In a time when IVF is helping millions start their families, one question keeps surfacing: ‘Are IVF babies any different from those conceived naturally?’ Couples opting for IVF often face questions and scrutiny in Indian society. It’s natural for women to be curious about this topic. “No, in general babies born via IVF are not different from naturally conceived babies in terms of health, intelligence, or physical appearance,” said Dr Vareesh Kumar, founder and managing director of Vardaan IVF Hospital. “The only difference is in their conception process,” he added. Basically, infertility doctors agree that the difference lies only in the method of conception and not in the child. After the first trimester, there is no medical difference between IVF and natural pregnancies.
Key differences lie in early pregnancy (First Trimester)
Both IVF and natural conception have the same goal of a healthy baby and fulfilling a family. The early weeks of an IVF pregnancy differ from natural pregnancy in several ways. The first trimester (first 12-13 weeks) of an IVF pregnancy typically involves hormonal injections, frequent scans, and multiple diagnostic tests.
Early pregnancy awareness in IVF
In IVF, fertilisation happens outside of the body in a lab. Later, the embryo is transferred into the uterus again. So, women undergoing the IVF process are aware of their pregnancy in the first 1-2 weeks after embryo transfer. In natural pregnancy, it is often overlooked until there is a change in the menstrual cycle. Normal pregnancy generally becomes noticeable after 4-5 weeks.
External hormonal support
IVF pregnancies typically require additional hormonal support. It could be progesterone or hCG, depending on the observation. In the first 10-12 weeks, hormone levels in IVF pregnant women are checked regularly to support embryo implantation and early development. In natural conception, a woman’s body typically produces the necessary hormones on its own. Thus, it eliminates the need for additional hormone supplements.
Regular scans and check-ups
Although natural conception also involves routine checkups to monitor the baby’s health, IVF pregnancy needs it more. Women pregnant with the help of IVF are closely monitored during the first trimester. The frequency of checkups is higher than a normal pregnancy. In IVF pregnancies, ultrasounds and blood tests are often conducted every 1–2 weeks. In a normal pregnancy, unless any complications occur, only a few routine check-ups are needed.
Mental and emotional changes
Women undergoing IVF may be more prone to stress and anxiety. Research shows that 20-50% of IVF pregnancy females are affected by depression and anxiety. This is often linked to the emotional and physical stress associated with IVF treatments. Being aware of pregnancy from day one can also add to the stress and emotional pressure during IVF. In natural pregnancies, women usually become aware around the 5th or 6th week and require less medical monitoring early on.
Health risks and complications
While IVF babies are safe and healthy, during initial weeks, mothers carry a slightly higher risk of complications like blood pressure, nutrition deficiency, and preterm delivery. Such problems occur usually due to maternal age or underlying conditions. This is often because IVF is chosen by women facing fertility challenges due to age or underlying health conditions. Such complications may be less common in natural pregnancies, depending on maternal health, age, and other lifestyle factors.
IVF delivery and baby development
When it comes to labour and delivery, there is no difference between IVF and natural births. There are two approaches to delivery – vaginal birth or C-section. The decision between vaginal birth or C-section depends on medical factors, not the method of conception. Foetal position, maternal health, or sudden complications are primary factors to choose a delivery method.
This means an IVF baby can be delivered vaginally, just like in a natural pregnancy, as long as there are no high-risk conditions. In long-term development, IVF babies are just as healthy, intelligent, and physically normal as their naturally conceived peers. In short, while the path to conception may differ, the destination remains the same—a thriving, healthy child.
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