Pregnancy outcomes in infertile couples

Abstract

The use of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) is increasing worldwide. Though most ART pregnancies are uncomplicated and result in the birth of healthy children, it should be noted that some ART pregnancies are at higher risk for adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes as compared to spontaneously conceived pregnancies. For many of these outcomes, it is not clear whether and to what extent observed complications are related to ART procedures themselves vs. the underlying condition(s) impairing fertility. Additional research is needed, keeping in mind specific methodological challenges. It is abundantly clear, however, that complications arising from multiple gestations conceived with ART are the major contributor to the adverse outcomes seen among ART mothers and children. Continued emphasis on reducing morbidity and mortality by reducing the number of embryos transferred per cycle while maintaining reasonable pregnancy rates is imperative. Recent data indicate that even singleton ART pregnancies are at higher risk of perinatal and possibly longer-term child health and developmental problems than naturally conceived singleton pregnancies. Couples seeking infertility treatment and ART should be carefully counseled about these risks. © Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2010.