IVF and its' Effect on Birth Defects

When a couple is enduring the emotional journey of infertility, they are met with many possible risks that must be considered as they decide what course of treatment is right for them. One of those concerns often posed to fertility treatment centers is whether or not there is a link between fertility treatments and birth defects, and the frequency of occurrence.

Assisted reproductive technology, and specifically in-vitro fertilization, has brought millions of healthy babies to joyful parents in the 30 years since it was developed. It is important to understand that, as with any medical treatment, the patient does assume a certain amount of risk and fertility treatment is no different. Recent studies do seem to show a slight increase in the number of birth defects in children conceived using in-vitro fertilization than those children of couples not experiencing any fertility problems. What is not as clear, is why.

Results of Recent Studies
Recent studies did indeed find that children conceived with the help of fertility treatment centers experience a slightly higher rate of birth defects. The study noted:

• The risk of birth defects in all births is between 1-3%
• The rate of birth defects in naturally conceived babies was 2.9%
• The rate of birth defects in babies conceived with Non-IVF Fertility Treatments was 3.7%
• The rate of birth defects in babies conceived using IVF was 4.3%

Confounding Factors
There are many factors that play a role in these statistics. One significant factor in the increase number of birth defects in children conceived using in-vitro fertilization is the increased number of multiples born in in-vitro fertilization conceptions. Multiple births can often lead to premature birth which, frequently result in birth defects and other complications. It is also important to note that couples with infertility seem to have an increased rate of birth defects even if no fertility treatment is used. The reasons are unclear. These factors make the real questions patients have for fertility treatment centers- what are the real chances of their baby being born with a birth defect?- difficult to answer definitively.

Birth Defects Known to be Associated with Fertility Treatments
Research conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Atlanta studying a group of 13,500 births, and an additional 5,000 control cases, noted which birth defects are most closely associated with fertility treatments. They include:

• Angelman Syndrome
• Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome
• Heart valve problems
• Cleft palates
• Digestive disorders

Many studies are ongoing in the United States and UK and may continue to shed light on the topic. What we do know, however, is that the risk is extremely low, and the vast majority of babies are born healthy. Understanding the known risks, however small can help to make an informed decision. Any patient considering fertility treatments should discuss their concerns about the risk of birth defects, the kinds associated with fertility treatment and the frequency of occurrence with the fertility treatment center.