Although rare, increased chance of birth defects with IVF
November 18, 2008 by Marijke Durning, RN
Filed under Women's Health
In vitro fertilization (IVF) has given the gift of parenthood to thousands of people but it does carry a bit of risk in terms of birth defects.
Researchers have found that babies born from IVF have a slightly higher risk of rare defects, such as heart defects, as well as cleft lip or esophageal or rectum abnormalities. According to statistics, there were over 50,000 babies born in the US in 2005 as the result of IVF.
The researchers stress that the risk is low for these defects, but feels that women should be warned about them before going through with the procedure.
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Tags: pregnancy blog, IVF, in vitro fertilization, birth defects, cleft lip
