Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This paper reviews the effect of in-vitro fertilization on maternal and perinatal outcomes of pregnancy. RECENT FINDINGS: Few randomized, controlled trials have been published in this area due to inherent difficulties in studying this population of infertile women who require in-vitro fertilization. Systematic review of the literature identified published studies that consistently highlighted the higher incidence of maternal and perinatal morbidity associated with pregnancies following in-vitro fertilization. SUMMARY: Some prospective observational studies compare maternal and perinatal outcomes in in-vitro fertilization pregnancies. Larger studies show that adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, placental abruption, placenta praevia, and preterm delivery increase significantly with in-vitro fertilization. Perinatal adverse outcomes such as prematurity and those related to plurality of the pregnancy also increase. All patients undergoing in-vitro fertilization should have careful counselling regarding these increased risks prior to treatment.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 113-119 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Current Opinion in Obstetrics and Gynecology |
Volume | 19 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Apr 2007 |
Keywords
- Assisted reproductive technologies
- In-vitro fertilization
- Multiple gestation
- Pregnancy complications