In-Vitro Fertilization(IVF) evolved and changed the dimension of assisted reproduction and has been a ray of hope for countless couples who are unable to conceive. While IVF procedure has enabled the successful pregnancy and birth of countless healthy babies, it’s vital to understand the potent health risks linked with IVF , both for parents and the offspring. The best IVF centre in Ludhiana understands and caters to the health risks associated with IVF treatment and procedure. This article explains various health risks and concerns for both the parent and the child. 

Health Risks for Parents

Side effects and severe complications can usually be mild, but it affects in the most unfavorable manner, especially when you’re not expecting them, in some cases, it can lead to severe medical complications. It’s important to understand them so that they can be assessed and given timely treatment. 

1. OVARIAN HYPERSTIMULATION SYNDROME 

OHSS is a severe condition that occurs in women when the ovaries react to the fertility medications, taken during conceiving , leading to mild to severe range of symptoms. Symptoms can include bloating, rapid weight gain, decreased urination and shortness of breath, and in severe cases, fluid accumulation in lungs and abdomen. OHSS can be severely dangerous and require immediate treatment, and can even worsen if you get pregnant. 

2. MULTIPLE PREGNANCIES 

IVF increases the chances and risks of multiple pregnancies, like twins or triplets. Multiple pregnancies can increase the risks for both mother and babies, including, premature birth, low birth weight, complications during delivery. However, many hospitals and clinics with advanced medical technology, opted for single embryo transfer, to transfer multiple pregnancies. 

3. PELVIC INFECTIONS 

There’s a slight chance and risk of pelvic infections after the egg retrieval procedure which demands and involves inserting a needle through the vagina to extract eggs from the ovaries. 

4. EMOTIONAL STRESS 

The IVF process can be emotionally draining and taxing, with a rollercoaster of emotions and feelings of anxiety, stress, hope and disappointment. This can lead to several stress- related health issues, like, depression, anxiety, and much more. In this emotional phase, a partner should be emotionally available to comfort another person, so that they don’t drain themselves! 

6. MISCARRIAGES 

Though, there are slight risks of miscarriages in IVF, but it can still happen in the worst chances. This pain can take a risky toll on a person’s emotional and mental health, leaving them devastated. 

These are some of the health risks that the expectant parents can go through while IVF treatment and procedure. 

Health Risks for Offspring

Below are some of the risks and health defects that an offspring can go through: 

1. PREMATURE BIRTH AND LOW BIRTH WEIGHT 

Babies conceived through In-Vitro Fertilisation(IVF) technique and procedure, have a slightly higher risk of being prone to premature birth or with lower birth weight as compared to a normal baby. This can lead to several serious health problems in the short and long term. 

2. BIRTH DEFECTS 

It is observed that babies conceived through IVF have a slightly increased risk of certain congenital birth defects, the reasons of which are still unidentified. 

3. IMPRINTING DISORDERS 

These are genetic disorders caused by abnormal gene expression, and it is observed that there exists a link between IVF and certain imprinting disorders. 

4. RISK OF CANCER 

There have been raised concerns about a potential increased risk of certain cancer in children conceived through IVF, specifically, childhood leukemia. 

It’s vital to understand that the overall complications linked with IVF are relatively low, and the majority of healthy babies conceived and born through IVF are higher! Hpowver, it’s essential to understand and comprehend the potential risks which can assist in making an informed decision about pursuing IVF treatment and procedure. 

Factors Influencing Risks 

The risks linked with IVF can be inf;luenced by several factors, including, 

1. AGE OF PARENTS 

Older parents are more prone to the risk of genetic abnormalities and complications in pregnancy, leading to health defects in babies. 

2. UNDERLYING MEDICAL CONDITIONS 

Existing medical conditions in either of the expectant parents can increase the risk of complications during IVF and pregnancy. 

3. NUMEROUS EMBRYOS IMPLANTED 

Transferring multiple embryos can increase the overall chance of having multiple pregnancies, miscarriages and other serious complications. 

4. SUCCESS RATE OF CHOSEN FERTILITY CLINIC 

It’s important to look out for a fertility clinic with higher success rates and the care offered after IVF and pre-pregnancy. This can help and lower the chances of risks and birth defects. 

How to minimize the risks linked with IVF? 

While it’s unable to eliminate the risks associated but here are some strategies which can lower the health risks and complication during IVF procedure: 

• CHOOSE A REPUTABLE FERTILITY CLINIC 

Look out, research and select a clinic with a proven success and track record and experienced fertility experts. 

• UNDERSTAND YOUR HEALTH CONDITION 

Before starting IVF procedure, understand and assess your health condition, assess any underlying health issue and counterly, adopt a positive and balanced lifestyle, including, healthy meals, regular exercise, avoiding substance abuse and maintaining a positive mindset. 

• CONSIDER GENETIC TESTING 

Genetic testing can assist in knowing and identifying any potent genetic abnormality, which can be passed onto the offspring during embryo transfer. 

• MANAGING STRESS AND ANXIETY 

Practice stress-relieving techniques like yoga, meditation, to cope up with the emotional, psychological and physical challenges of IVF. 

Conclusion 

IVF(In-Vitro Fertilisation), an assisted reproductive technology, has changed and brought lifelong happiness to countless childless couples. However, it is vital and important to be aware of the potent health risks and defects in parents and the offspring associated with this technology. Understanding and assessing these risks and taking effective steps will help in minimising these risks, and making an informed decision about pursuing IVF procedure. You can consult the best ivf centre in jammu & Kashmir for effective strategies and techniques, offering higher success rates and successful pregnancies!