Abstract
Purpose To quantify the contribution of in vitro fertilization (IVF) on changes in the rates of low birth weight (LBW), preterm delivery, very low birth weight, and multiple births during the past 3 years.
Methods Data on IVF pregnancies from 1994 to 1996 within Alberta were reviewed. Population data were obtained from the Provincial notice of a live or stillbirth.
Results The IVF component of increased LBW rate in the province was 17.8% for infants <2500 g and 43.5% for those born <1500 g. IVF accounted for 10.5% of the provincial rate increase in deliveries <37 weeks' gestation and 66.2% of those <30 weeks' gestation. IVF accounted for 21.4% of the twins and all of the sets of triplets in the province.
Conclusion During a 3-year period IVF has affected the incidence of LBW, preterm delivery, and multiple birth. IVF is a substantial contributor to changes in very low birth weight and delivery before 30 weeks, which is partly related to multiple births.
IVF low birth weight preterm delivery, in vitro fertilization multiple pregnancy outcomes, assisted reproduction neonatal complications, IVF twins triplets prematurity risk, ART very low birth weight infants, fertility treatment perinatal outcomes, in vitro fertilization preterm birth rate, IVF contribution multiple births population, assisted reproductive technology obstetric complications, IVF singleton versus multiple gestation outcomes
Keywords
Alberta, Female, Fertilization in Vitro, Humans, Incidence, Infant, Low Birth Weight, Newborn, Very Low Birth Weight, Obstetric Labor, Premature, Pregnancy, Multiple