ABSTRACT
In recent years, there has been increasing concern regarding the safety of in vitro
fertilization (IVF) because of the potential health impact on these infants. Multiple
pregnancy contributes the vast majority of morbidity associated with IVF and, initially,
many thought that adverse outcomes after IVF were solely attributable to the high
incidence of twin pregnancies. More recently, multiple studies have suggested that
IVF singleton pregnancies may be at increased risk for preterm birth, low birth weight,
congenital anomalies, perinatal mortality, and several other pregnancy-related complications
compared with unassisted singleton pregnancies. We have focused this review on the
increased risk of adverse outcomes in IVF singleton conceptions compared with that
of unassisted conceptions. The available evidence evaluating the association between
IVF and low birth weight, preterm delivery, placental abruption, preeclampsia, congenital
anomalies, and perinatal mortality in singleton pregnancies is summarized. In addition,
data reporting an increased risk of congenital and chromosomal anomalies after IVF
are presented.
KEYWORDS
In vitro fertilization (IVF) - adverse outcome - congenital anomalies - IUGR - antepartum
risk - preterm delivery
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Suleena Kansal KalraM.D.
Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, University of Pennsylvania
3701 Market Street, Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19104
eMail: skalra@obgyn.upenn.edu