How does IVF technology affect infant health and development
IVF technology is a kind of reproductive medicine technology. Through in vitro fertilization and culture, couples who cannot conceive naturally can have their own children. However, this technology has also raised some concerns about the health and development of infants. This article will discuss the influence of IVF technology on infant health and development from several perspectives.
good health
Compared with naturally conceived infants, IVF may face some special health problems. First, IVF babies have a higher rate of birth defects. According to research, the risk of IVF infants suffering from congenital heart disease, neural tube defects, etc. is two to three times higher than that of naturally conceived infants. Secondly, IVF babies may be born prematurely. Due to the high rate of multiple births in test tube babies, multiple embryos are often implanted in one cycle in order to increase the success rate, so it is easy to lead to multiple pregnancies, thus increasing the probability of premature delivery.
In addition, IVF technology may affect the growth and development of infants. Some studies have shown that the weight of test tube babies after birth is lower than that of naturally conceived babies, and there is also a large gap in the growth process. Long term research needs to be further carried out to understand the health of IVF more comprehensively.
mental health
There may be differences in mental health between IVF and naturally conceived infants. First, IVF babies may face greater psychological pressure. They may have more questions and confusion, because they know that they came through medical means. In addition, they may feel different from other children because they know that they came from IVF technology.
However, the mental health problems of IVF are not inevitable. Research shows that there is no significant difference between IVF and naturally conceived children in terms of psychological and social adaptability. Family environment and parents' educational methods are still the key factors affecting children's mental health.
Family impact
The impact of IVF technology on families also deserves attention. First of all, the birth of IVF may bring pressure to the relationship between husband and wife. The problem of infertility itself has brought challenges to the relationship between husband and wife, and the application of IVF technology may increase anxiety and depression.
Secondly, the birth of IVF may cause problems among family members. In some families, IVF may be regarded as the object of competition for power and heredity, which leads to tension within the family.
However, IVF technology can also enhance family cohesion and happiness. After many couples have experienced the frustration of trying to have children, having children through IVF technology will bring great happiness and satisfaction.
Social concept
The development of IVF technology has changed people's conception of fertility. In the past, many people regarded babies as the product of natural laws. The emergence of IVF technology broke this concept, making more infertile couples have the opportunity to become parents.
However, IVF technology has also triggered people's thinking on human reproductive rights and ethical issues. Some people worry that IVF technology will be abused, which will lead to unfair birth selection and the continuous purification of human genes. Therefore, the social concept of IVF technology is still evolving and controversial.
In conclusion, IVF technology has had a certain impact on the health and development of infants. In terms of physical health, IVF may face more health problems. In terms of mental health, IVF may face more psychological pressure. In terms of family influence, the birth of IVF may bring pressure and problems within the family. In terms of social concepts, IVF technology has triggered social thinking on fertility concepts and ethical issues. Therefore, IVF technology still needs more attention and exploration to promote its good application in infant health and development.
