For many couples, becoming parents is a dream. Children typically add colour to their life, therefore, IVF and other assisted reproductive methods are used to add colour to the lives of many couples. Although most fertility treatments are highly safe, there is always a small chance of an adverse effect. In this article let’s discuss the IVF pregnancy risks.
In vitro fertilisation IVF
IVF (In vitro fertilization) is the advanced treatment for fertility-seeking couples. It is available for more than four decades and has undergone lots of technological improvements. IVF is a procedure that involves taking eggs out of ovaries and then manually combining them with sperm in a lab for fertilization.
The fertilized egg, which is now referred to as an embryo, is implanted inside a uterus a few days following fertilization. People are very anxious when they need to consider IVF as their treatment to achieve pregnancy.
IVF pregnancy risks
With advanced technologies, the treatment is very simple, transparent, and friendly these days. But, there are some special risks associated with IVF.
- The pregnancy is very precious out of the long waiting time and the whole family is under stress, anxiety along with excitement.
- Some women may be a little older and may have comorbid medical conditions like hypertension, and diabetes( effects of diabetes during pregnancy) which may increase the risk of IVF pregnancy
- There is an increased incidence of twin pregnancy (multiple pregnancies) which has added complications although say double-folded.
Other risks
There is an increased risk of
- Chemical pregnancy– A very early miscarriage that occurs within the first five weeks of pregnancy is referred to as a chemical pregnancy. The embryo tries to implant in the uterus but fails to continue with the growth further. The possibility of this type of pregnancy is higher with IVF.
- Early and late miscarriage– In IVF, miscarriages (what causes miscarriage?) occur at roughly the same rate as naturally conceived pregnancies. Similar to a natural pregnancy, depending on the pregnant woman’s health condition and the developing embryo, early or late miscarriage may occur.
- Ectopic pregnancy– In an ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus, typically in a fallopian tube, making it impossible to continue the pregnancy. This pregnancy will occur in about 2% and 5% of women undergoing IVF
- Preterm delivery– The chance of an early or late preterm delivery is slightly increased in IVF.
- IUGR (Intrauterine growth restriction)- When the fetus is smaller than it should be for its gestational age (the number of weeks in the pregnancy) it is known as intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). IVF has an increased risk of IUGR.
- Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension (PIH)- High blood pressure that develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy and disappears soon after your baby is born is known as pregnancy-induced hypertension. Pregnant mothers who have undergone IVF have a higher chance of getting this.
- Gestational diabetes (GDM)- When blood sugar levels are too high during pregnancy, gestational diabetes (GD) develops. This condition occurs during pregnancy and disappears after giving birth. Compared to women who conceive naturally, pregnant women who utilize in vitro fertilization are more likely to acquire gestational diabetes.
- Operative delivery(cesarean)- The rate of cesarean section is higher in IVF compared to normal pregnancy because of various factors like the pregnant mother’s age and health condition, the unborn baby’s condition, etc.
To summarize
Thus, every medical procedure involves certain risk factors. By knowing about IVF pregnancy risk factors you can have an awareness about it. If you approach your pregnancy with a positive mindset and hope, you can have a healthy pregnancy and a happy family.
