Do you know what IVFa pregnancy risks are? This is a very important topic to understand for those couples who want to start their fertility treatment. IVF, or In-Vitro Fertilization, is a process where eggs and sperm are combined in a lab to form embryos. They are then placed in the uterus to make pregnancy happen. It has helped many couples around the world. However, like any other medical treatment, IVF also has some risks that are important to know.
At Risaa IVF, Dr. Rita Bakshi, Senior IVF Specialist and Senior Gynaecologist with over 35 years of experience, helps couples by giving the right care and honest advice. She believes that it’s important for couples to know about the advantages and the risks. In this blog, we will explain IVF pregnancy risks in simple words so you can understand them clearly.
Understanding IVF Pregnancy Risks
IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) helps many couples who struggle to get pregnant naturally. But like any medical treatment, it also has some risks. These risks may not happen to everyone but it’s important to know them so couples can make better decisions. Some of the risks are related to how the treatment works and some others can happen during pregnancy itself.
Every person’s body responds differently to IVF. There are some factors like age, health, the number of embryos transferred, and hormone levels can affect how smooth or risky the process may be. So, it’s important to know these possible risks early to help couples to take the right precautions and stay calm during the journey.
Health Risks for the Mother
IVF is generally safe but there are some health risks that may affect the mother during or after the treatment. These risks don’t happen to everyone but it’s important to know about these IVF pregnancy risks for mothers to manage them in a better way. Let’s look at the risks below:
- Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS): This can happen when the ovaries react too strongly to fertility injections and cause swelling, pain, and sometimes fluid in the abdomen.
- Multiple Pregnancy: If more than one embryo is transferred then there’s a higher chance of twins or triplets. This can also increase the risks like early delivery or high blood pressure.
- Ectopic Pregnancy: Rarely, the embryo may implant outside the uterus (usually in the fallopian tube) and this can be dangerous and needs quick medical care.
- Infections or Bleeding: After egg retrieval or embryo transfer, there may be a small risk of infection or bleeding. However, this is not very common.
- Emotional Stress: Hormonal changes, failed cycles, or long treatment times can cause stress or anxiety for some women.
Possible Risks for the Baby
There are many babies who are born through IVF and grow up just like other children. However, studies have shown that there may be a slightly higher risk of certain problems in some cases. These risks are usually small but it’s good to know about them:
- Premature Birth: IVF babies may be more likely to be born early (before 37 weeks), especially in multiple pregnancies like twins or triplets.
- Low Birth Weight: Some babies may weigh less at birth and this might require special care after delivery.
- Birth Defects: The chances of birth defects are only slightly higher in IVF babies, and in most cases, the issues are minor. This may also be linked to the age or health of the parents rather than IVF itself.
- Genetic Conditions: If older eggs or sperm are used then there may be a small increase in the risk of certain genetic conditions. That’s why many IVF centres suggest screening before the process.
- Health at Birth and Beyond: Some research suggests a slightly increased risk of health problems at birth, but most babies born through IVF grow up healthy.
Why Do IVF Risks Happen?
IVF Pregnancy risks can happen due to the different steps that are involved in the treatment. There are certain factors like age, health, and how the body reacts to the treatment can increase the chances of problems. However, many of these risks can be managed with the right care and support.
Here are some common reasons why IVF risks may happen:
- Use of strong fertility medicines to grow more eggs
- Transfer of more than one embryo (can lead to twins/triplets)
- Age of the woman, especially above 35 years
- Existing health problems in the mother
- Body’s different reactions to IVF hormones
- Genetic or lab-related challenges in embryo development
Who Faces Higher IVF Pregnancy Risks?
There are some people who may face higher chances of complications due to their age, health, or medical history. So, it’s important to understand these factors for couples to make better decisions.
People who may face higher IVF pregnancy risks include the following:
- Women above 35 or 40 years – Age can affect egg quality and increase pregnancy risks.
- Those with health issues – Problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid, or PCOS may make IVF more difficult.
- Women with a history of miscarriages or failed pregnancies – They may need special care and closer monitoring.
- People who are overweight or underweight – Body weight can impact hormone levels and pregnancy health.
- Couples using donor eggs or embryos – This may slightly increase some risks depending on the situation.
- Multiple embryo transfers – Carrying twins or triplets may lead to early delivery or other health concerns.
How to Reduce IVF Pregnancy Risks?
IVF can have some risks but many of them can be reduced by taking care of your health and following your doctor’s advice. There are some small steps that can help you to make the journey safer for the mother and the baby.
- Choose a good IVF clinic and an experienced doctor
- Eat healthy and stay active before and during treatment
- Take medicines exactly as your doctor tells you
- Go for regular check-ups and follow-up visits
- Limit the number of embryos transferred to avoid high-risk pregnancies
- Avoid smoking, alcohol, and harmful substances
- Try to stay calm and manage stress through rest or light activities
Final Words
IVF pregnancy risks can be worrying but with the right care, guidance, and expert support, most of these risks can be managed. It’s important to stay informed, follow medical advice, and choose the right fertility center that truly understands your journey.
At RISAA IVF, Dr. Rita Bakshi and her team have helped many women to have safe and successful IVF pregnancies. If you have questions or want to talk to our specialists, feel free to reach out at doctor@risaaivf.com or call us at 95555 44421/22/23. We are here to support you every step of the way.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Is IVF pregnancy more risky than natural pregnancy?
Yes, IVF pregnancies can have slightly higher risks, such as multiple births, premature delivery, or low birth weight. But with good care, many women have safe IVF pregnancies.
Is IVF painful?
The IVF process can be uncomfortable at times (like during injections or egg retrieval), but it’s usually not very painful. Doctors take care to make it as smooth as possible.
Does IVF always work in one try?
No, IVF doesn’t work for everyone in the first cycle. Sometimes it takes 2-3 tries, depending on age, health, and other factors.
Are IVF babies different from naturally born babies?
No, IVF babies grow and develop just like any other baby. The only difference is how they were conceived.
What are the chances of miscarriage in IVF pregnancy?
The miscarriage rate in IVF is similar to natural pregnancies, but it may be a bit higher in older women.