologies like in vitro fertilization (IVF) are increasingly common.
- Potential impacts of IVF on fetal development require thorough investigation.
- Understanding fetal cardiac function differences is crucial for long-term health assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare fetal cardiac function and cycle characteristics between IVF and spontaneous pregnancies.
- To investigate potential differences in second-trimester fetal cardiac hemodynamics.
- To analyze the influence of different IVF protocols (HRT, NC, m-OS) on fetal cardiac parameters.
Main Methods:
- Prospective case-control study of 30 IVF and 102 spontaneous pregnancies (18-24 weeks gestation).
- Exclusion of pregnancies with malformations or chromosomal abnormalities.
- Fetal cardiac function assessed via 2D ultrasound, pulsed-wave and color Doppler, measuring myocardial performance index (MPI), E/A ratios, cardiac cycle intervals, and valve velocities.
Main Results:
- IVF fetuses exhibited diastolic cardiac function deviations versus spontaneous controls.
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) subgroup showed the most significant changes, including higher tricuspid E/A ratio and shorter systolic duration.
- Mitral E-wave duration was shorter and A-wave velocity lower in the overall IVF group; MPI remained preserved.
Conclusions:
- IVF pregnancies, particularly those conceived with HRT protocols, may present with altered fetal cardiac function in the second trimester.
- These findings suggest potential early indicators of cardiac changes in IVF-conceived fetuses.
- Further research is necessary to determine the clinical significance and long-term implications of these cardiac alterations.
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01:24In Vitro Fertilization
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a form of assisted reproductive technology where an egg is fertilized with sperm in a controlled laboratory environment before transferring the resulting embryo into the uterus. This process is designed to help individuals and couples experiencing difficulties conceiving.
The IVF process begins with ovarian stimulation, during which reproductive endocrinologists prescribe hormonal medications to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs instead of the single...
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