CircleBumpCheckedFilledMedicalBookmarkBookmarkTickBookmarkAddCheckBoxCheckBoxFilled

Why Doctors Are So Worried About Birth Complications for IVF Babies

save article
profile picture of Kylie McConville
Updated March 2, 2017
Hero Image
Image: Elizabeth Messina / The Bump

New research released by the University of Adelaide found that the risk of serious complications at birth (such as stillbirth, preterm delivery, low birth weight and neonatal death) are twice as likely for babies conceived through assisted reproductive methods (like IVF and ICSI).

For the study, researchers in Australia compared the outcomes of more than 300,000 births is South Australia over a 17-year period, including more than 4,300 assisted reproduction births. They compared adverse birth events related to all forms of available treatments (like IVF, ICSI, ovulation induction and cryopreservation of embryos) and found that couples who used assisted reproduction were more than twice as likely to deliver preterm, have a stillborn baby, almost three times as likely have a very low birth weight baby and twice as likely to deliver a child that passes away 28 days after birth.

Professor Michael Davies, lead researchers on the project from the University of Adelaide’s Robinson Institute, said, “These outcomes varied depending on the type of assisted conception used. Very low and low birth weight, very preterm and preterm birth, and neonatal death were markedly more common in births from IVF and, to a lesser degree, in births from ICSI. Using frozen embryos eliminated all significant adverse outcomes associated with ICSI but not with IVF. However, frozen embryos were also associated with increased risk of macrosomia (big baby syndrome) for IVF and ICSI babies.”

Davies added that the study confirms what researchers in Europe and other parts of Australia have found: A growing relationship between infertility treatments and adverse outcomes for newborns.

He said, “More research is now urgently needed into longer term follow-up of those who have experienced comprehensive perinatal disadvantage. Our studies also need to be expanded to include more recent years of treatment, as the technology has been undergoing continual innovation, which may influence the associated risks.”

Were you worried about birth risks?

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

save article
ADVERTISEMENT

Next on Your Reading List

kourtney kardashian has fetal surgery
Kourtney Kardashian Opens Up About Life-Saving 'Urgent Fetal Surgery'
By Wyndi Kappes
doctor doing a blood test for pregnant woman
Simple Blood Test Could Identify Those at Risk of Preeclampsia
By Wyndi Kappes
pregnant woman resting in bed
What Is Bed Rest During Pregnancy—and Is It Recommended?
By Korin Miller
ADVERTISEMENT
woman holding newborn baby in hospital bed after birth
In-Hospital Maternal Mortality Rates Have Declined by Over 50 Percent
By Wyndi Kappes
pregnant woman drinking a glass of milk
Drinking Milk Can Lower Your Risk of Pregnancy Complications, Study Finds
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
nuchal cord wrapping around baby's neck in utero
Nuchal Cord: Causes, Signs and Treatment
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
gynecologist performing an ultrasound on pregnant woman
What to Know About a Subchorionic Hemorrhage in Pregnancy
By Korin Miller
ADVERTISEMENT
pregnant woman sitting on exam table while talking to doctor
What to Know About Placental Abruption
By Korin Miller
bindi irwin endometriosis diagnosis
Bindi Irwin on Endometriosis and Questions Around Growing Her Family
By Wyndi Kappes
doctor taking pregnant woman's blood pressure
New Research Finds Potentially Groundbreaking Preeclampsia Treatment
By Wyndi Kappes
ADVERTISEMENT
pregnant woman getting an ultrasound
What Cervical Insufficiency Means for Pregnancy
By Korin Miller
Chris Lane and Lauren Bushnell Lane on stage during week 3 of ABC's The Bachelor presents Listen to Your Heart Season one
What Is Marginal Cord Insertion? Lauren Bushnell Lane Shares Her Diagnosis
By Wyndi Kappes
close up of varicose veins on woman's thigh
Why Some Moms Get Varicose Veins in Pregnancy—and What to Do About It
By Elizabeth Narins
ADVERTISEMENT
pregnant woman suffering from a migraine while laying on couch at home
Study: Common Ailment May Be Tied to Increased Pregnancy Complications
By Nehal Aggarwal
close up of pregnant woman's belly in hospital bed before labor
Study: Epidural Use Could Decrease Severe Maternal Morbidity Risk
By Nehal Aggarwal
pregnant woman in bed in the morning
A Chemical Found in Everyday Items May Impact This Pregnancy Hormone
By Nehal Aggarwal
pregnant woman talking to doctor in exam room at doctor's office
Study: Blood Test Could Predict Preeclampsia Months Before Symptoms Start
By Nehal Aggarwal
ADVERTISEMENT
Complications Black Moms-to-Be Are at Risk For—And What to Do About It
Complications Black Moms-to-Be Are at Risk For—And What to Do About It
By Stephanie Siek
Everything You Need to Know About Cholestasis of Pregnancy
Everything You Need to Know About Cholestasis of Pregnancy
By Kate Bayless
Intrauterine Growth Restriction: What to Know About IUGR
Intrauterine Growth Restriction: What to Know About IUGR
By Lexi Dwyer
ADVERTISEMENT
Article removed.
Article removed.
Name added. View Your List