Does IVF affect infants?
IVF is a kind of assisted reproductive technology. Through in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer, it helps couples who cannot conceive naturally realize their reproductive dreams. Although IVF technology has made great breakthroughs in medicine, there are still some problems that people are generally concerned about, such as whether it will affect the baby itself. This article will discuss this problem from four aspects.
1. Physiological effects
IVF embryos are cultivated in the laboratory and then transferred to the mother for further development. Some people worry that the development of IVF embryos will be affected by the external environment, which may lead to some physiological problems at birth.
However, studies have shown that the birth defect rate of IVF is not higher than that of naturally conceived infants. A study conducted in the United States found that the risk of birth defects in test tube babies was comparable to that of naturally conceived babies. In addition, with the continuous progress of technology, the birth defect rate of IVF is also declining year by year.
Therefore, from a physiological point of view, the impact of IVF on infants is not obvious. Most IVF babies are as healthy as naturally conceived babies.
2. Psychological influence
Whether the birth of IVF will have a psychological impact on the baby itself is another issue of concern. Some people worry that IVF babies will have a sense of inferiority when they grow up, feeling that they are "special" children.
However, studies have shown that there is no significant difference between IVF and naturally conceived infants in terms of mental health. A study on IVF and naturally conceived children found that there was no significant difference in physical self-esteem and psychological well-being between the two. IVF babies get the same care and care as natural pregnant children in the family environment, which has an important impact on their mental health.
Therefore, from a psychological point of view, IVF does not show obvious psychological impact during its growth.
3. Social impact
The birth of IVF will not only have an impact on the baby itself, but also on society. Some people worry that the birth of IVF will aggravate the population problem, lead to uneven resource distribution and increase the social burden.
However, this is not the case. The number of IVF babies born is relatively small, which has limited impact on the overall population growth. In addition, the application of IVF technology can also help couples who are unable to conceive naturally to complete their families, relieve their psychological pressure and improve their quality of life.
Therefore, from a social perspective, IVF does not have a greater negative impact on the whole society.
4. Medical impact
The application of IVF technology has had a positive impact on the medical industry. The development of IVF technology has enabled couples unable to conceive naturally to have more reproductive choices and provide reliable solutions.
In addition, the application of IVF technology has also promoted the progress of medical technology. In order to improve the success rate of IVF, doctors continue to explore and research, strengthen the technology of embryo cultivation and transfer, which also provides reference for the treatment of other reproductive health problems.
Therefore, from the medical perspective, the application of IVF technology has a positive impact on the medical industry.
Summary
In conclusion, the influence of IVF on infants is limited. From the perspective of physiology and psychology, there is no significant difference in health and psychological development between IVF and naturally conceived infants. From the social and medical perspective, the birth of IVF has a positive impact on the overall society and the medical industry. Therefore, IVF technology can bring new hope to couples who cannot conceive naturally, and promote the development of society and medical field.
