Is A Healthy Pregnancy Possible With ART?

Assisted reproductive technology (ART) has provided hope to millions seeking parenthood, offering solutions for infertility and other challenges. While ART significantly improves the chance of conception, a healthy pregnancy is never guaranteed. Understanding the possibilities and limitations of ART is essential for informed decision-making.

mid-iowa-fertility-Can-Assisted-Reproductive-Technology-Guarantee-A-Healthy-Pregnancy

The role of ART

Although there are many ART procedures, in vitro fertilization (IVF) is the most well-known. IVF involves surgically removing eggs from a woman's ovaries, combining the egg with sperm in the laboratory, and then implanting the fertilized embryo in the woman's uterus. Egg freezing and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) also fall under the ART umbrella. Assisted reproductive technology can help with conception, especially for individuals or couples who are facing infertility, but the procedure is not entirely risk-free. Factors such as maternal age, underlying health conditions, and genetics play a crucial role in determining fetal and pregnancy health.

The benefits of genetic screening

All individuals and couples want a healthy baby, but for women who have experienced previous losses or pregnancy complications, the stakes can feel even higher when deciding to proceed with IVF. Risks from underlying genetic factors are often out of a patient's control, but with testing, certain genetic abnormalities can be identified early in the process. Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), for example, screens embryos for chromosomal abnormalities before transfer. This process helps reduce the risk of miscarriage and certain genetic disorders. Although not foolproof, PGT increases the likelihood of selecting embryos with the best potential for healthy development.

Maternal health is critical

The overall health of the individual carrying the pregnancy significantly impacts pregnancy outcomes. Health conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or obesity can pose risks, even when the pregnancy is conceived using ART. Women of advanced maternal age (AMA) can also face additional risks, such as a higher chance of miscarriage, gestational diabetes, and preeclampsia. Preconception lifestyle changes and proper medical management during pregnancy can reduce the risk of pregnancy complications.

ART and multiples

Women who undergo ART often choose to transfer multiple embryos to increase the chances of successful implantation. While effective, transferring more than a single embryo can often result in twins or higher-order multiples. Such pregnancies carry greater risks of complications like preterm birth or low birth weight. Advances in single-embryo transfer techniques aim to reduce these risks while maintaining ART success rates.

External factors

Environmental and lifestyle factors, including nutrition, stress, and access to prenatal care, can also significantly affect pregnancy health. Furthermore, exposures during pregnancy, including alcohol, cigarettes, and certain medications, can also impact the developing baby. Assisted reproductive technology cannot mitigate risks associated with poor lifestyle choices, exposures, or inadequate healthcare.

Technology is not a guarantee

Despite the many benefits of ART, pregnancies conceived with this technology are not entirely risk-free. Complications like miscarriage, birth defects, preeclampsia, and chromosomal abnormalities can still occur. However, risks can be minimized by focusing on a healthy lifestyle, considering additional genetic testing, and opting for a single embryo transfer.