Are Children Conceived Through IVF at Risk for Developmental Delays?

Our patients frequently ask if fertility treatment poses any risk to their future offspring. In particular, they are concerned about long-term issues that could affect the health of their child. A common question is are children conceived through IVF at risk for developmental delays?

A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics reported very reassuring findings. Dr. Edwina Yeung and colleagues followed over 5,800 children through three years of age. More than 1,800 of these children were conceived through fertility treatment. When the authors compared the development of children conceived through fertility treatment to those who were conceived naturally, there were no differences in child development through three years of age. This study is unique in that it looked at several different types of fertility treatment (including IVF), but found that NONE of them posed an increased risk of developmental delay up to three years of age. This study is one of the largest studies to date to provide long-term follow-up on children conceived through fertility treatment, and the results are very encouraging!

If you are considering fertility treatment or would like to speak with one of our physicians, please contact us today!