Do IVF Babies Have More Problems – Overview
The initial health and development of IVF babies are generally comparable to those of naturally conceived babies.
There is no consistent evidence to suggest that IVF children are more frequently sick or more likely to have learning difficulties and behavioral problems than naturally conceived children.
With that in mind, it is a valid question to ask if IVF babies encounter more issues compared to those born naturally.
We are going to answer that question in the next few paragraphs so stay put.
Are IVF Babies More Susceptible to Health Issues
The answer to this question is that it is debatable. However, there are some indications in the research that IVF babies may have problems.
The majority of children born from IVF have a normal IQ, similar to the general population, without specifying a two-thirds statistic.
Nevertheless, three studies from different countries found more behavioral problems and abnormalities in IVF children than in naturally conceived children.
The results were constant and the differences were statistically noteworthy.
Health Issues that Come with IVF Babies
IVF babies may have a slightly increased risk of certain birth defects, but this risk is relatively low.
However, they do tend to be a little smaller than average when they’re born, which means they can be more vulnerable to health issues.
Low blood sugar is not specifically more common in IVF babies than in naturally conceived babies; health issues such as low blood sugar can occur in newborns irrespective of conception method.
They also run a higher risk of cleft palate, a problem in which the roof of the baby’s mouth does not completely close, which can affect feeding, speech, and overall health.
Other common issues include:
Abnormal Growth
Unfortunately, this condition cannot be detected until after the embryo’s transfer into the uterus. This results in deformities such as cysts or abdominal enlargement.
Ectopic Pregnancy
Another complication worthy of note is ectopic pregnancy, which happens when a fertilized egg attaches itself outside of the uterus, often in the fallopian tubes.
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This requires immediate medical attention because it places the mother’s life at risk. If left untreated, it can result in the death of both mother and baby.
Klinefelter’s Syndrome
Klinefelter’s syndrome is a genetic condition unrelated to the IVF process; it occurs due to the presence of an extra X chromosome in males and is not caused by IVF.
Multiple Birth Complications
Some women can get pregnant with IVF, but others need multiple rounds of treatment before they succeed.
While multiple births can have complications, advancements in IVF techniques aim to reduce the likelihood of multiple births, mitigating associated health risks.
Conclusion
Babies born through IVF are generally considered to have the same risk level as those conceived naturally (though there is no proof for this).
Still, some studies have indeed shown a slightly higher risk of birth defects in children conceived through IVF. These studies are controversial, though, and not all researchers agree on the risks involved.
IVF Grants in the U.S.
See Also
Success Rate of IVF on the First Try
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