Do IVF babies need additional medical care after birth?
The development of IVF technology has enabled many infertile couples to realize their reproductive dreams. However, whether IVF needs additional medical care after birth is a controversial issue. This article will elaborate on this from four aspects of children's physical health, mental health, development monitoring and genetic factors.
Children's physical health
IVF babies need to be cultured in vitro after in vitro fertilization, and embryo screening is also needed before they are transferred back to the mother. These processes may have some impact on embryonic development. Therefore, IVF babies need to receive additional health care after birth.
First, IVF babies may be at risk of premature birth. Due to the operation process of embryo transfer, IVF babies are often born several weeks earlier than naturally conceived babies. Premature infants need special care and monitoring in the hospital to ensure their normal growth and development.
Secondly, IVF babies may have a higher risk of birth defects. Some studies have shown that the rate of malformation of IVF at birth is slightly higher than that of naturally conceived infants. This may be related to the selectivity of IVF embryo screening and environmental factors in blastocyst culture. Therefore, IVF babies need to receive a comprehensive physical examination, and find and deal with any potential health problems as soon as possible.
Finally, IVF babies may have higher birth weight and related health problems. Due to the reasons of assisted reproductive technology, IVF babies are often larger at birth. High birth weight may be associated with increased risk of obesity in infancy, diabetes and cardiovascular disease in adulthood. Therefore, after birth, the family needs to work with the doctor to develop a good feeding plan to ensure the weight growth and healthy development of the baby.
mental health
The mental health of IVF is also an aspect that needs extra attention.
First, IVF may face the confusion of identity. Their choice of identity between biological parents and non biological parents may lead to psychological conflicts. Therefore, they may need additional psychological support and counseling to help them build their identity and family values.
Secondly, IVF may face family pressure and expectations. As a highly expected child, IVF may face higher expectations and pressure from parents and relatives. This may bring them psychological burden and anxiety. Therefore, they need support from family and social environment to relieve these pressures.
Finally, IVF babies may be confused and confused about their own way of reproduction. As they grow older, they may begin to question their own way of reproduction and think carefully about their future life. At this time, they need the guidance and support of professionals to help them face up to and deal with these emotions and troubles.
Development monitoring
After birth, due to their special experience in the embryonic stage, the normal development of IVF has always been a concern.
First, there may be differences in neural development in IVF. Some studies have shown that the intellectual development of IVF babies may be slightly delayed, and they may face a higher risk of learning difficulties and developmental barriers. Therefore, they need to conduct regular development assessment and monitoring, and take timely intervention measures to ensure that their development can keep pace with their peers.
Secondly, IVF babies may be at risk of abnormal growth and development. IVF babies usually present high birth weight at birth, but growth retardation may occur in the subsequent growth process. Therefore, it is very important for IVF babies to have regular physical examination and growth curve monitoring, so as to find and deal with any possible problems in a timely manner.
Finally, IVF's immune system may be vulnerable. Due to the process of in vitro culture and embryo screening, IVF may lack valuable experience required by the immune system. Therefore, they need additional immune protection and prevention measures to reduce the risk of infection and disease.
Genetic factor
IVF babies may face special care needs related to genetic factors.
First, IVF babies may carry certain genetic variations. In the process of artificial insemination, embryos carrying specific genetic diseases may be selected for transfer. Therefore, IVF babies need genetic counseling and genetic testing after birth to diagnose and treat any possible genetic diseases in a timely manner.
Second, IVF babies may have different biological parents. If sperm donation or other assisted reproduction technologies are used, IVF may be curious and confused about its biological origin. Therefore, they need support and guidance from families and medical institutions to solve this complex family emotional problem.
Finally, IVF babies may face the risk of diseases related to family genetics. As the biological parents of IVF are often in the risk group of infertility or old age, IVF may face an increased risk of genetic diseases. Therefore, they need to receive regular genetic counseling and genetic testing to detect and deal with possible health problems in a timely manner.
summary
In conclusion, IVF babies need additional medical care after birth. From the perspective of children's physical health, mental health, development monitoring and genetic factors, IVF may face some unique problems and challenges. Therefore, families and medical institutions should pay close attention to these issues and provide comprehensive medical care and support to ensure the healthy growth of IVF.
