Effects of test tube baby on baby's health
IVF refers to the babies artificially fertilized and cultivated in the laboratory through assisted reproductive technology. With the decline of fertility and the increase of infertility, IVF technology has become the choice for many couples to pursue fertility. However, people have always had doubts about the health of IVF. This article will discuss the influence of IVF on baby's health from four aspects: baby's health after birth, congenital defects, genetic diseases and mental health.
Postnatal health
The birth of IVF babies sometimes faces some health problems related to fetal development and premature delivery. Research shows that compared with naturally conceived babies, IVF babies are more likely to have low birth weight and premature delivery. This is because hormone therapy in assisted reproductive technology may affect the uterine environment and pregnancy process. However, with the improvement of IVF technology and medical technology, the incidence of these problems has been declining.
At the same time, the birth of IVF does not mean that there will be more health problems in their subsequent development. The study found that there was no significant difference between IVF and naturally conceived infants in growth, intellectual development and mental health. This means that IVF babies can enjoy healthy growth like other children after birth.
Congenital defect
Some people worry that IVF babies are more likely to suffer from congenital defects. However, large-scale studies have shown that the risk of congenital defects of IVF is not higher than that of naturally conceived infants. This conclusion is supported by several independent studies and actual data.
The relationship between IVF and the risk of congenital defects is mainly affected by maternal age, parental genetic factors and embryo transfer. For high-risk groups, doctors will conduct more rigorous embryo screening and selection to reduce the incidence of congenital defects. Therefore, there is no essential difference between IVF and naturally conceived infants in terms of congenital defects.
Genetic disease
Another concern is that IVF babies may inherit genetic diseases from their parents. Through embryo screening and genetic counseling, doctors can detect and identify embryos carrying genetic diseases, and select healthy embryos for implantation. These screening and counseling measures have greatly reduced the risk of genetic diseases in IVF.
In addition, assisted reproductive technology also enables parents to select gender to avoid transmission of some gender related genetic diseases. This technology of gender selection helps parents reduce the risk of genetic diseases in their children to some extent.
mental health
The mental health of IVF is the focus of many people's attention. Research shows that there is no significant difference in mental health between IVF and children who are naturally pregnant. The care, education and support of IVF families can also promote their healthy growth.
However, we also need to pay attention to the psychological pressure and identity problems that IVF may face during its growth. Compared with naturally conceived children, IVF may face some discomfort or confusion when referring to its own birth mode. Therefore, the mental health of IVF needs the common attention and support of family, school and society.
summary
To sum up, the health impact of IVF on babies can be assessed in many ways. The current research results show that there is no essential difference between IVF and naturally conceived infants in terms of health status, congenital defects, genetic diseases and mental health. However, we still need to pay attention to the health of IVF babies and provide them with good family, education and social support to ensure their healthy and happy growth.
