What are the effects of IVF on the body?
IVF technology refers to a kind of assisted reproduction technology in which the fertilized egg is cultured in vitro and then implanted into the mother's uterus to develop into a fetus. Although this technology can help many couples who are unable to conceive naturally realize their dreams of childbearing, it will also have a certain impact on the child's body. Next, we will elaborate on the influence of IVF on the body from four aspects: genetics, birth defects, constitution and immune system.
Genetic impact
The genetic impact of IVF is mainly reflected in two aspects.
First of all, since IVF babies are obtained through artificial fertilization or assisted fertilization, they are more likely to carry genetic diseases. For example, if the parents have some genetic disease, the children obtained through IVF technology may also carry the same disease gene.
Secondly, IVF babies often need many tests and operations to be successfully obtained. This process may lead to mutations or variations in the gene of the fertilized egg, increasing the risk of some genetic diseases after birth.
Therefore, genetic counseling and embryo gene testing are very important for couples who want to give birth through IVF technology.
Risk of birth defects
IVF babies are slightly more likely to suffer from birth defects than naturally conceived babies.
First of all, the mode of IVF pregnancy and the intervention in the process may affect the development of embryos. Research shows that the risk of birth defects of IVF is about twice as high as that of natural pregnancy. This is mainly because some problems may occur in the process of embryo implantation, culture and selection.
Secondly, mothers of IVF babies usually experience long-term infertility treatment or hormone therapy. These treatments may increase the risk of some birth defects.
Therefore, when parents of IVF decide to use this reproductive technology, they should be aware of the risks of birth defects and work closely with doctors to reduce these risks.
Constitution and growth
Compared with naturally pregnant babies, IVF babies may have some differences in physique and growth and development.
First, IVF babies usually have low birth weight. This may be due to the inadaptability to the environment and culture conditions during the test tube process.
Secondly, IVF may lag slightly in neural development and cognitive ability. This may be related to the fact that IVF receives less external environmental stimuli during embryonic development.
In addition, IVF babies may be slightly shorter than naturally pregnant children of the same age. This may be related to the genetic factors of IVF and the intervention during embryonic development.
Immune system effects
Some abnormalities may occur in the immune system of IVF.
First, IVF babies may be more likely to suffer from some allergic diseases after birth, such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, etc. This is related to the fact that IVF receives less environmental stimuli during embryonic development.
Secondly, the immune system of IVF may be more sensitive to some infections. In the early life stage of IVF, they did not acquire immunity against infection through the mother, so they may show weaker immune response in the face of some diseases.
To sum up, the influence of IVF on the body is mainly manifested in four aspects: genetics, birth defects, physique and immune system. Although these effects may exist, not all IVF babies will experience the same problems. For the parents of IVF, it is important to understand these effects, and work closely with doctors to expect a smooth and safe arrival of the baby.
