IVF Increases Birth Defect Risk
(Washington, DC) -- Using in vitro fertilization can increase the risk of birth defects by two to four times, compared to babies conceived naturally. A new study shows in vitro babies are two to three times as likely to be born with cardiac defects involving a hole in the heart. One researcher said the babies also have an increased chance of being born with a cleft lip, and four times as likely to be born with some gastrointestinal defects. The researcher said any couple considering IVF should be aware of all the pros and cons. The study, published in the journal, "Human Reproduction," said around one-percent of all babies in the U.S. are conceived using the technique. |