The impact of assisted reproduction on perinatal health care

Perinatal outcome of singletons and twins after assisted conception: a systematic review of controlled studies

“…This question seems to be answered already by the widespread belief that pregnancy outcome is substantially worse after assisted conception 1 – 3. The difference, however, relates predominantly to the higher frequency of multiple pregnancies 3.…”

“…The difference, however, relates predominantly to the higher frequency of multiple pregnancies 3. The first indication that assisted singleton pregnancies may also have poorer outcomes appeared in 1985,2 but it was not clear how much related to assisted reproduction or to confounders, such as maternal age and parity.…”

Perinatal outcome of singletons and twins after assisted conception: a systematic review of controlled studies

“…Virtually all perinatal and infant morbidity occurs more frequently in twins than in singletons. 3 Twenty five years after the birth of the first baby conceived by in vitro fertilisation, our data draw attention to three challenges. Firstly, emphasis needs to shift, more than it has already, 3 32 from achieving pregnancy to achieving a successful outcome.…”

“…[1][2][3] The difference, however, relates predominantly to the higher frequency of multiple pregnancies. 3 The first indication that assisted singleton pregnancies may also have poorer outcomes appeared in 1985, 2 but it was not clear how much related to assisted reproduction or to confounders, such as maternal age and parity. Several matched cohort studies have since confirmed these findings.…”

How many eggs?

“…Worldwide, increasing maternal age at conception has resulted in dramatic increases in the rate of twin pregnancies with equally dramatic consequences in terms of perinatal health and cost to families and society 6 7. Assisted reproduction is part of that scenario.…”