Perinatal outcome in children born after assisted reproductive technologies

Ulla-Britt  Wennerholm; Christina  Bergh

doi:10.1080/03009734.2020.1726534

Authors

Ulla-Britt Wennerholm Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Sahlgrenska University Hospital East, Gothenburg, Sweden
Christina Bergh Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Reproductive Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1080/03009734.2020.1726534

Keywords:

Assisted reproductive technology, ART, ICSI, IVF, perinatal, short-term follow-up

Abstract

Over the past 40 years access and effectiveness of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) have increased, and to date more than 8 million children have been conceived after ART globally. Most pregnancies resulting from ART are uncomplicated and result in the birth of healthy children. Yet, it is well known that pregnancies following ART are more likely to be affected by obstetric complications such as hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, preterm birth, and low birth weight compared with spontaneously conceived pregnancies. ART children are also at increased risk of birth defects. The majority of the problems arise as a result of multiple pregnancies and can be reduced by transferring a single embryo, thereby avoiding multiple pregnancies. New ART technologies are constantly introduced, and monitoring of the health of ART children is crucial.