- Miscarriage:Â The miscarriage rate after IVF is similar to natural conception but increases with maternal age, ranging from about 15% in younger women to over 50% in women in their 40s.
- Ectopic pregnancy:Â A small percentage of IVF pregnancies implant outside the uterus, which is a serious condition requiring medical intervention.
- Multiple pregnancy:Â IVF increases the chance of twins or multiples, which carry higher risks such as pregnancy-induced hypertension, gestational diabetes, preterm birth, low birth weight, and increased likelihood of cesarean delivery.
- Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS):Â An excessive response to fertility drugs can cause swollen, painful ovaries and fluid imbalance, potentially requiring hospitalization in severe cases.
- Surgical complications:Â Egg retrieval may rarely cause bleeding, infection, or damage to nearby organs.
- Emotional and psychological impacts:Â Stress, anxiety, and depression may arise from treatment outcomes and the IVF process itself.
- Other pregnancy complications:Â Increased risk of pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, placenta praevia, preterm labor, and neonatal intensive care admissions have been observed in IVF pregnancies compared to natural conception.
- Birth defects and long-term outcomes:Â Some studies suggest a slightly higher risk of congenital anomalies and neonatal complications, but most IVF children develop normally.
In summary, while IVF is a generally safe and effective fertility treatment, it carries potential risks including miscarriage, multiple births, OHSS, ectopic pregnancy, and certain pregnancy complications that require careful monitoring by healthcare providers.
For medical advice, you can book an online or physical appointment with Dr. Sofia Manzoor by just clicking the “schedule an appointment” button.
If you’re facing pregnancy concerns like nausea, back pain, dizziness, cramps, spotting, or worries about travelling, getting timely guidance is important. A skilled gynecologist can assess pregnancy safety, manage complications, provide ultrasound evaluations, and guide you on safe travel. You can consult Dr. Sofia Manzoor a leading gynecologist with 16 years of experience. She’s known for handling infertility cases, high-risk cases, travel-related concerns, and overall women’s health with expertise and care.
