Relationship between IVF and preterm birth rate
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a kind of assisted reproductive technology that transfers the fertilized eggs into the mother's uterus for pregnancy and delivery. With the continuous development and popularization of IVF technology, people begin to pay attention to whether IVF will increase the rate of premature delivery. The following details the relationship between IVF and preterm birth rate from four aspects: pregnancy risk, pregnancy complications, medical procedures and maternal and infant conditions.
1、 Pregnancy risk
In the early pregnancy of IVF, the operation of embryo transfer into the uterus may have a certain physical impact on pregnant women, and also increase the risk of premature delivery. First, because IVF often adopts multiple embryo transfer, and multiple embryo pregnancy has a higher preterm birth rate than single embryo pregnancy. Secondly, due to the use of assisted reproductive technology, IVF pregnancy may need to take some luteinizing hormone and other drugs in the early pregnancy to maintain pregnancy, which may sometimes increase the risk of premature delivery.
In addition, IVF mothers are often older women, and age is an important risk factor for premature delivery. Compared with young pregnant women, older pregnant women are more likely to suffer from diabetes, hypertension and other diseases, and these factors will also increase the risk of premature delivery.
2、 Pregnancy complications
IVF pregnancy is often accompanied by some complications, which will also increase the probability of premature delivery. Among them, the most common is hypertensive disorder complicating pregnancy. In IVF pregnancy, due to the special conditions of pregnant women, such as overweight, polycystic ovary syndrome, the risk of pregnancy induced hypertension is relatively high. Pregnancy induced hypertension is not only harmful to the mother's own health, but also can lead to fetal dysplasia and increase the possibility of premature delivery.
In addition, IVF pregnancy may be accompanied by complications such as placental abruption, placental implantation abnormalities, and these complications may also lead to premature delivery.
3、 Medical operation
Medical procedures in IVF pregnancy may also have an impact on preterm delivery rate. For example, in the process of IVF pregnancy, pregnant women need to perform many operations such as vaginal egg retrieval, embryo transfer, etc. These operations may cause certain stimulation and damage to the uterus, thus increasing the risk of premature delivery.
In addition, more frequent prenatal examinations may be required during IVF pregnancy, including measuring fetal heart rate and monitoring uterine contractions. Interference and stimulation during these examinations may also cause premature delivery of pregnant women.
4、 Maternal and infant status
The maternal and infant status of IVF pregnancy is also related to the premature delivery rate. First, IVF babies are often conceived by older mothers, who may suffer from some chronic diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, etc. These diseases will increase the risk of premature delivery of pregnant women. In addition, the probability of low birth weight of test tube babies is also high. Low birth weight is an important indicator of preterm birth, so the preterm birth rate of test tube babies is higher than that of natural pregnancies.
Summary
In conclusion, the use of assisted reproductive technology during IVF pregnancy increases the risk of premature delivery. The reasons behind it mainly include pregnancy risks, pregnancy complications, medical procedures, and maternal and infant conditions. However, it is worth noting that not all IVF babies will be born prematurely, and many IVF babies can be born safely and healthily at term. For the risk of premature delivery of test tube babies, doctors and patients need to strengthen communication, select appropriate treatment plans, and make preparations in advance to reduce the risk of premature delivery.
