What are the risks of second-generation IVF?
As an assisted reproductive technology, IVF has helped many infertile couples realize their dream of childbearing. However, second-generation IVF babies also face some risks. This article will discuss the risk of second generation IVF from four aspects: genetic disease, multiple pregnancy, premature delivery, and technical failure.
Risk of genetic diseases
Through IVF technology, couples with genetic diseases can screen healthy embryos for transplantation, reducing the risk of transmission of genetic diseases. However, even if healthy embryos are screened, the risk of genetic diseases cannot be completely ruled out.
First, new mutations may occur during embryonic development, which may lead to new genetic diseases. Secondly, some embryos may carry recessive gene mutations, and men and women of normal childbearing age generally do not carry this gene mutation, but the IVF technology may cause these embryos to develop into infants. Therefore, there is still a risk of rare genetic diseases in second-generation IVF.
In addition, the use of foreign genes (donated embryos or embryo carrying organs) may also lead to the risk of some genetic diseases. Although doctors will try their best to screen out healthy embryos, they cannot completely rule out the possibility of genetic diseases.
Risk of multiple pregnancies
IVF technology is usually carried out in the form of multiple births to increase the success rate. However, multiple pregnancy also brings many health risks.
First, multiple pregnancy will increase the probability of pregnancy complications, such as intrauterine growth retardation, placental insufficiency, etc. These complications increase the risk of premature delivery and miscarriage.
Secondly, multiple pregnancy has a heavy burden on the mother's body, which may lead to hypertension, diabetes and other related diseases.
In addition, multiple pregnancy also brings some risks to the health of the fetus, such as premature delivery, low birth weight, and high incidence of congenital malformations.
Risk of premature delivery
The pregnancy period of IVF is often shorter than that of natural pregnancy. Therefore, preterm birth is a common risk for second-generation IVF infants.
Premature delivery may lead to many complications, such as respiratory distress syndrome, cerebral hemorrhage, infection, etc. These complications may have long-term effects on the life and health of infants.
In addition, the development of premature infants may be affected, resulting in intellectual and behavioral problems.
Risk of technical failure
Although the success rate of IVF technology continues to improve, there is still a risk of technical failure.
First, embryo transfer may fail, leading to pregnancy failure. This may be caused by such reasons as incorrect implantation of embryos and wrong implantation period of embryos.
Secondly, even if the pregnancy is successful, it may be terminated due to early abortion or fetal termination.
In addition, drugs used in IVF technology may cause side effects and complications. For example, hormone therapy may lead to ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, causing ovarian swelling, abdominal distension, dyspnea and other symptoms.
Summary
Although the second-generation IVF technology has brought new hope to infertile couples, there are still some risks. Including risks of genetic diseases, multiple pregnancy, premature delivery and technical failure. Couples should understand these risks when deciding to adopt IVF technology, and fully communicate with doctors to make wise decisions.
