Does Medically Assisted Reproduction Raise Risk for Adverse Birth Outcomes?

Yes, but a Finnish study confirms that clinical characteristics of the subfertile couple also contribute to the association.

To what extent does medically assisted reproduction (MAR; ovulation induction, artificial insemination, in vitro fertilization, and intracytoplasmic sperm injection) itself affect pregnancy outcomes? Investigators used an administrative database in Finland to identify a random sample of 20% of households with children born between 1995 and 2000. Among some 65,000 children, 2776 were conceived with MAR.

Between-family analysis showed that, compared with natural conception, MAR was associated with significantly higher rates of preterm birth (5% vs. 15%) and low birth weight (3% vs. 13%). After controlling for the child's sex, multiple birth status, birth order, maternal age at birth, smoking during pregnancy, and income, these differences pers…

Reviewing Author

Robert L. Barbieri, MD

Disclosures

Grant/Research SupportNational Institutes of Health

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Robert L. Barbieri, MD

Disclosures

Grant/Research SupportNational Institutes of Health

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Does Medically Assisted Reproduction Raise Risk for Adverse Birth Outcomes?

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Reviewing Author