What are the genetic risks of IVF babies?
IVF is a kind of baby developed by transplanting the fertilized egg into the mother's uterus through in vitro fertilization technology. Although IVF technology has been successfully applied for many years and helped many couples realize their dreams of becoming parents, IVF children will face some genetic risks. Next, we will elaborate on these genetic risks from four aspects.
1. Chromosome abnormalities
Chromosome abnormality is an important aspect of genetic risk in IVF. In the process of IVF, chromosome abnormalities sometimes occur, such as the common Down syndrome. This is mainly due to errors in the embryo cultivation process, resulting in abnormal chromosome number or structure.
Chromosome abnormalities may have adverse effects on the physical and intellectual development of infants. For example, patients with Down syndrome are often accompanied by mental retardation and slow physical growth. Therefore, it is very important to carry out chromosome screening before and after IVF. Hospitals such as Peking Union Medical College Hospital and Children's Research Institute affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine provide relevant genetic testing services to help couples understand the chromosome status of embryos.
2. Genetic diseases
Another aspect of IVF genetic risk is potential genetic diseases. Some genetic diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, hereditary deafness and hemophilia, may be inherited from parents to infants. Compared with natural pregnancy, IVF can carry out gene screening during fertilization, so as to find and avoid transmission of these genetic diseases.
However, even if genetic screening is carried out, there are still some risks. Some genetic diseases may be caused by complex genetic variations, which is difficult to screen. Therefore, doctors usually analyze the family genetic history in detail, and carry out genetic counseling and screening according to the specific situation.
3. Multiple pregnancy
IVF technology significantly increases the risk of multiple pregnancies. In order to improve the success rate of pregnancy, doctors may transplant multiple fertilized eggs into the uterus. However, this increases the risk of complications during pregnancy. Multiple pregnancy may lead to premature delivery, low birth weight, placental dysfunction and other problems, which will affect the health of infants.
In order to reduce the risk of multiple pregnancy, doctors can carry out single embryo transfer according to the specific conditions of the couple, and conduct more accurate embryo screening and evaluation. Hospitals such as Guangzhou General Hospital of the Guangzhou Military Region and the People's Hospital of Peking University led the health care project of IVF multiple pregnancy, providing professional guidance and medical services.
4. Psychological and social impact
In addition to physiological genetic risks, IVF families may also face psychological and social pressure. The process of IVF fertilization and treatment is usually complex and long, and couples may experience emotional fluctuations and psychological pressure.
In addition, under certain social and cultural backgrounds, IVF may face discrimination and prejudice, which may have a negative impact on infants and their families. Therefore, reasonable psychological guidance and social support are very important for IVF families.
summary
IVF babies do face some genetic risks, including chromosomal abnormalities, genetic diseases, multiple pregnancies, and psychological and social impacts. However, with the development of medical technology and the progress of genetic counseling, couples can minimize these risks and realize their dream of becoming parents by choosing appropriate hospitals and receiving comprehensive genetic counseling.
