According to a major study, women who receive IVF are twice as likely to have potentially fatal pregnancy complications.
However, the overall risk is still small, and the researchers say that the findings should not deter women from seeking fertility treatments.
Researchers tracked 2.2 million pregnancies, including 5,874 technology-assisted pregnancies such as IVF, intrauterine insemination and other techniques.
They found a much higher risk of preeclampsia – the onset of high blood pressure and possible organ damage – in the IVF group. This puts expectant mothers at greater risk of eclampsia, which in severe cases can lead to seizures, coma and death.
Previous research has shown that IVF can carry a greater risk because the egg can implant elsewhere in the uterus, causing the placenta to grow differently.
Women receiving IVF are twice as likely to have potentially fatal pregnancy complications compared to women with traditional pregnancies, study finds
The incidence of preeclampsia in the United States remained relatively stable between 1980 and 2010, but severe preeclampsia is more common
The U.S. fertility market is booming as more technology becomes available to hopeful couples, and it’s only expected to keep rising
Kim Kardashian and Beyonce both suffered from the condition, which is thought to affect around five percent of pregnancies in the US and UK.
Dr. Ahmad Mustafa, a cardiologist at Staten Island University Hospital who led the study, described the results as “surprising.”
“Few studies have previously looked in such detail at cardiovascular complications of technology-enhanced pregnancies, and none have assessed these complications at a national level.
“Specialized cardiovascular care should be included in the routine follow-up of patients who conceive through assisted reproductive techniques.”
The study is the latest to show that women who receive IVF are at increased risk of pregnancy complications.
Another, just released in September, warned that they have a 74 percent higher risk of preeclampsia compared to women with traditional pregnancies.
Scientists are already aware that IVF pregnancies can put mothers at greater risk, making them more likely to develop gestational diabetes, or placenta previa, in which the placenta partially or completely covers the opening of the uterus.
The researchers looked at the rate of cardiovascular complications in more than 5,874 technology-enhanced pregnancies and more than 2.2 million traditional pregnancies between 2016 and 2018.
They examined the incidence of cardiovascular problems in technology-enhanced pregnancies, including preeclampsia, between the two groups.
Women who got pregnant with the help of technology were twice as likely to develop preeclampsia.
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Preeclampsia often begins after the 20th week of pregnancy and can be fatal for both mother and baby.
There may be no symptoms, but high blood pressure and protein in the urine are the main signs.
The condition is common, affecting about 1 in 25 pregnancies in the United States.
This can progress to eclampsia – seizures and/or coma which can be life-threatening.
Having preeclampsia once can increase your risk of having it again in a second pregnancy.
The study did not address the possible reasons for the association, but the researchers said the higher risk may be due to the fetus developing differently.
It also found that women with technology-enhanced pregnancies spend 33 percent longer in hospital than women who conceived naturally.
DR Mustafa said: “Having twice the risk of preeclampsia compared to a conventional pregnancy should not deter people from considering assisted reproductive techniques.
He added, “However, it is important to consult a mother’s cardiac obstetrician or fetal medicine specialist for proper care and timely treatment when cardiovascular problems arise.”
Full results will be presented at the American College of Cardiology conference March 4-6 in New Orleans.
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Crystal Leahy is an author and health journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a background in health and wellness, Crystal has a passion for helping people live their best lives through healthy habits and lifestyles.
