AC/IVF = higher risk of premmies??

I thought this was the best place to post, but if not, mods please feel free to move.

I read an article yesterday which claimed that there is a higher incidence of premature births in pregnancies resulting from assisted conception. I am sure this is not the first time I have read this either.

Do you think this could be because there's a higher rate of multiples in AC pregnancies? I wonder if the figures were based solely on singletons (there were no details of the study in the article).

I thought it would be interesting to see the experiences of our BB mums - did your IVF/AC bub come early/late/on time?

My DD was 10 days late after a spontaneous labour, so I think the chances of me going early are pretty slim to be honest!

Willow, I haven't really done any reading on this, so it will be interesting to see what comes out of it. My suspicions are that if there is a risk, it's not so much down to the fact that IVF/AC was used, but more because of the reasons that lead to IVF/AC. The underlying condition, so to speak.

Of course, I could be wrong! But I will be watching with interest.

BW

Yeah, BW that was another aspect I'd wondered about also. So annoying when they make these broad sweeping statements but don't back it up with anything further??

Hoping some of our IVF/AC mums will post soon, I'm really interested to see if there's anything in it...

my twins were early and were IVF
i think its more a case of the factors that can influence prems being more prevailent in people using AC or IVF such as multiple pg, age and underlying gyno factors
HTH
there is also data that there is more of a chance to have a c/s when AC/ IVF is used to conceived
HTH
odette

Bugger - we just get the good stuff allllll the way through don't we??!!

Willow, BW and odette pretty much said what I was going to say, but yes, I too think it's the underlying causes of infertility that play a big part in the first place. Like those stats that talk about how there is a higher incidence of birth defects in AC babies. :rolleyes: Or the ones that say IVF babies are smarter. Or that IVF mums are more anxious.

I think those stats can't be isolated on their own without the background that comes with it. I think environmental and biological pressures are always going to come into play with these sorts of stats, but it's usually not mentioned.

I would say that the rate of premature births is higher, mostly because of elective c-sect in the older IVF bracket and those who are constant worriers.
I had 2 Premature Rupture of membranes with 2 IVF pregnancys later this was diagnosed Incompetant cervix...we dont know whether it was genetic or the amounts of D&C's I had to go throu as well as ALOT of IVF.
Eliza was 37 weeks because she was an elective c-section so tech prem but to the peads she was full termish
Bec

My DD was born 11 weeks prem, she was an ICSI bub. Prematurity was due to placenta previa resulting in placental abruption. I have since read that IVF has more risk of placenta previa due to transfers being done lower in the cervix as it is more likely to implant. Don't know if this is true or not.
I would also think that prematurity would be due to the higher incidence of mutiple birth.

Wow Carrie, that's early. I'm sure it wasn't a great experience, I wish you better luck this time sweetie!

Willow, great topic

I too am very curious, I also believe that the underlying problem that lead to IVF is what cause premature births.
There have been so many studies on IVF but nothing is ever tied to something properly, nothing is backed up by proper researches and proof.

Hi everyone,

I wonder what will happen to my twins that are due at on the 22nd of November? I have had an IVF cycle and are pg 5 1/2 mths today. They do closley monitor twins and have recommended a c/s. I think thats because I have had 2 ruptured ectopics and my uterus is weak. I have been told that pushing could rupture me inside. Thats what I have been told anyway. Has anyone heard or been in this situation? I am really worried about the c/s. They also have warned me that they could be premmie depending on the room they have to grow. I can now feel them and am so proud that my two identical boys are IVF. What a way to go to have an instant family. Hard and tough trot but worth it in the end. Cant wait to see them.

xoxoxox Gina

OOh, I hope someones delivers some good news about this topic!

:)