Possible physical abnormalities caused by IVF
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a kind of reproductive assisted pregnancy method that cultivates embryos in the laboratory through in vitro fertilization (IVF) technology, and then transfers well developed embryos into the mother's uterus. Although this technology has helped many couples achieve their reproductive dreams, compared with natural pregnancy, IVF may cause some physical abnormalities. In this article, we will discuss the possible physical abnormalities caused by IVF in detail.
1. Multiple pregnancy
IVF pregnancy usually involves simultaneous implantation of multiple embryos to increase the success rate. However, it also increases the risk of multiple pregnancy. Multiple pregnancy may lead to premature delivery, low birth weight and a series of other complications.
First of all, multiple births may occur earlier. Because of the limited space and resources in the uterus, the fetus may compete with each other, leading to an increased risk of premature delivery. Preterm infants are generally more likely to have health problems than full-term infants.
Secondly, the average weight of multiple births is low, which may lead to low birth weight. Low birth weight infants (defined as those who weigh less than 2500 grams at birth) are associated with many health problems, including dyspnea, heart problems, pneumonia and infection.
In addition, multiple pregnancy will also increase the medical and economic burden, because more prenatal and post natal care is required, and may require longer hospitalization.
2. Family genetic diseases
One potential risk of IVF is the transmission of genetic diseases. Although genetic diseases can be screened during in vitro fertilization, not all genetic diseases can be detected. If the patient or his/her spouse carries gene mutation, it may lead to chromosome abnormalities, such as Down's syndrome or cystic fibrosis. These genetic diseases may be passed on to future generations through IVF technology.
In addition, IVF may face new genetic variations. Due to the process of human intervention, new mutations or DNA damage may be introduced, which may lead to other genetic problems in offspring.
3. Heart problems
IVF may cause some heart problems at birth. The report shows that IVF babies are more likely to have cardiac structural abnormalities than naturally pregnant babies. This may be due to the stress and interference factors in the process of in vitro culture and embryo transfer.
Common heart problems include congenital heart defects, such as atrial septal defect, ventricular septal defect and patent ductus arteriosus. These heart problems may require surgery or other treatment, and may have long-term effects on the health and development of children.
4. Abnormal gene expression
In vitro babies may have abnormal gene expression, which may affect their growth and development. Research shows that there may be differences in gene expression between IVF and naturally conceived infants.
For example, one study found that the expression of oxytocin receptor gene in test tube infants was abnormal. Oxytocin is an important physiological hormone, which participates in the regulation of labor process. Abnormal gene expression may have a potential impact on the development and health of infants.
summary
The possible physical abnormalities caused by IVF include multiple pregnancy, family genetic diseases, heart problems and abnormal gene expression. Multiple pregnancy may lead to premature delivery and low birth weight, increasing the risk of complications. Family genetic diseases may be transmitted to offspring or introduced new genetic variations through IVF technology. IVF may have abnormal cardiac structure, which needs further examination and treatment. In addition, abnormal gene expression may have a potential impact on the development and health of infants. Therefore, when using IVF technology, we should understand these potential physical abnormalities, and fully discuss and evaluate them with doctors.
