What are the sequelae of IVF?
IVF technology is a kind of assisted reproductive technology, which is used to help couples who cannot conceive naturally realize their reproductive dreams. Although IVF technology has achieved great success in the field of modern medicine, there are still some sequelae and risks. This article will discuss the existence of IVF sequelae from the aspects of growth and development, genetic diseases, multiple pregnancy and mental health.
Growth and development
IVF babies may be at risk of growth retardation and low birth weight during their initial development. Research shows that compared with naturally conceived infants, IVF babies have lower birth weight. This may be because in the process of in vitro embryo culture, the embryo does not get the nutrients in the mother and the corresponding regulation. In addition, IVF babies may also face a higher probability of premature delivery and low birth weight, which may lead to some health problems.
In addition to the growth and development problems at birth, IVF may also have some growth abnormalities in childhood and adulthood. Research shows that IVF may lag behind children of the same age who are naturally pregnant in terms of height and weight in childhood. Although the cause of growth delay has not been completely clarified, it is related to the in vitro environment of IVF and possible genetic factors.
Genetic disease
IVF may face the risk of genetic diseases, which is mainly related to the genetic factors in the biological family structure. In the process of IVF, embryos may undergo gene testing to screen for some common genetic diseases. However, this screening does not cover all potential genetic risks.
In addition, IVF may be affected by the genetic genes of parents suffering from certain genetic diseases. Whether it is single gene genetic disease, complex genetic disease or chromosome abnormality, IVF may have a higher risk of disease. Therefore, before IVF, medical staff should fully assess the genetic history of the couple and provide them with comprehensive genetic counseling.
Multiple pregnancy
A common side effect of IVF technology is multiple pregnancy. In order to improve the success rate of pregnancy, doctors sometimes implant multiple embryos into the mother. This leads to a relatively high rate of multiple births in IVF pregnancy, which is far higher than the rate of natural pregnancy.
Multiple pregnancies increase maternal and infant health risks. Pregnant women may face a higher risk of miscarriage, premature delivery and prenatal complications. For multiple fetuses, their development space and nutrition in the womb are limited, which may lead to low birth weight, increased risk of disease and other problems.
mental health
IVF technology may also have a certain impact on the mental health of couples. Infertility itself has brought tremendous psychological pressure and frustration to couples. In the process of IVF, couples need to go through a series of complex medical procedures and treatment processes, which may further increase the risk of psychological problems such as anxiety and depression.
In addition, after the success of IVF, couples may face the challenge of adjusting and adapting to new roles. For couples who have long aspired to become parents, they may encounter difficulties in coping with parenting pressure and parent-child relationship.
Summary
IVF technology is an important assisted reproductive technology for couples who cannot conceive naturally. However, the existence of IVF sequelae cannot be ignored. These sequelae include growth and development problems, genetic diseases, multiple pregnancy and mental health risks. Therefore, before IVF, medical staff should conduct comprehensive genetic counseling and mental health assessment for couples, and provide necessary support and guidance.
