Physical problems caused by IVF
In vitro fertilization (IVF) refers to an infant who is assisted in conception and pregnancy by in vitro fertilization (IVF). Although IVF technology has achieved great success in the field of assisted reproduction, it will also bring some problems related to infant health. This article will elaborate on the physical problems that IVF may face from four aspects.
Preterm birth and low birth weight
The pregnancy period of IVF babies before birth is relatively short, which easily leads to premature delivery and low birth weight. The normal pregnancy is generally 40 weeks, while the pregnancy period of IVF is usually only about 37 weeks. Preterm birth and low birth weight will increase the risk of a series of health problems of infants, including underdeveloped respiratory system, heart problems, weak immune system and underdeveloped nervous system.
Research shows that the proportion of IVF in preterm infants is significantly higher than that of naturally conceived infants. Low birth weight is a major feature of preterm infants. Small birth weight will also lead to immature organs of infants and increase the possibility of various complications.
Genetic problems
IVF technology usually introduces exogenous embryos or sperm, which may lead to genetic problems. First, some potential genetic defects may be ignored when selecting embryos, thus increasing the risk of some genetic diseases in IVF.
Secondly, the collection and processing of sperm or eggs may cause changes in genetic material, which may affect the health of embryos. Although IVF technology has undergone a series of screening and testing, these genetic problems cannot be completely ruled out.
A study found that the incidence of genetic problems of IVF was slightly higher than that of naturally conceived infants, which may be due to the impact of technical operation and embryo culture environment on the genetic stability of embryos.
Multiple pregnancy
In vitro baby technology usually implants multiple embryos into the mother to improve the success rate of pregnancy. However, it also increases the risk of multiple pregnancies. Multiple pregnancy has a certain degree of negative impact on embryonic development and maternal health.
Multiple births have lower birth weight and higher morbidity and mortality rates. In addition, multiple fetuses share the nutrition and oxygen supplied by the mother, which is likely to lead to unbalanced fetal development and increase the risk of low birth weight, growth retardation and other problems.
In order to reduce the risk of multiple pregnancies, many IVF clinics have implemented a single embryo implantation policy to reduce the frequency of multiple pregnancies.
Summary
The breakthrough in IVF technology has brought hope to couples who cannot conceive naturally, but it will also bring some physical problems. Preterm birth and low birth weight, genetic problems and multiple pregnancy are the main physical problems that IVF may face. Research and clinical practice have taken a series of measures against these problems to reduce risks and improve the health level of IVF. However, as an assisted reproductive technology, IVF technology still needs further research and improvement to ensure the health and development of infants.
