[Pregnancy following oocyte donation]

Five women, aged 31, 26, 31, 34, and 28 years, became pregnant after oocyte donation and in-vitro fertilization. One was a carrier of Leber's optical atrophy, three had had an early menopause (in two because of chromosomal abnormalities), and one had had bilateral ovarian extirpation because of a cystadenoma and endometriosis. Three developed (pre-)eclampsia during pregnancy and one had a serious fluxus post partum. One twin died in utero, the other children were healthy. In the Netherlands in-vitro fertilization (with or without egg-donation) takes place up to the age of about 40. Regarding the high incidence of obstetrical complications in women under 40, raising the age limit could lead to even more pregnancy problems. Candidates for oocyte donation should be informed about these risks, furthermore they should not deliver at home.