How does IVF affect children's health?
IVF is a method of implanting the fertilized eggs into the mother body after in vitro fertilization through assisted reproductive technology, which is used by more and more couples to realize their reproductive dreams. However, medical intervention during IVF and other factors may have some impact on the health of children. This article will elaborate on the impact of IVF on children's health from four aspects: heredity, birth defects, risk of premature birth and mental health.
Genetic factor
In vitro fertilization in IVF technology may lead to some genetic variations. For example, some genes may be selectively lost or changed due to the limitations of IVF environment and methods. In this case, IVF may have different genetic characteristics from those of naturally conceived children, which may have a certain impact on their health. In addition, IVF may need to use donated eggs or sperm, which will also introduce external genetic factors, increasing the risk of some genetic diseases.
However, it is worth noting that most IVF babies still have their parents' genetic characteristics, so the health impact of genetic factors on IVF babies can be controlled and managed on the premise of ensuring matching and reasonable genetic risks.
Risk of birth defects
IVF babies have certain challenges in the risk of birth defects. Studies have shown that compared with naturally conceived children, IVF is more likely to suffer from some specific birth defects, such as cleft lip and palate, heart defects and neural tube defects. These risks may be related to many factors, such as in vitro fertilization, implantation technology itself and mother's health.
In order to reduce the risk of birth defects, a series of tests and screening are required during IVF. Doctors will perform genetic and chromosome tests on the embryos to ensure that the selected embryos are free of obvious abnormalities. In addition, paying attention to the mother's health, avoiding adverse effects of bad living habits and environmental factors on embryonic development are all important measures to reduce the risk of birth defects.
Risk of premature delivery
Compared with natural pregnancy, IVF has a slightly higher risk of premature delivery. Preterm birth may cause physical and health problems for the child. In IVF technology, embryos are often implanted into the mother in the early embryonic development stage, which may lead to a shorter time of embryo development in the uterus, and the risk of premature delivery is also relatively increased.
In order to reduce the risk of premature birth, a series of preventive measures should be taken during IVF. The doctor will monitor the mother to ensure that the embryo is implanted at the right time. At the same time, the doctor will carry out professional management and care for the mother to avoid premature delivery due to the mother.
mental health
IVF may also have some impact on children's mental health. Compared with naturally conceived children, IVF babies may face more psychological pressure, such as doubts about their biological identity, family expectation pressure, etc. This may affect their self-esteem, self-identity and mental health.
In order to improve the mental health of IVF, parents, medical staff and social environment all play an important role. Parents should give their children enough care and support to make them feel love and warmth. Medical staff should provide professional psychological guidance and support to guide children to establish positive self-identity. At the same time, society should strengthen support and care for IVF families, alleviate family pressure, and reduce the negative impact on children's mental health.
Summary
IVF has a certain impact on children's health. Genetic factors may cause children to have different genetic characteristics from naturally conceived children, while the risk of birth defects and premature delivery needs to be reduced through a series of screening and management. In addition, IVF babies may face psychological pressure, and attention should also be paid to children's mental health. However, proper medical guidance and family support can reduce these risks and impacts and ensure the healthy and happy growth of IVF.
