Does smoking increase the risk of IVF birth defects?
With the development of technology and society, IVF has become the star of hope for many infertile couples. However, some bad living habits, such as smoking, may have adverse effects on the birth quality and health of IVF. This article will explore the relationship between smoking and the risk of birth defects in IVF from many aspects.
1. Maternal smoking and embryonic development
Smoking has a direct impact on embryonic development. Research shows that women who smoke have lower quality and quantity of fertilized eggs during IVF procedure. The harmful substances in tobacco will affect the quality of eggs, leading to abnormal increase of chromosome of fertilized eggs, thus increasing the risk of embryo implantation failure and abortion. In addition, smoking can also lead to endometrial thinning, affecting the implantation and growth of embryos.
The influence of smoking on the formation and development of fertilized eggs may increase the risk of IVF birth defects. However, the specific research data is still insufficient, and further in-depth research is needed.
2. Maternal smoking and child development
In addition to the direct impact on embryos, maternal smoking also has a long-term impact on the development of children. Some studies have found that babies born to pregnant women who smoke have lower weight and are more prone to other defects, such as cleft lip and palate. Smoking induced fetal hypoxia and exposure to harmful substances may be one of the reasons for these phenomena.
In addition, smoking is also related to the neurodevelopment of children. Children born to mothers who smoke are more likely to have learning difficulties, behavioral problems and inattention problems. These effects may be related to the interference of chemicals in tobacco to children's brain development.
3. Father smoking and IVF
In addition to mother smoking, father smoking may also affect the quality and health of IVF. The study found that father smoking was associated with an increased risk of chromosomal abnormalities. Chromosome abnormality is one of the important reasons for embryo implantation failure and abortion.
In addition, father smoking may also have a long-term impact on the health of children. Research shows that father smoking is related to children's behavior problems, abnormal lung function and immune system problems. These effects may be caused by genetic material mutations and epigenetic changes caused by father smoking.
4. Quitting smoking and IVF
It is well known that smoking is harmful to health. For couples who want to have IVF, quitting smoking is a crucial step. Quitting smoking can improve the quality of fertilized eggs and reduce the risk of chromosomal abnormalities in embryos. In addition, smoking cessation can also help improve the reproductive system health of mothers and fathers, and increase the success rate of IVF.
To sum up, smoking will increase the risk of IVF birth defects, whether the mother or the father smokes. Smoking has adverse effects on both embryonic development and long-term effects on children. However, quitting smoking can reduce these risks and improve the success rate and health outcomes of IVF. Before IVF, couples should quit smoking as soon as possible to ensure their own health and the quality of IVF.
