Is IVF at risk of low IQ?
IVF is a method of artificial insemination in the laboratory through in vitro fertilization technology, and then transfer the fertilized eggs to the mother's uterus to develop into a fetus. With the popularization of IVF technology, people are also concerned about the safety and risks of IVF. One common concern is the risk of low IQ. This article will elaborate on the IQ risk of IVF from many aspects.
1. Genetic problems
The IVF process is carried out in the laboratory. Although some embryos with gene defects can be excluded through screening, there is still a risk of gene problems. Gene mutation or abnormality may affect the development of intelligence. However, the continuous progress of modern medical technology, such as the application of genome sequencing technology, can better detect and screen out gene abnormalities and reduce this risk.
In addition, parents of test tube babies can also choose to carry out genetic counseling and genetic testing to find out whether they carry genes of genetic diseases, and take corresponding measures to avoid passing on them to the next generation. Therefore, although there is a certain risk of genetic problems, modern medical technology can help reduce this risk.
2. Social environment
In addition to genetic problems, the IQ of IVF is also affected by the social environment. Research shows that family education level, family economic status, parents' attention and parenting style and other factors are closely related to children's intellectual development.
The parents of IVF usually experience a long period of infertility, and may pay more attention to the education of their children. They may provide better educational resources and pay attention to the growth environment of children, so as to improve the IQ development of IVF. Therefore, the social environment has also played a positive role in the IQ development of IVF.
3. Medical care
IVF babies also need medical care and early intervention after birth, which plays a key role in intellectual development. Some studies have shown that early intervention can promote infants' cognitive and language development and improve their IQ. The parents of IVF babies usually take them to professional hospitals for physical examination and comprehensive evaluation on a regular basis, and carry out early childhood education and intervention according to the doctor's suggestions. These medical and health care measures can help IVF better develop IQ.
4. Follow up study
In order to better understand the IQ risk of IVF, some long-term follow-up studies have been conducted. After years of tracking and evaluation of IVF, researchers found that there was no significant difference in IQ between IVF and naturally conceived children.
Taking UCLA as an example, they conducted an 18 year study to compare the IQ of IVF and naturally conceived children. The results show that IVF infants are not at risk of significantly lower IQ and academic performance.
Summary
To sum up, although IVF has a certain IQ risk, the continuous progress of modern medical technology and the improvement of medical care measures have greatly controlled and reduced this risk. Efforts in genetic problems, social environment, medical care and long-term follow-up research have ensured the safety of IVF IQ development. Therefore, it is a reliable way to ensure the intellectual development of children to carry out IVF technical operations in formal medical institutions and follow the doctor's advice.
