Possible health effects of IVF
IVF is a kind of baby developed by culturing the fertilized eggs in the laboratory through in vitro fertilization technology, and then transplanting the fertilized eggs into the mother's uterus. Although IVF technology has brought hope to many infertile couples, its possible impact on health cannot be ignored. This article will elaborate on the possible health effects of IVF from four aspects.
low birth weight
Compared with naturally conceived babies, IVF babies tend to have lower birth weight. This is because IVF babies may be affected by malnutrition or environmental factors to varying degrees during IVF and culture. Low birth weight infants are more likely to suffer from diseases of the respiratory system, digestive system and cardiovascular system, and may face the problem of delayed growth and development during their growth.
In addition, the low birth weight of IVF is also related to the age, constitution and nutritional status of pregnant women. Therefore, the hospital should conduct a comprehensive evaluation of couples before carrying out IVF technology to reduce the risk of low birth weight.
Increased preterm birth and infant mortality
Compared with natural pregnancy, IVF babies are more likely to be born prematurely, that is, before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Premature infants face many health problems, such as dyspnea, intracranial hemorrhage, intestinal distress, etc. In addition, the infant mortality rate of IVF is relatively high. This may be related to the IVF technology itself and the patient's medical history.
In order to reduce the risk of premature delivery and infant mortality, hospitals need to closely monitor the physical condition of pregnant women during IVF, and timely identify and deal with potential risk factors.
Reproductive system problems
IVF may increase the risk of reproductive problems for children. Some studies have shown that IVF may have abnormalities in the development and function of reproductive organs. Male IVF babies may face problems such as decreased sperm quality and abnormal testicular development, while female IVF babies may face problems such as ovarian problems and irregular menstruation.
Although IVF technology has achieved great success in solving the problem of infertility, hospitals need to fully inform couples before IVF and comprehensively evaluate possible reproductive problems.
Mental health problems
IVF may have some impact on children's mental health. Research shows that IVF may be more prone to anxiety, depression and emotional instability in terms of psychology. This may be related to the children's awareness that they were born in an unnatural way during their growth, which caused their own emotional and identity problems.
Therefore, when conducting IVF technology, hospitals should provide appropriate psychological counseling and support to help children and families cope with possible mental health problems.
summary
Although IVF has solved the problem of infertile couples to some extent, its impact on health cannot be ignored. IVF can lead to low birth weight, increased preterm birth and infant mortality, reproductive system problems, and mental health problems. Therefore, before deciding to carry out IVF technology, couples should fully understand all possible risks, and make a comprehensive assessment under the guidance of the hospital to make decisions that meet their own conditions.
