Infertility Treatments Linked to Poor Birth Outcomes

Conceiving with the help of infertility treatments can double the risk of adverse birth outcomes including stillbirth, low birth weight, preterm birth and neonatal death, a new study says. The study, published in the journal PLOS ONE, looked at more than 300,000 births in South Australia. Researchers from the University of Adelaide identified 4,300 cases conceived with the help of different types of artificial methods currently available to help people who experience difficulties to conceive naturally, including in vitro fertilisation (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), ovulation induction and cryopreservation of embryos. Results showed that babies conceived with the help of fertility techniques were at a greater risk of being born dead, born early before the due date, weigh low at birth and die within the first 28 days of birth, compared to babies conceived naturally. Seve rity of the outcome varied with the type of treatment the women underwent to become pregnant. Interestingly, using frozen embryos was found safer while undergoing the intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) method, as it helped avoid the severe complications while using fresher ones. The severe birth outcomes associated with the treatments may be actually caused by the infertility itself than the assisted methods used to conceive, lead study leader Professor Michael Davies, said."Women in this group who eventually conceived without the help of invasive assisted reproduction gave birth to babies who were nine times more likely to have very low birth weight, seven times more likely to be very preterm, and almost seven times more likely to die within the first 28 days of birth," Professor Davies said in a news release. "This may be due to the underlying medical conditions related to their infertility, or the use of fertility medications or therapies that are not recorded."The findings come at a time when infertility has become a major problem among Indian couples, including the young generation. Safety of using different techniques to conceive has long been a hot topic of discussion around the world. Several studies in the past have linked infertility treatments to breast cancer, blood clots, skin cancer melanoma in women; birth defects, asthma and cancer in children. By Roshni Mahesh | January 9, 2014 2:31 PM IST

Frequently Asked Questions

Are IVF babies more likely to have health problems at birth?

Research suggests that babies conceived through fertility treatments may have a slightly higher risk of certain birth outcomes such as low birth weight or preterm delivery. However, experts believe this may be linked to underlying fertility issues rather than the treatments themselves. The HFEA monitors UK fertility clinic success rates and safety outcomes to help you make informed decisions about your treatment options.

Is frozen embryo transfer safer than fresh embryo transfer?

Some studies, including recent Australian research, suggest that using frozen embryos during ICSI treatment may help reduce the risk of certain complications compared to fresh embryo transfers. Your fertility clinic will discuss which approach is most suitable for your individual circumstances, as recommendations can vary based on your specific situation and medical history.

Does infertility itself cause pregnancy complications?

Research indicates that underlying fertility issues may contribute to adverse birth outcomes, even when conception eventually occurs naturally. One study found that women with fertility difficulties who conceived without assisted reproduction still experienced higher rates of complications. This suggests the fertility condition itself, rather than just the treatment, may play a significant role in birth outcomes.

How can I reduce risks during fertility treatment in the UK?

Choosing an HFEA-licensed clinic is essential, as they must meet strict safety and quality standards. NICE guidelines recommend single embryo transfer where appropriate to reduce the risk of multiple pregnancies, which carry higher risks. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, taking folic acid supplements, and attending all monitoring appointments can also help support a healthier pregnancy.

Should I be worried about having IVF on the NHS?

Fertility treatment on the NHS follows the same rigorous HFEA standards as private clinics, so the quality of care is closely regulated. Around 1 in 7 UK couples experience fertility issues, and NHS fertility services are experienced in supporting patients through treatment safely. Discuss any concerns about risks with your fertility specialist, who can explain how your individual circumstances may affect outcomes.

What does the HFEA say about fertility treatment risks?

The HFEA requires all licensed UK fertility clinics to provide patients with clear information about the risks and success rates of treatments. They publish clinic-by-clinic data so you can compare outcomes and make informed choices. The HFEA also sets guidelines to minimise risks, such as recommending single embryo transfer to reduce multiple pregnancy rates.

Are ICSI babies at higher risk than IVF babies?

Some research suggests slight differences in outcomes between various fertility treatments, but results vary between studies. The Australian study mentioned found that using frozen embryos with ICSI may help reduce certain risks. Your fertility consultant can advise whether IVF or ICSI is more appropriate for your situation based on NICE guidelines and your specific fertility diagnosis.