Health problems and risks of IVF children
IVF is a method of assisting pregnancy in the laboratory through in vitro fertilization (IVF) technology, which provides hope for couples who cannot conceive naturally. However, the health problems and risks of IVF children also need our attention. Hereinafter, we will elaborate on genetic diseases, preterm birth and low birth weight, mental health and reproductive health.
Genetic disease
IVF may face the risk of genetic diseases, because IVF embryos can be screened in the laboratory, but it cannot guarantee 100% accuracy. Some serious genetic diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, spinal muscular atrophy, hereditary deafness, may be discovered after embryo transfer. If parents suffer from genetic diseases, they need to conduct genetic counseling and testing under the guidance of consulting doctors in order to select embryos.
In addition, the biological parents of IVF may be older, and the risk of chromosomal abnormalities of older pregnant women is increased. Common chromosomal abnormalities include Down syndrome and Edwards syndrome. In order to reduce the risk, doctors usually recommend chromosome screening to exclude abnormalities in the embryo.
However, we cannot ignore that IVF may face unique risks of genetic diseases. As IVF babies are conceived through in vitro fertilization or embryo transfer, they may inherit some genetic characteristics from their non biological parents, which may lead to risks of other kinds of diseases and health problems.
Preterm birth and low birth weight
Compared with naturally conceived children, IVF children are more prone to premature delivery and low birth weight. This is mainly because the mother of IVF needs to receive multiple hormone treatments and surgical procedures during pregnancy, which may have a negative impact on the development and growth of the fetus.
Premature birth and low birth weight may have long-term effects on children's health and development. These children are more likely to suffer from respiratory diseases, nervous system problems, immune system problems, and cognitive and learning difficulties. Therefore, families of IVF children need to pay special attention to their growth and development, and identify and intervene possible problems as soon as possible.
mental health
IVF children may face some problems related to mental health. They may face risks from both genes and environment. Genetically, some genetic factors may be related to autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other psychological diseases. In terms of the environment, IVF children may face frustration, identity problems, and relationship problems with their biological parents or other relatives related to their childbearing style.
In order to promote the mental health of IVF children, parents should pay close attention to their emotional changes and behavior, and seek help and advice from professional mental health experts when necessary. Providing a stable, warm and supportive family environment is also particularly important for children's mental health.
reproductive health
IVF children may also face some reproductive health problems during their growth. Because their lives originated from assisted reproductive technology in the laboratory, they may face potential fertility problems. Some studies have shown that IVF women may encounter difficulties in fertility, such as ovarian dysfunction, premature ovarian failure, etc. Male IVF infants may also face the risk of semen quality decline and fertility decline.
Therefore, if IVF children plan to have children in adulthood, they may need to receive further reproductive health assessment and treatment. They should seek advice from professional doctors as early as possible to ensure their reproductive health.
Summary
The health problems and risks of IVF children need our close attention. From the perspective of genetic diseases, preterm birth and low birth weight, mental health and reproductive health, we found that IVF children face a variety of possible health problems and risks. However, this does not mean that every IVF baby will encounter these problems, but reminds us that we need to give more attention and support to IVF children during their growth to ensure their healthy and happy growth.
