Prenatal Considerations after Oocyte Donation

Abstract

The number of pregnancies conceived through oocyte donation is on the rise. In 2008, approximately 12 % of all advanced reproductive technology (ART) cycles involved oocyte donation - an increase from previous years. While routine antenatal care may be appropriate for many of these patients, the indication for oocyte donation may dictate specific prenatal considerations. Once a pregnancy is established through oocyte donation, a healthy woman should be managed as any other gravid woman - with regular prenatal visits, routine prenatal labs, and appropriate ultrasound screening. However, patients who use oocyte donation as a means for achieving pregnancy because of a preexisting condition may require more specialized obstetric care. Both general and condition-specific risks should be considered when caring for women who conceive through oocyte donation.