Advancements in technology have made it possible for many couples and individuals to conceive a child through in vitro fertilization (IVF).

While some may have concerns about the potential developmental and health risks of IVF children, research shows that these children tend to have similar developmental outcomes as children conceived through natural means.

What is In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)?

IVF is a medical procedure that involves fertilizing an egg outside of the body and then transferring the resulting embryo into the woman’s uterus.

The process typically involves multiple steps, including hormone injections to stimulate ovulation, retrieval of eggs from the ovaries, fertilization of the eggs with sperm in a laboratory, and transfer of the embryo(s) to the uterus.

How Common is IVF?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1.7% of all babies born in the United States each year are conceived through IVF or other assisted reproductive technologies.

The number of IVF cycles has been steadily increasing in recent years, with over 284,000 cycles reported in 2018.

Are Children Conceived through IVF at Risk for Developmental Problems?

While some studies have suggested that IVF children may be at slightly higher risk for certain developmental issues, such as low birth weight, prematurity, and certain birth defects, the vast majority of IVF children are born healthy and experience normal developmental milestones.

A meta-analysis of 50 studies published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that while children conceived through IVF may have a slightly higher risk of low birth weight and preterm birth, there was no significant difference in rates of developmental problems such as cerebral palsy, intellectual disability, or behavioral issues compared to naturally conceived children.

Factors That May Influence Developmental Outcomes in IVF Children

While IVF alone does not seem to significantly affect developmental outcomes in children, a number of factors may influence the health and well-being of IVF children. These include:.

Maternal Age

As with naturally conceived children, the age of the mother at the time of conception can impact the health of the child.

Older mothers may be at increased risk for pregnancy complications and may have a higher chance of having a child with certain genetic conditions.

Number of Embryos Transferred

IVF procedures often result in the creation of multiple embryos. It is common for more than one embryo to be transferred to increase the chances of a successful pregnancy.

However, transferring multiple embryos also increases the risk of a multiple pregnancy, which can increase the likelihood of pregnancy complications and developmental issues in the children.

Quality of the Embryos

The quality of the embryos created during IVF can also impact the chances of a successful pregnancy and the health of the resulting child. Higher-quality embryos are more likely to result in a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.

Assisted Hatching and Pre-Implantation Genetic Testing

Some IVF procedures may involve additional steps, such as assisted hatching to help the embryo implant in the uterus or pre-implantation genetic testing to screen for certain genetic conditions.

While these procedures may increase the chances of a successful pregnancy, they may also carry additional risks or may not be necessary in certain cases.

Conclusion

While there may be a slightly higher risk of certain complications or developmental issues in children conceived through IVF, the majority of IVF children experience normal developmental outcomes.

The factors that can influence outcomes in IVF children are similar to those in naturally conceived children and can be managed to increase the likelihood of a healthy pregnancy and baby.