Health risks of IVF
IVF is a kind of assisted reproductive technology, which enables couples who cannot conceive naturally to realize their desire to have children. However, although IVF technology has been widely used and accepted, it also has some risks to infant health. This article will elaborate on the risks of IVF from four aspects: genetic disease risk, premature birth and low birth weight, multiple pregnancy and mental health.
Genetic disease risk
An important problem of IVF is the existence of genetic disease risk. In some cases, both husband and wife may carry genes of genetic diseases, which may be screened out during natural pregnancy. However, in the process of IVF, the genetic screening of embryos may be subject to some restrictions, leading to the transmission of high-risk genetic diseases to the next generation. This includes chromosome abnormalities, single gene diseases and complex genetic diseases. In order to reduce the risk of genetic diseases, doctors will conduct gene testing and consultation, but the risk cannot be completely ruled out.
In addition, there may also be accidental mutations and gene rearrangements in the embryo implantation of IVF technology, which may lead to some genetic diseases after birth. Therefore, couples should fully understand the risks of genetic diseases when deciding to choose IVF technology, and make prudent decisions after consultation.
Preterm birth and low birth weight
Compared with naturally conceived babies, IVF babies are more likely to be premature and have low birth weight. This is because in IVF technology, doctors need to transfer multiple embryos into the uterus to improve the success rate. However, multiple pregnancies increase the risk of premature delivery and low birth weight. Premature birth and low birth weight may cause a series of health problems, including dyspnea, hypoglycemia, infection, etc.
In order to reduce the risk of premature delivery and low birth weight, doctors usually limit the number of IVF embryo transfers to avoid multiple pregnancies. In addition, after the baby is born, the doctor will provide special care and support to ensure their healthy growth.
Multiple pregnancy
One side effect of IVF technology is the risk of multiple pregnancies. Because the IVF technology requires simultaneous implantation of multiple embryos, twins, triplets or more multiple pregnancies occur frequently. Multiple pregnancy will increase the health risks of infants, including premature delivery, low birth weight, congenital malformations, etc.
In order to avoid the risk of multiple pregnancy, doctors will accurately control the number of embryos transferred according to the couple's age, physical condition, embryo quality and other factors. In addition, in IVF technology, the use of hormone therapy will also be strictly controlled to reduce the incidence of multiple pregnancies.
mental health
The whole process of IVF may have a certain impact on the mental health of couples. Due to the uncertainty and pressure of IVF, couples may experience anxiety, mood fluctuations, self-esteem frustration, etc. during the whole process. In addition, for some unfortunate couples, the failure of IVF may bring them a huge psychological blow.
In order to help couples cope with these psychological pressures and puzzles, some hospitals provide psychological counseling and support services. This will help couples better face the challenges of IVF and maintain mental health.
summary
IVF technology has brought hope to those couples who cannot conceive naturally, but it also comes with some risks. These risks include risks of genetic diseases, premature delivery and low birth weight, multiple pregnancies, and mental health. When deciding to choose IVF technology, couples should fully understand these risks and make wise decisions under the guidance of doctors.
