Effects of IVF on maternal and infant health
As an assisted reproductive technology, in vitro fertilization (IVF) has become a blessing for many infertile couples. However, people have some doubts about the impact of IVF on the health of mothers and infants. This article will elaborate on the impact of IVF on maternal and infant health from four aspects: pregnancy risk, birth defects, psychological impact and maternal infant relationship.
Pregnancy risk
IVF pregnancy usually requires assisted reproductive technology, which may increase some risks compared with natural pregnancy. First, IVF mothers are often older, which increases the risk of pregnancy complications such as pregnancy induced hypertension and diabetes. Secondly, because IVF embryos are cultured in the laboratory, the incidence of multiple pregnancies may increase. Multiple pregnancy has a high risk to both mother and fetus, such as premature delivery, low weight and other problems. In addition, IVF mothers may need more medical examinations and medication during pregnancy, which also increases the risk.
However, the development of modern medicine has greatly controlled the pregnancy risk of IVF. Through strict screening and monitoring, as well as personalized treatment programs, the hospital has gradually reduced the pregnancy risk of IVF.
birth defect
Some people worry that IVF babies may have a high rate of birth defects. Research shows that there is no significant difference between the birth defect rate of IVF and that of naturally conceived infants. This conclusion has been verified by many research institutions, such as the National Institutes of Health in the United States and Oxford University in the United Kingdom. However, IVF may be affected by some environmental factors during prenatal embryo implantation and embryo transfer, which needs to be strictly controlled in clinical operation.
In addition, parents of test tube babies can also screen certain genetic diseases through gene testing, thus reducing the risk of birth defects. This screening can help couples choose healthy embryos for transplantation and reduce the incidence of congenital diseases.
Psychological influence
The psychological impact of IVF on couples is also the focus of attention. Infertile couples have gone through a long period of treatment and waiting, and the success of IVF is undoubtedly a relief and joy. However, the process of IVF may also bring psychological pressure and anxiety to couples. Worry about treatment failure, pregnancy results after successful embryo transfer, expectations for the baby, etc. may have an impact on the couple's mental health.
In order to solve this problem, many hospitals provide psychological counseling services to help couples cope with psychological pressure effectively. The guidance of psychological experts can help couples establish a positive attitude and enhance their confidence in the process and results of IVF.
Maternal infant relationship
The birth mode of IVF may affect the mother infant relationship. Compared with natural pregnancy, IVF mothers may pay more attention to embryonic development during pregnancy and have higher expectations for babies after birth. Babies may also have a sense of their innate "special" identity. These factors may have a positive impact on the mother infant relationship.
However, the parents of IVF may also neglect the emotional communication with the baby and the establishment of parent-child relationship due to the long-term treatment process and psychological pressure. Therefore, the parents of IVF need to pay attention to the parent-child interaction with the baby and establish a good mother baby relationship.
Summary
To sum up, the impact of IVF on the health of mothers and infants is complex and diverse. Although IVF may increase the risk of pregnancy and birth defects, the development of modern medicine has effectively controlled these risks. In addition, the process of IVF may bring psychological pressure to couples, but professional psychological counseling can help couples cope better. Finally, the birth mode of IVF may have an impact on the mother infant relationship, and it is particularly important to establish a good parent-child relationship. Therefore, considering all factors comprehensively, it can be considered that the impact of IVF on the health of mothers and infants is controllable and positive.
