Before considering any associated risks with the IVF born child, let us, first of all, examine the IVF and Natural Conception.
In-Vitro Fertility which is commonly known as IVF has come up as a boon for all those couples who have desired to have a baby. There are many who suffer from infertility and are unable to become parents naturally. Thus, IVF is a great option for all those. Although, no optimum proof regarding the risk or wellness of IVF born child is available till date as the technology is just around for 40 years.
The natural conception takes place in the fallopian tubes where the egg is made retile by the sperm; the same is carried out in a lab dish in the IVF process. After the egg gets developed into an embryo, it naturally gets shifted to the uterus. Whereas, in the case of IVF; the embryo so developed in the lab dish is transplanted to the uterus. After this stage, the pregnancy takes the usual course of action. Hence, there is not much difference as such between IVF and natural conception. Therefore, the question of the health of IVF child somewhere stands futile.
Still, it is important to investigate if there are any possible risks associated with the health of IVF babies. Some that are expected to happen are:
- Lesser weight: it is argued that IVF born babies generally have low weights during their birth as compared to naturally born babies. A child who is weak by birth tends to have more bad health in later ages as compared to the one who has good health.
- Diabetes: the IVF born kids are exposed to have diabetes at the later stages of life earlier than the normal child. But this may happen after the age of 50 and not before that.
- Neurological disorders: these children are also at a great probability of facing autism, learning disability as well as language disorders.
- Obesity: the fat content in such children is more too and they may become obese as they approach aging.
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Medically Reviewed & Authored By
Dr. Sumita Sofat
Gynecologist & Fertility Specialist
Dr. Sumita Sofat is a leading gynecologist and fertility specialist with over 28 years of experience in reproductive healthcare. She is the Managing Director of Dr. Sumita Sofat IVF Hospital, dedicated to providing advanced fertility treatments to couples.