A pregnancy achieved through assisted reproduction is often considered more risky than a natural pregnancy. There are several reasons for this:
Advanced Maternal Age: Patients undergoing fertility treatments tend to be older than those conceiving naturally, and age is a key factor that increases pregnancy risks.
Multiple Pregnancies: There is a higher likelihood of multiple pregnancies (twins or more) with assisted reproduction, and multiple pregnancies carry more risks than single pregnancies.
Underlying Health Conditions: The cause of infertility itself can sometimes indicate underlying health conditions that increase the risk of complications during pregnancy.
However, it’s important to note that no study has conclusively proven that the use of assisted reproduction techniques alone increases obstetrical risks.
How to Reduce Pregnancy Risks
In order to minimize pregnancy risks after assisted reproduction, it’s crucial that the medical team not only focuses on achieving pregnancy but also ensuring the best possible health conditions throughout the process. Some key steps include:
Maintaining a healthy weight before and during pregnancy.
Stabilizing hormonal imbalances, such as thyroid issues, that could affect the pregnancy.
Avoiding toxic habits such as smoking or excessive alcohol consumption.
Age and Pregnancy Risk
There is no specific age limit for becoming pregnant, but as women age, the risks associated with pregnancy increase. This applies to both natural and assisted pregnancies. While the risk grows as a woman gets older, it is a gradual and individual process, meaning each woman’s experience may differ.
Pregnancy Monitoring and Controls
For most pregnancies achieved through assisted reproduction, the monitoring and controls are similar to those used in natural pregnancies. That being said, older women and those carrying multiple pregnancies are generally considered higher risk, but this is due to age and the number of fetuses, not the fact that the pregnancy was conceived through assisted reproduction.
Childbirth and Cesarean Sections
One aspect that is notably different for pregnancies following assisted reproduction is the higher rate of cesarean sections. This is primarily due to the age of the patients, who may face greater difficulties with a vaginal delivery. Additionally, because these pregnancies are often seen as especially precious due to the circumstances under which they were conceived, gynecologists may take a more cautious approach during childbirth, opting for cesarean sections if the delivery appears to be complicated.
At Nicosia Fertility, we prioritize not only helping you achieve pregnancy but ensuring that both the mother and baby are as healthy as possible throughout the journey. If you have any questions about pregnancy risks or would like to learn more about our fertility treatments, please don’t hesitate to contact us at info@nicosiafertility.com.
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