Health of children born with the help of eco. More careful observation. Get sick more often and live less

IVF children - consequences or reward?

There are already a lot of disputes, opinions, statements regarding babies conceived as a result of artificial insemination. The most implausible facts and insulting labels are assigned to children after IVF and their future by people who did not take part in artificial insemination programs and do not educate them.

  • Closer observation
  • Egg and sperm quality
  • Statistics
  • conclusions
  • Interesting

Children after IVF. I wonder what they are?

In the photo - Louise Brown - the first girl born after IVF, already with her child

What are they, children after IVF? In accordance with world statistics, they are exactly the same as children conceived in natural conditions. There is an opinion that IVF children get sick more often compared to ordinary babies. This fact has been confirmed. But elevated level morbidity is not provoked by the procedure itself, but by other reasons.

IVF multiple pregnancies - forced necessity

Multiple pregnancy with artificial insemination is more common than with natural conception and is 30%.

The transfer of several units of embryos increases the chances of pregnancy. This is used by doctors to increase the likelihood of an induced pregnancy. Most often 1-2 embryos, rarely 3. The number of transferred units is always individual and has reasons:

  • other.

Comparison of children after IVF, born in multiple pregnancy, and children conceived spontaneously ( naturally) and also born in multiple pregnancies, equalizes the incidence statistics. She's practically the same.

Closer observation

Children after IVF continue to be perceived as something unnatural, despite the fact that there are already more than 5 million of them in the world. More recently, pregnancy after IVF was a strict indication for operative delivery. Pediatricians are very closely studying the quality of health of such children. This is due to several reasons:

  • Absence natural pregnancy caused by pathologies of the male, female body. Hormonal problems, poor-quality sperm, lack of ovulation are signs of a health disorder. Following this logic, in "unhealthy" parents, the child must have some kind of shortcomings in somatic terms. Therefore, "shortcomings" are closely sought and found.
  • In infertile families, the birth of a child is perceived as a reward. “ECO mom” is a potential grandmother who scrupulously makes sure that the child does not freeze, does not catch a cold, does not fall, etc. Parents should pursue a different policy regarding the health of such babies: hardening, playing sports, physical activity.
  • objective reason close attention to "IVF children" - multiple pregnancy. What was intended for one child during fetal development is divided into two, or even three. Multiple pregnancy is more difficult to bear, often accompanied by complications and premature birth. in multiple pregnancies are often born earlier. premature babies lag behind in development, but a year later they successfully catch up with their peers and the difference is almost invisible. Their further development occurs in the same way as in full-term peers.

Egg and sperm quality

The health of newborns initially determines the quality of the genetic material - the genome formed during fertilization. Large defects appear immediately or on. Embryos are not viable. The path to artificial insemination is usually a long one. Often, "age" couples come to IVF. The older the woman, the more age-related changes affect the quality of the eggs. just like the rest of the body, if not faster. The same applies to spermatozoa. An aging egg is more likely to have genetic deficiencies that can manifest themselves in malformations.

Statistics

According to the latest data announced by the Russian Association of Human Reproduction, the incidence of congenital malformations in children after the use of reproductive technologies is higher. It is 2.91% versus 1.96% for spontaneous pregnancies.

Moreover, the frequency of occurrence of defects does not depend on the technique used ( or ). The hypothesis explaining these figures is as follows: the leading role in the growth of CM is occupied by the previous one (the ability to conceive a child).

According to several foreign studies, deviations in the psychophysical (mental and physical) development in children after IVF have not been identified, but the risk of leukemia and neuroblastoma is increased. And in adults - cancer of the skin, urinary and endocrine systems. But at the same time, no adjustments were made for the initial level of health of the parents, the age of the mother, the genetic factor, bad habits. If these factors are taken into account, then the probability of oncological diseases is equalized, and the incidence of neoplastic processes does not exceed the level in the population of children after spontaneous pregnancy.

conclusions

There is no convincing evidence that children after IVF are different from babies conceived spontaneously. does not increase the risk of having babies with congenital pathologies. In some cases, it reduces it. As part of the IVF procedure, according to indications, PGD is performed. It allows you to determine gene mutations and not transfer an embryo with genetic defects into the uterus.

What else can be said in favor of the "normality" of children after IVF? The fact that during artificial insemination there is a careful selection of genetic material for fertilization: before the procedure, spermatozoa corresponding to certain ones are selected. A kind of test for "suitability" is extended cultivation and. Day 4 of fertilization is one of the most indicative for the normal development of the embryo, as the embryo's own genome is launched.

Canadian scientists have completed a study not only to determine the mental and physical condition health in children after IVF, but also by the presence or absence of a biofield in them. And found it in regular sizes.

There are quite a lot of married couples in the world who have been given a disappointing diagnosis - infertility. Therefore, more and more children are born after IVF. The procedure of in vitro fertilization enables spouses to become parents and raise their child.

The conception technique is one of the well-known and popular assisted reproductive technologies. Unfortunately, even now there are many misconceptions about what kind of children are born after IVF. Let us consider in more detail all the myths about the procedure, how children differ from ordinary IVF babies, reviews and consequences.

Probably the biggest misconception of society is that children born through IVF are infertile. Doctors of reproductive centers tend to agree that this belief is fundamentally wrong. In support of their words, experts always give an example of the fact that IVF children began to appear since 1978. At this time, a girl was born, who in the future could become a mother in a natural way.

Also, many are interested in how IVF children differ from ordinary children. As practice shows, there is no cardinal difference between the kids. Moreover, the health of children born after IVF is sometimes better than that of a normal child. According to medical statistics, such a disease as Down's syndrome occurs in them much less frequently than in babies conceived naturally. Thus, parents who have children born after IVF leave only positive reviews about their health.

If you ask yourself whether healthy children are born after IVF, then the answer will definitely be positive. There is a group of people who call in vitro babies, vitro freaks IVF.

But this can be argued, because when biological materials are taken for conception, they are carefully examined, and only the best sperm and eggs are allowed for fertilization. Therefore, we can confidently say that there will be healthy child after IVF, because the probability of transmission of genetic pathologies and chronic diseases is minimized.

However, it cannot be denied that the fertility of test-tube babies has not been fully studied. Therefore, the possibility that there may be children born after IVF are infertile still exists. Here, experts rely on some facts. First of all, an IVF "test-tube" baby requires more careful care than a baby conceived and born naturally. But all guardianship should be aimed at improving the level of reproductive health.

Also, people who were born after in vitro conception, in the case when high-quality donor gametes were used during the procedure, at the age of maturity are more likely to produce their own offspring. Therefore, there is controversy as to whether IVF children can have children of their own.

Statistics

Many couples who wish to conceive a baby artificially are interested in the statistics of IVF children. It should be understood that this assisted reproductive technology has existed for a little over 37 years, which is not so much.

Moreover, in the territory of the post-Soviet space, it began to be implemented quite recently, which makes it impossible to provide extensive data on various indicators. Those who believe that IVF children are infertile cannot be convinced by statistics, although there are many examples when people who were born in this way gave healthy offspring.

Yes, there are no clear medical statistics that children born from IVF will not be infertile. And this fact, without a doubt, alarms parents. But we must not forget that this conception technology has not existed for so long, therefore, to collect data on whether IVF children are infertile or not, it has not yet arrived.

Now many children after IVF have not yet reached reproductive age, and those who have already crossed this line do not always want to put their intimate life. Based on this, it is impossible to affirmatively state that children born from IVF are infertile, especially since with natural conception, the probability of the birth of babies who are not capable of producing offspring also exists.

Delusions

You can meet people who believe that an IVF baby is something unusual and not always natural. Someone thinks that such babies are underdeveloped, or weakened. Others are not convinced that IVF babies are infertile. All this at the same time frightens and alarms future parents who are unable to conceive a baby on their own.

IVF children, what are they in terms of physical and mental development, as well as learn about the most common misconceptions about such babies.

Weakness

First of all, unidentified people believe that children born by IVF have low level health, and are born too weak. This is a rather serious misconception, if only because such babies are always welcome, and their parents have a good level of health.

Moreover, IVF "test-tube" children are always under the supervision of experienced specialists from reproductive clinics. Thanks to this, preventive examinations are always carried out on time for babies and parents are told when it is better to get vaccinated or carry out any procedure. Doctors carefully monitor the health of these babies, so IVF children have diseases much less frequently than ordinary babies.

Reproduction

Quite often you can hear questions such as: "Is it true that children born after IVF are infertile." The danger that the baby will inherit the problem of the parents in the future is frightening. That is why couples, when contacting a reproductive center, always ask doctors if it is true that IVF children are infertile.

To answer, experts cite, albeit insignificant, but real statistics. They clearly show that the statement that IVF children cannot have children is incorrect. Yes, the possibility of infertility exists, but it is minimal.

Genetics

To the question: children born from IVF, whether they can have their own children, parents always find the answer. The next concern is the possibility of inheritance genetic diseases. Again, one should turn to medical statistics. It always contains not only the answer to the question of what IVF children are, whether they can have offspring, but also indicates the likelihood of genetic abnormalities, which is minimized.

If you answer the question: IVF baby - what is it, then it is worth remembering the high-tech pre-implantation diagnostics of biological materials, which makes it possible to exclude the fertilization of a pathological egg. Accordingly, children "from the test tube" (reviews about IVF confirm this), are initially well examined and they are less likely to develop serious illnesses.

Due to the fact that after conception, approximately on the fourth day, specialists examine the embryo, during this period it is possible to establish whether the child will have developmental anomalies, complex malformations or genetic pathologies. IVF children are healthy in the future, but the risk of developing pathologies still exists.

Phenotype

With what level of health and whether it is true that eco-friendly children are infertile, it is already clear. Often, parents are afraid that babies born after in vitro fertilization will not look like them. In order for children from IVF to look like mom and dad, it is worth choosing the right donor for fertilization.

When IVF children are planned, a photo of the person from whom the biological material was taken, most likely, will not be provided. However, a detailed donor questionnaire is always available to spouses. Thanks to these data, it is possible to select the most similar or identical phenotype. If everything is done correctly, then the children born from IVF will be as similar as possible to their parents.

Intelligence

There is an opinion that IVF children have problems in terms of mental development. This is another serious and false misconception. The fact is that mass studies were carried out, during which experts compared the level intellectual development ordinary kids and ecoshnyh.

Those who are interested in IVF children, what they are, you can ask the parents for a photo. But thanks to research, it was possible to establish that such babies often have high IQs, they start walking, talking and dancing earlier.

Parents should understand that people who claim that sick children are born after IVF have simply never seen them, but know about the procedure by hearsay, and their beliefs are based only on their own opinion and on the misconceptions of society.

Psychology

When in question about what kind of children are obtained after IVF, the features of the development of babies should also be considered in more detail. Each married couple, faced with the problem of the impossibility of conception, coming to the fertility clinic is already prepared mentally and physically for all the complexities of this process.

Whether healthy children after IVF appear in spouses, or with any deviations directly depends on the degree of complexity of infertility. If a couple has genetic problems, then it is better for them to use biological materials, which in the future will guarantee the appearance of healthy offspring.

When babies are born after in vitro fertilization, parents are interested in such an aspect as the psychology of IVF children. To understand this issue well, experts always recommend contacting a doctor in this field of medicine. Thanks to his advice, you can not only save the child's psyche, but also build your own correct model education.

It is important to understand that children born through IVF are, with a low degree of probability, different from ordinary babies born after natural conception. That is why doctors do not advise taking too much care of the offspring, the health of IVF children is almost always good, which means that they will develop in the same way as their peers.

The psychology of an IVF child is a very individual matter. A married couple must decide for themselves whether to tell the baby in adolescence or older about how he was born. Such information to some extent can traumatize the child, especially if he is very emotional and receptive.

Children born through IVF will definitely be native to mom and dad on genetic level, but whether they will be able to explain this to the baby is an ambiguous question. If parents decide that the baby should know the whole truth, then it is better to enlist the support and advice of an experienced psychologist.

Infertility

The biggest concern of parents is that children after IVF are infertile. To dissuade them, they should talk to a reproductive specialist. The fact is that the inability to conceive a baby is not an independent disease, respectively, it cannot be inherited.

It cannot be stated with certainty that eco-children are infertile, since all the factors that provoke this problem can equally be present in ordinary babies and a child after in vitro fertilization.

Let's look at a few examples. For example, a woman who cannot be a mother due to a congenital pathology or anomaly in the development of the pelvic organs turned to the clinic. In this case, children born through IVF may be infertile. But there are two conditions: a girl must be born, and also inherit the pathology of the mother.

At the same time, if the problem with conception is acquired, for example, obstruction fallopian tubes, then to the question: IVF children, can they have children, you can answer that there will definitely be such an opportunity.

If we turn to studies that were conducted in Germany and the UK, scientists were able to find out that children born after IVF are infertile in only 6%, as for boys, provided that their genetic father had problems with reproductive function that could not be eliminated until the moment of in vitro fertilization.

What may be the future consequences of IVF in children, whether they are infertile, it will not be possible to find out even in the case of pre-implantation genetic diagnosis. However, this procedure will eliminate the risk of the birth of a baby with complex genetic diseases.

It is also worth understanding that if there were problems with reproductive function in the family, then it is even better if the couple has IVF children, the consequences in the future will not affect their health, and the kids will be able to protect themselves from the problem of infertility.

Consequences

If parents are looking for an answer to the question: IVF children, future consequences, feedback from parents who have undergone this procedure can help understand and identify any risks to development and health.

Consider what the consequences of IVF for a child can be. First of all, it is worth saying that IVF-sick children can appear only if poor quality biological material was used for fertilization.

In the case of the presence and use of bad eggs or sperm, such children from IVF may have consequences in the form of deficiencies in the development of some body tissues, which will lead to the formation of a cleft palate, cleft lip, improper or insufficient functioning of the heart, stomach or intestines.

Someone believes that stimulation of the ovaries in a woman before fertilization has a bad effect on the body and the IVF child is stuffed with hormones. Against this background, he may develop problems with endocrine function after birth.

Often, children after IVF have good health, and the likelihood that the mother will have to lie down and take heavy medical preparations also exists during natural pregnancy.

We can say that if IVF children are born, the consequences for the baby's body after this procedure are not dangerous. To make sure of this, you can first talk with a reproductologist at the clinic and ask for statistics, which will describe what percentage of babies had various defects or diseases after birth. You can also read scientific articles about the consequences of IVF for children.

Differences

Many couples are looking for information about what IVF children are like, the consequences, reviews, and more. Another topic of general controversy is whether IVF children are different from ordinary babies. If we consider this issue from the point of view of science, then it will not be possible to find any differences.

In world practice, there have been many studies on the topic of whether IVF children are different from ordinary babies or not. As a result of this, information was obtained that, regardless of how the child was conceived, if he has no health problems, then the level of development of his peers is the same. Parents who have children born from IVF confirm this fact with reviews.

But if you delve deeper, to the question: IVF children, how do they differ from ordinary ones, you can see that they have more high level intellect. Every separate child more or less successful in various fields: music, singing, sports, creativity and more.

Also, when teachers were asked if IVF children are different from ordinary children, teachers pointed out that in the first case, babies do better in more complex subjects.

How are children after IVF different from normal children?

In vitro fertilization is a modern reproductive technology that helps couples, even with severe health problems, to become parents. But many future fathers and mothers, when deciding whether to go to the clinic, think about whether their child will be healthy, without any developmental abnormalities and genetic defects? This question is associated with a lot of false prejudice, but there are also real risk factors. About the features of children born from IVF - in our article.

Statistics

For more than 15 years, the European Association for Reproduction and Embryology has maintained statistics that take into account data on children conceived naturally and in vitro. According to her, babies born as a result of normal pregnancy suffer from genetic diseases, malformations and other developmental disorders in 3.5% of cases. In the case of babies born after IVF, this figure is 4-4.5%. Experts note that the difference of 1-1.5% is primarily associated not with the conception procedure itself in the laboratory, but with the fact that it is usually preceded by many years of infertility treatment. alternative methods. During it, hormonal preparations and medicines are prescribed, which in one way or another "hit" the woman's body and her reproductive health.


According to statistics, the method of conception does not affect health

It should be taken into account that, in principle, couples turn to in vitro fertilization with some problems, and this factor also does not work in favor of the statistics of this reproductive technology.
Among the frequent patients seeking IVF are couples over 40, people with chronic diseases, sexual dysfunction and other "features". It is they, and not the in vitro fertilization procedure itself, that affect the quality of the genetic material that is used for conception. This factor is corrected by pre-implantation diagnostics of embryos, but still affects the health statistics of children after IVF.

Another real risk factor is multiple pregnancy. For example, in the long and short IVF protocols, usually 2 embryos are transferred to the uterus after in vitro fertilization, a maximum of 3. At the same time, 2 embryos can form from each. That is, if 2 embryos take root, there is a chance that a pregnancy will develop with 4 fetuses. But even if a woman becomes pregnant with twins after IVF, gestation and childbirth will be more difficult than with one baby. Multiple pregnancy is often associated with neurological problems due to preterm birth, hypoxia, and other indirect factors.


Ask your doctor about the risks

Myths about the problems of "eco" children

The essence of the in vitro conception procedure seems to many to be risky and contrary to nature, although it is based primarily on natural laws. Pregnancy is hindered by various prerequisites, and in vitro fertilization simply helps to bypass such obstacles. There are different protocols for this technology, some are carried out in a natural cycle, others with stimulation, but even in the second case, a woman takes drugs with hormones related to her natural to prepare for follicle puncture.

The very process of fertilization obtained from a future mother or donor oocytes is similar to the usual one - a spermatozoon from seminal fluid in a nutrient medium connects to an egg on its own or using ICSI (intracytoplasmic injection). Further fusion of germ cells, their division and the formation of the embryo proceed without any intervention. All that remains for the doctor to do is to select the highest quality embryos a few days after fertilization and return them to the woman's body.


"Ekoshnye" children - special?

Despite the "transparency" of the process of in vitro fertilization, expectant parents are often afraid of delayed problems in the development of the child. Most fears are myths that contradict facts and statistics.

Myth 1: IVF babies are infertile

On July 25, 1978, Louise Brown was born - the world's first test-tube baby. Now she is almost 40 years old, she is the mother of two children and gave birth to them on her own, without the use of assisted reproductive technologies.
30 years ago, the first baby conceived in vitro was born in Russia - Elena Dontsova, who not so long ago became a mother herself absolutely healthy child. These cases are the first, but not the only ones: official statistics show that the need to use in vitro fertilization in the future depends not on the method of conception, but on the state of human health. And he, in turn, is determined not only by genetic factors, but also by lifestyle, the absence of bad habits, the presence of diseases in history and other factors.

IVF has been used for more than 40 years, while infertility statistics have not changed for almost half a century. 13-17% of the population still has problems conceiving.

There is no direct connection between conception in vitro and the inability to give birth to a healthy child on your own in the future.

Myths about IVF are not supported by facts

Myth 2: IVF babies have no soul

Spiritual issues are extremely difficult to interpret in the context of modern and constantly evolving medicine. In religious circles, there is an opinion that if birth as a sacrament is not led by the divine principle, but by a person - a doctor, then a child conceived in this way is not full-fledged. Medicine does not consider such issues, but the onset of pregnancy and the chance to become parents change the lives of infertile couples for the better. Physiologically and emotionally, children born after IVF are no different from other babies. They are also attached to their parents, they need care, they grow up as full-fledged members of society and master any profession, they can have their own children - by the way, on their own, without the use of assisted reproductive technologies. An outsider will not be able to guess whether a child was born in vitro, and the statement about the absence of a soul in such a baby is either Subjective opinion or just prejudice.


The method of conception does not affect the character and development of the child

Myth 3: children after IVF are born with defects and abnormalities

In a simplified form, the in vitro fertilization procedure is as follows:

  • The couple undergoes a full examination, during which all aspects of the health of the parents that may affect the development of the fetus are assessed.
  • In the absence of restrictions and contraindications, the preparation of the woman for the collection of oocytes begins - hormonal or alternative.
  • IN optimal time the doctor, with the help of a puncture, takes the follicles in which the eggs ready for fertilization have matured. In parallel with this, seminal fluid is obtained from the future father.
  • In the laboratory, the germ cells of the parents are placed in a nutrient medium with ideal conditions for fertilization and the start of embryo division. The ovum and sperm join together on their own or with ICSI.
  • Within 3-5 days, the embryo divides and increases on its own. By the end of this period, pre-implantation diagnosis is carried out. This is a complex of cutting-edge tests that allows you to select the most high-quality and viable embryos and exclude genetic and other abnormalities from them.
  • The healthiest and strongest embryos are placed in the uterus of the expectant mother, where they implant and develop naturally.

Simply put, only healthy embryos return to the body of a woman after a puncture, which directly reduces the risk of any malformations. By the way, this cannot be done naturally when pregnancy occurs, and in this sense, IVF is a more reliable method for those who are afraid of genetic diseases and similar problems in the development of the baby.


Can an "eco" child have birth defects?

Myth 4: The "eco" child is developmentally retarded

Once implanted in the uterus, the embryo conceived in vitro develops naturally. The only interference from the outside is the appointment hormonal drugs with progesterone, which increase the chances of high-quality embryo implantation and support pregnancy for early dates. These medications, as well as conception in the laboratory, do not affect how the child will develop after childbirth. It is conceived from the same cells as naturally born children. Its intrauterine development proceeds at the same pace, lasts 40 obstetric weeks and ends with normal childbirth - independent or, if indicated by the mother, with the help of caesarean section.

After childbirth, the child is no different from others and develops in the same way as their peers.
Delays in its development, as in the case of "ordinary" children, can be provoked by indirect factors - a lack of vitamins and micronutrients, the choice of an inappropriate system of education or training, etc. Besides,
a child born after IVF is, in the vast majority of cases, long-awaited, he "got" his parents with great difficulty. Therefore, father and mother can be more attentive to its development, which a priori excludes lagging behind peers.

Development does not depend on conception, but on the attitude of parents to education and training

Myth 5: Children born after IVF get sick more often

Another common prejudice is related to physical health babies conceived in vitro. In fact, the intervention of a doctor in the process of the birth of this child falls only at the stage of fertilization of the egg by the sperm, and a similar procedure is performed in the same way as it would occur in nature. At the same time, the most viable and healthy embryos are selected for replanting into the uterus. Then they develop naturally, and the pregnancy of the expectant mother is carried out according to the standard state program with attachment to antenatal clinic, regular check-ups, tests and screenings. After giving birth, the "eco" baby is given the same vaccinations as naturally conceived children. In terms of well-being and physical development, he does not differ from his peers, but

the state of health of the child does not depend on the method of conception, but on the lifestyle - nutrition, physical activity, sleep and wakefulness patterns and other factors.

Video: how do children born from IVF differ from ordinary ones?

Unfortunately, not everyone can become a parent due to health problems. Sometimes IVF helps, although there are pluses and minuses. The procedure gives a chance that many did not have 10-15 years ago. However, we must not forget that the consequences of IVF can be severe.

The dangers of in vitro fertilization

Artificial insemination is a procedure that is not easy for the body. The risks of IVF are numerous and always worth remembering:

  • ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome;
  • ectopic or multiple pregnancy;
  • deviations in the development of the child;
  • complications after surgical interventions, for example, injury to the bladder;
  • problems with the thyroid gland, blood vessels and others.

Many of the effects are associated with the use of hormones. Moreover, the effectiveness of IVF in most clinics rarely exceeds 30-40%. That is, harm to the body is necessarily inflicted, but it is far from always possible to get pregnant and endure. On next try may simply not have enough health or money.

IVF has been known since 1978. In Russia, the first child with his help was born in 1986. Although there is still a lot of uncertainty. Exist different techniques, disputes between experts still do not subside. For example, some Swedish scientists believe that there are such Negative consequences ECO:

  • born much more likely to suffer from cancer;
  • there is a high risk that such children will not be able to become parents themselves in the future.

Some doctors see other threats and consequences. Their colleagues consider some of the warnings far-fetched and the dangers mere myths.

There are also objective difficulties recognized by all or the majority. IVF is a difficult procedure, not every organism is able to withstand it. For example, it is forbidden to conduct if there is:

  • malignant tumor in the genitals;
  • pathologies of the uterus that interfere with the fixation of the fetus;
  • inflammation that doesn't go away
  • mental disorders: treatment is a big burden and emotionally.

Risks in preparation

You need to think about the consequences already from the preparation stage. Most often, the threats are associated with the use of special drugs.

Side effects of hormone therapy

Stimulation is carried out with the help of hormonal drugs. This is a big burden on the body. changed hormonal background can cause:

  • tinnitus, hearing disorders;
  • visual impairment;
  • bleeding similar to menstruation;
  • heart pathologies: increased pressure, tachycardia;
  • allergies: skin rashes, bronchospasm;
  • dryness in the vagina, discomfort during sex;
  • thyroid problems;
  • worsening of appetite, nausea and other digestive disorders;
  • lethargy, depression;
  • metabolic disorders, increased blood sugar;
  • weight loss or, conversely, a set of extra pounds.

There are other risks of artificial insemination. It is not certain that there will be consequences. Moreover, you should not be afraid that they will appear all at once. Good diagnosis is essential to avoid or mitigate harm.

Ovarian stimulation

When stimulated, follicles grow, and then ready-made eggs appear in them. The cons of IVF here is that strong preparations are needed for the process. Most of them can lead to the following consequences:

  • enlargement of the mammary glands;
  • thromboembolism - blockage of a vessel with a clot brought by blood from another place;
  • pain in the abdomen;
  • abnormal accumulation of fluid in chest or abdominal cavity: hydrothorax, ascites;
  • digestive disorders such as bloating or diarrhea;
  • ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).

The latter occurs if the effect on the organ during IVF is too strong. Treatment is impossible without ovarian stimulation, OHSS is only a complication when the process gets out of control. This pathology entails others: the blood thickens, the excretory system works worse. The result is the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen, chest.

Bleeding from a cyst

There are other dangers of IVF. Rare complications include cysts. They appear:

  • as a result of hormone therapy;
  • after puncture at the site of follicle sampling for IVF.

Cysts may represent serious threat. The rupture leads to bleeding in the pelvis. The condition can be identified by the following symptoms:

  • pain in the perineum or abdomen of a pulling nature;
  • lethargy, apathy;
  • dizziness;
  • pressure drops;
  • tachycardia;
  • the skin becomes pale, sweat comes out.

Treatment requires surgery (laparoscopy). Cysts (resection) or ovaries are removed. Sometimes the formations are punctured, fluid is sucked out of them.

Consequences at the main stages of the procedure

Each type of artificial insemination has both pluses and minuses. The IVF procedure gives a chance to give birth, but is associated with health risks. In addition to IVF, artificial insemination is also popular. The latter is easier to carry out: insemination occurs by transferring sperm into the uterus. The difference lies in the mechanism of conception: with IVF, fertilization occurs in a test tube, and only then the embryo is sent to the female body.

Some of the dangers of both procedures are the same, such as a slight risk of infection or bleeding. Although IVF is more difficult, so there are more "pitfalls" here. Ovarian puncture may result in damage, injury:

  • intestines;
  • Bladder;
  • vessel.

However, the risk of such consequences is small. According to statistics, they occur in one case in a thousand or even less often. The next stage is no less important - replanting. The transfer of fertilized eggs can cause inflammation in the uterus.

Consequences during pregnancy

Complications during IVF do not always appear immediately. Some of them are noticeable or occur during pregnancy.


In order to have more chances, several embryos are implanted during IVF. It happens that they all take root, and multiple pregnancy may occur. Therefore, in most clinics, a maximum of three embryos are implanted. With a larger amount, adverse effects for women and children are possible.

  1. The load on the body during gestation greatly increases. Usually there are not enough important substances, such as iron or calcium. Often, chronic diseases worsen. The spine is loaded beyond measure and suffers.
  2. If the number of fetuses is 2–3, the risk of preterm birth increases. At 4-5 it's almost inevitable. It is unlikely that it will be possible to convey at least up to 38 weeks.
  3. The more children, the more they tend to weigh less and more often suffer from various pathologies. They are often born prematurely.
  4. Several children develop unevenly. This is more common in triplets. One of the children grows much more slowly, may appear serious violations. For others, it doesn't go unnoticed either.
  5. Usually a caesarean section is required.

To prevent complications, doctors immediately suggest reducing the number of implanted embryos (reduction). As a rule, this is a difficult decision for parents.

Ectopic pregnancy

Ectopic pregnancy often occurs after conception naturally. However, with IVF, it is among the possible risks. Especially if the fallopian tubes are removed. The embryo is often attached precisely in the area of ​​​​the stump.

Before the rupture of the fallopian tube, pathology is recognized by the following signs.

  1. Unpleasant sensations in the side (any), lower abdomen. Their strength varies from mild discomfort to intense pain.
  2. There is no fetus in the uterine cavity, and the tube itself is enlarged. Installed using ultrasound.
  3. The embryo grows worse. To check pregnancy, a special hormone is used ( chorionic gonadotropin). Its level is lower than it should be.

When a pipe breaks, a life-threatening situation arises. The immediate help of doctors is required. The signs here are:

  • strong pain;
  • the woman may lose consciousness;
  • bleeding from the uterus, blood in the abdominal cavity.

For IVF, heterotopic pregnancy is more common. Here, the embryo is attached both in the uterus and outside it at the same time.

Fetal malformations

Doctors and scientists believe that in vitro fertilization does not affect children in the best way. The likelihood of malformations is higher. This, for example, is a splitting of the palate or lips. There are statistics to back it up. It is not yet clear what is the reason for this situation.

There are also opponents of the theory. It is too early to say for sure that IVF, and not other modern factors, are to blame for the consequences.

A different situation is with chromosome damage in an unborn child. Pathologies in this area cause, for example, Patau or Down syndromes. With IVF, there are no more such violations than with conventional fertilization. There is even an advantage: pathologies are found in embryos and damaged ones are not implanted. Therefore, IVF is recommended for carriers of dangerous genes, even if they are capable of natural conception.

Problems of a psychological nature

During IVF, there are almost always psychological difficulties. This is especially true for women.

  1. The main burden falls on them. Treatment, pregnancy take a long time. Often all this is accompanied by poor health.
  2. Women are more susceptible to feelings.

There are many reasons for concern, they are individual. However, several common problems stand out.

  1. Decreased self-esteem. The person seems to be physically abnormal.
  2. High probability of failure. Hence - anxiety, depression, irritation.
  3. IVF, especially with the participation of a donor, is contrary to conservative views, religious principles. A person may suffer because the procedure goes against his beliefs or the opinions of others.
  4. social complexities. Sometimes couples do not share their decision with others for fear of judgment. This is difficult, because a person always needs support, the approval of relatives, the team.

Consequences in the future

IVF can affect the future life of a couple, not always in a good way. Possible consequences include:

  • thyroid disease;
  • the risk of developing cardiomyopathy;
  • early menopause;
  • the life expectancy of a woman after childbirth decreases, this is a common myth.

Development of cancer

There is an opinion that IVF leads to oncology. Impressive women remember Zhanna Friske. IVF undermines health, and the risk of oncology increases. However, not everything is so bad. Most doctors do not see a direct connection between the procedure and cancer. rather plays a role late pregnancy or predisposition to cancer. Even if health is harmed, it can often be corrected. The main thing is to contact the right doctor in time.

For many infertile couples, in vitro fertilization is the only way to become parents. Mankind has been trying to implement IVF for more than 40 years, but the first successful result was achieved only in the recent 1978. Since then, hundreds and thousands of children are born every year, conceived in a laboratory. Test-tube babies are a huge breakthrough in medicine. Science has created and realized the dream of becoming a mother for women who do not have the physical ability to do so.

About what kind of IVF children are born and the consequences for them in the future are burning topics for discussion. The debate continues to this day. Among scientists, doctors, priests and ordinary people, who have little understanding of the essence of drug manipulations, two camps have taken shape: supporters and opponents.

A group that opposes assisted reproductive technologies believes that IVF children are different from ordinary ones: they get sick more often, have mental and psychological abnormalities, develop worse and cannot give birth to their offspring. They say that in vitro fertilization is unnatural and therefore not pleasing to God. Proponents of in vitro fertilization refute these arguments. They say that there are no grounds for such statements.

The in vitro fertilization procedure includes several stages. Preliminary, a woman and a man are examined for possible pathologies and genital tract infections. This point is important and reasonable, since in the presence of an infection, the embryo may not take root or interrupt its development ahead of schedule.

Parents of children conceived naturally do not always undergo a preliminary examination. And to be completely honest, they usually do not undergo any diagnostics. It increases the risks possible problems during pregnancy. From this we can conclude that "eco" children are more protected from possible negative impact internal factors.

And yet, if you look at a pregnancy that took place using assisted reproductive technologies, then it somehow has more risks than natural conception. This hypothesis is explained by the readiness of the maternal organism for gestation in the latter case and its absence in the former. The main risks that can arise during an "eco" pregnancy include:

  • ovarian hyperstimulation (in this case, embryo transfer is postponed indefinitely, and the woman is sent for treatment);
  • increased blood pressure (threatening premature birth and placental abruption);
  • infection (may occur during the transfer of embryos to the uterus and affect their development);
  • the need for reduction, that is, "cutting out" of "unsuccessful" embryos (this procedure threatens the death of all, even "good" accustomed embryos);
  • inefficiency of the procedure (transferred embryos may simply not take root);
  • intrauterine growth retardation. After all, the younger and healthier the girl, the better her work reproductive organs. And not the youngest and healthiest women decide on IVF;
  • asphyxia (suffocation) at birth. That is why doctors prefer to caesarean "ekoshnits";
  • low birth weight.

IVF babies often differ from regular topics that are born in pairs. During the manipulation, 2-3 embryos are transferred at once, which increases the risk of a successful outcome. If everyone takes root, then twins or triplets will be born. Judging by the reviews of parents, such babies have less weight than "single" children. If a woman's infertility is of hormonal origin, then the risk of termination remains throughout the pregnancy.

What is the difference between IVF children and ordinary children

Outwardly, it is impossible to distinguish a child conceived with the help of assisted reproductive technologies. Children have the same eyes, nose, body parts and body systems. No obvious differences can be found. In addition, it should be remembered that each person is individual and has his own characteristics. What kind of children are born after IVF directly depends on the parents. Babies acquire a genetic set from mom and dad, so they look like them. If donor material is used, then it inevitably contributes to the genotype and phenotype of the unborn child.

ICSI children also do not differ in appearance. There is an opinion that children conceived in this way are more capable, smart and have high intelligence, since the best germ cells of the parents are selected for their reproduction.

The ICSI technique involves more than just in vitro fertilization. The procedure involves selecting the best sperm and introducing it into the egg under a microscope.

Is it true that they are more likely to have genetic abnormalities and serious diseases?

There is an opinion that children from IVF are more likely to develop intrauterine pathologies and acquisition birth defects. The evidence is backed up by research that has found the following:

  • the risk of developing a cleft palate in children conceived artificially is 2.4 times higher;
  • the likelihood of heart pathologies in such babies is twice as high (defects of the interventricular septum and atrium are formed);
  • about 4.5 times more often children after IVF are born with esophageal atresia and 3.7 times more often in rectal atresia;
  • about a third of these children have vision problems;
  • IVF children often have neurological pathologies;
  • some children are physically and mental development from their peers.

Frightening statistics regarding the health of children was even given in his report in 2009 by Academician of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences Alexander Baranov, at that time the chief pediatrician of Russia. However, IVF supporters quickly “threw him with hats” - they cited other statistics just in favor of IVF. And they accused the official of distorting the facts in order to reduce state funding for assisted reproductive technology programs.

It is not surprising that such data scares future parents who want to resort to the method of reproductive technologies. However, research that purports to support high risk deviations do not really stand up to serious criticism. After all, the number of children who participated in the study (and there are only dozens of them) is too small to make such global conclusions. Most of these studies were carried out in the 90s of the last century, and since then medicine has come a long way. Modern science refutes the conjectures and arguments of opponents of IVF.

Doctors who deal with artificial insemination on a daily basis say that Newest technologies introduced relatively recently. To date, it is impossible to talk about any conclusions and statistics. Modern children, conceived with the help of IVF, are not monitored throughout life. To talk about the consequences of in vitro fertilization on the part of genetics, it is necessary to wait for several generations.

If the parents of the unborn child suffer from any diseases that are inherited, then the risk of their preservation in the unborn baby always remains. But this is the risk of any conception, even natural.

To increase the likelihood of a successful outcome, several embryos are implanted in a woman. There is a risk of multiple pregnancy in all cases, including natural conception. There is an opinion that under such a combination of circumstances, one embryo will develop at the expense of the other. It is impossible to call this hypothesis groundless. However, statistics show that test-tube babies are less likely to have various syndromes. This is because pathologies are detected even at the stage of processing in vitro. Sick embryos are simply not implanted in a woman.

To dispel the myth about genetic abnormalities in IVF children, it should be said: the genetic material of the father and mother is taken for fertilization, the difference is only in the place of conception - in vitro.

Is it true that they get sick more often

It is impossible to say that sick children are born as a result of artificial insemination. Each embryo is carefully examined and checked for some congenital pathologies. This kind of check allows you to minimize the risk of disability of the baby after birth.

The health of children still in the womb is carefully monitored with the help of regular examinations of the mother: testing, ultrasound monitoring. Medical practice shows that after the use of assisted reproductive technologies, childbirth is more often carried out by caesarean section. If we turn to statistics, we can find out that children born naturally have stronger immunity. However, these are just general factors. The main role will be played by lifestyle, eating style and caring for the baby in the early years. Families with twins and triplets tend to have more childhood illnesses, as one constantly infects the other. However, from the fact that this case the technique of assisted reproductive technologies was used, frequent colds do not depend.

- Children after IVF are the same as children conceived in the usual way, - says the gynecologist-reproductologist (Chelyabinsk clinic "Repromed"). – Often they develop and grow better, as they receive more attention, especially if the IVF + ICSI program was carried out only after male factor. However, taking into account the diseases of the parents, which lead to the need to use IVF and the need for hormonal support for pregnancy, one can think about the likelihood of a higher risk of a number of diseases in the child (research is underway). But almost always this is compensated by the care and attention that parents pay to such a child. long-awaited child. Regarding immunity: a pregnancy obtained and endured “contrary to” nature (immunological factor, genetic disorders in parents) can indeed lead to the birth of a child that is weaker in terms of resistance to external factors.

Children after IVF, like babies conceived natural way, tolerate colds, viral and bacterial diseases. This process is inevitable for anyone and is absolutely normal, because during contact with the pathogen, children's immunity is formed.

The version that babies after IVF are more likely to suffer from pathologies digestive tract also fell to pieces. Tendency to a similar disease can only be if it is inherited from one of the parents. Of course, there are pathologies that have appeared in a child during his life. Often their cause is malnutrition, bad ecology and bad habits. However, no one is immune from such diseases.

. - At birth, she weighed 2700, but scored two eights on the Abgar scale. We were discharged on the fifth day, as well as the neighbors in the ward.

In the first months, we had the usual infantile problems - colic, gas, teeth ... She grew well, put on weight, went to a year old, spoke in time. Neurologists (as well as other doctors, by the way) had no claims against us. Normal developed child. Of the acquaintances who were not privy to our family affairs, no one guessed that our daughter was an "eco".

She is now seven. Observed by an ophthalmologist, may have gone to me (I have poor eyesight). He is engaged in singing, loves to be in the spotlight and is eager to take the stage. Learns English, prepares for school. And I can't imagine my life without our girl...

Read a detailed story of Irina, her husband and daughter in our exclusive material about.

Is it true that babies born after IVF are infertile?

A couple who decide to resort to assisted reproductive technologies is always afraid that IVF children are infertile. This myth is firmly planted in the head of patients who cannot conceive a child naturally. They worry that the same fate awaits their future children. Fearing that they will doom their offspring to a barren life, women often refuse in vitro fertilization, and this is a big mistake.

In the vast majority of cases, tubal infertility becomes an indication for the IVF procedure. If for some reason the fallopian tubes are impassable or completely absent, then the woman will not be able to get pregnant. This feature is not congenital and is not inherited. Therefore, it is foolish to believe that the future daughter will not be able to have her own children due to the mother's tubal infertility.

Decreased fertility in a man, as one of the indications for ICSI, is also not hereditary. There is an opinion that fathers with poor spermogram give birth to sons with reduced sperm motility. This opinion is not scientifically confirmed, but still has the right to exist.

Test-tube babies will be infertile if their parents' lack of pregnancy is caused by genetic factors. Being inherited, they can be the reason that people born with the help of IVF cannot have their own offspring.

The first newborns conceived through assisted reproductive technologies have a chance of natural conception. For example, the first "eco" girl - Louise Brown - became a mother at the age of 28, two years after her marriage. Louise was conceived through IVF in 1977 and was the first child born through in vitro fertilization. Her parents could not conceive a baby for 9 years, so they agreed to a frightening experiment and did not regret it a bit.

Psychological differences

In certain sections of society, there is an opinion that IVF children are without a soul. The Church is at the forefront of this hypothesis. According to faith, spiritualization occurs at the moment of the fusion of two sexual gametes: male and female. From this point on, the embryo is no longer considered a set of cells, but a person. It would seem that there is nothing sinful in this, and the church should have accepted and recognized latest features medicine, but not everything is so simple.

If you delve into the church charter, you can find out that in 2000 a concept was adopted according to which Orthodox point of view, any manipulations with harvested embryos become morally unacceptable: conservation, destruction, destruction. It turns out that already early stage embryonic development, future children renounce the Lord with the help of their parents and doctors.

The Church believes that a woman to whom God does not give a child has a different fate. The main life task of the barren is different. However, a woman, in pursuit of her desire, violates what is written for her kind. Committing a great sin, she not only opposes fate, but also encourages doctors to destroy their own children.

As statistics show, the majority of infertile women resorting to the IVF procedure despaired and lost any faith, because numerous pleas for the gift of a child were unsuccessful.

And if you delve into the essence of the problem, it becomes unclear where is the line that separates the "permitted" medical care from the "sinful". For example, Orthodox priests are not opposed to my mother having an operation to restore the patency of the fallopian tubes. They do not object to hormonal drugs for infertility. So why is this complex treatment not considered an interference with God's providence, and IVF is included in the list of sins?

The Church says that not all embryos are implanted, part of the “biomaterial” (and in fact, unborn children) doctors “dispose of” (in fact, they kill). However modern technologies allow you to produce the right, and not an excessive number of embryos.

Features of the development of children born after IVF do not differ spiritually from their peers. The main role in this process is played by the family: its religion, faith, honesty and observance of customs. Babies born by in vitro conception can pass traditional rite baptism and in the future to receive communion, attend church. Further spiritual destiny and psychological condition child will depend solely on education.

Louise Brown - the first girl born from IVF, survived attacks from peers and adults. As a child, she received a serious psychological trauma, subsequently describing her experiences in an autobiographical book. According to Louise, her peers saw her clear differences from them. The girl's family was threatened and harassed. Fortunately, in modern world this doesn't happen often. Now many children and even close relatives do not know that a woman underwent in vitro fertilization in order to feel the happiness of motherhood.

So, it is impossible to say unequivocally that only sick or only healthy children are born during the IVF procedure. The statistics are too small to unambiguously answer this question. There are numerous examples of the birth of beautiful strong kids. And there are examples when the IVF procedure led to the birth of a disabled person. Alas, there can be no 100% guarantee. However, absolutely the same can be said about natural conception.