Are children born through IVF different?
Many couples worry whether babies conceived through IVF differ from other babies, or whether they are more likely to have genetic abnormalities or health problems.
It is true that IVF babies are different, and what makes them stand out is that their parents devote a great deal of time and energy to raising them, because they love them so deeply.
From a biological point of view, an IVF baby is exactly the same as a naturally conceived baby, and this is no surprise, because with IVF we imitate nature itself. Put simply, with IVF we carry out in the laboratory exactly the same process that happens when a couple has intercourse.
Instead of sperm fertilizing the eggs inside the body (as happens with fertile couples), the equivalent process takes place in the embryology laboratory, and the embryo is then transferred to the uterus.
That is why there is no reason to worry about genetic abnormalities, something that should be clear to couples who want to become parents.
So it is time to finally put to rest the myths surrounding IVF, which create needless fears and doubts.
What studies show about the children’s health
Since 1978, more than ten million children worldwide have been born through IVF, and many of them have been followed into adulthood. Their physical growth, school performance and psychosocial development do not differ from those of their peers.
For accuracy: large studies record a small increase in the risk of preterm birth, low birth weight and congenital anomalies compared with natural conception. The absolute risk remains low, and much of the difference is attributed to the underlying infertility, the parents’ age and multiple pregnancies, not to the method.
How the risks are reduced
- Single embryo transfer, to avoid a twin pregnancy, which is the main factor behind preterm birth.
- Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) when there is a known hereditary condition or a specific indication.
- Full prenatal screening during pregnancy, as in any pregnancy.
- Good control of the mother’s health before treatment: weight, thyroid, blood sugar, blood pressure.
If you want to see how the procedure works step by step, read our page on in vitro fertilization.
Conventional IVF or ICSI: does it make a difference for the child?
ICSI means that the embryologist injects a single sperm into the egg, instead of letting fertilization happen spontaneously in the dish. It is used mainly when the sperm has low concentration or motility, when fertilization has failed before, or when the eggs have been frozen.
Most data show that children born through ICSI develop normally. There are, however, two points every couple should know:
- Genetic causes of male infertility. When the father has very severe oligospermia or azoospermia, there may be an underlying genetic cause, such as Y chromosome microdeletions or a chromosomal abnormality. That is why a karyotype and, where needed, specific genetic testing are recommended before treatment. You can find more on our page about male infertility.
- Imprinting disorders. Rare syndromes, such as Beckwith-Wiedemann, have been recorded slightly more often after assisted reproduction. The absolute risk remains very small, and it is not clear whether it is due to the techniques or to the infertility itself.
ICSI is not a “better” IVF for everyone. When the sperm is normal, conventional fertilization gives similar results, and the choice is based on the indication, not on habit.
Fresh or frozen embryos: what it means for the newborn
Today, many embryo transfers use embryos that have been frozen by vitrification. Large observational studies show some differences between the two approaches, with no “winner” on every point.
- Fresh embryo transfer: slightly more frequent low birth weight and babies small for gestational age, probably because of the high hormone levels after stimulation.
- Frozen embryo transfer: low birth weight is less common, but large babies and preeclampsia are somewhat more frequent, mainly when the uterus is prepared with hormones without ovulation.
For this reason, when a woman has regular cycles, transfer in a natural or mildly modified cycle is often preferred. The decision is individualized and discussed with the treating doctor before the embryo transfer.
Pregnancy after IVF: what we monitor more closely
An IVF pregnancy is otherwise a normal pregnancy. Some complications, however, occur somewhat more often, mainly because of the mother’s age and the underlying conditions that led to treatment.
First trimester
- Ultrasound confirmation that the pregnancy is inside the uterus, and a count of the gestational sacs.
- Screening for chromosomal abnormalities with combined screening or with cell-free DNA from the mother’s blood. In pregnancies from egg donation, the risk calculation is based on the donor’s age.
Second and third trimester
- Blood pressure measurement at every visit, because preeclampsia is more common. Selected women are given low-dose aspirin from early on.
- A glucose tolerance test, as in any pregnancy, with particular care when there are also polycystic ovaries or excess weight.
- Checking the position of the placenta, because placenta previa is recorded slightly more often.
- Growth scans when indicated.
IVF on its own is not a reason for a cesarean section. The mode of delivery is decided using the same criteria as for any other pregnant woman.
Development in childhood and adolescence
The first children born through IVF are now adults, many with children of their own. So there are now data spanning several decades, not only about birth but about the course of life.
- Cognitive and psychomotor development: studies show no meaningful difference from naturally conceived children when children born at the same gestational age are compared.
- School performance: results are similar, and in some studies slightly better, probably because of the parents’ education level and involvement.
- Cardiometabolic health: some studies have recorded small differences in blood pressure or metabolic profile. These differences are small, their clinical significance remains uncertain and research is ongoing.
- Childhood cancer: large population studies show no significant overall increase in risk.
The child does not need a “special” pediatrician or extra tests. They follow the same checkup and vaccination schedule as any other child.
The parent-child bond after a long wait
Many couples come to IVF after years of trying. The joy is great, but it often comes with anxiety. That is normal.
Psychological studies show that these families generally have a very good parent-child relationship. The risk lies elsewhere: in overprotection. The child “we waited so long for” needs, like all children, room to try, to fall and to get back up.
- Talk openly with each other about the fears you carry from treatment.
- If persistent sadness, insomnia or intense anxiety appear after delivery, ask for help early. Postpartum depression can occur even after a long-awaited pregnancy.
- Breastfeeding is just as achievable and beneficial after IVF.
Egg or sperm donation: how to talk to your child
When the child was born with the help of a donor, the question of disclosure becomes more complex. International experience shows that children who learn their story from an early age, gradually and in simple words, accept it more easily than those who find out by chance in adolescence or adulthood.
- Start with simple stories about how “we needed help for you to arrive.”
- Adapt the information to your child’s age and questions.
- Consult a psychologist with experience in assisted reproduction if you do not know where to start.
In Greece, gamete donation is generally anonymous, but the donor’s medical information is kept by the unit and can be used when there is a health reason.
Myths and facts about children born through IVF
- “IVF children get sick more often.” No. When they are born at full term, their health is similar to that of their peers.
- “Freezing harms the embryo.” Vitrification has a very high embryo survival rate, and children from frozen embryos develop normally.
- “They are all born by cesarean section.” IVF on its own is not a reason for a cesarean section.
- “They will not be able to have children.” Most adults born through IVF have children naturally.
What you can do before starting treatment
A child’s health starts to be built before conception. Some steps are simple and bring real benefit:
- Folic acid at least one month before embryo transfer, at the dose your doctor recommends.
- Both partners quitting smoking. Smoking affects the quality of eggs and sperm.
- Immunity testing for rubella and chickenpox, and vaccination before pregnancy if needed.
- Control of thyroid function, blood sugar and blood pressure.
- Getting closer to a normal weight, as obesity increases pregnancy complications.
If you have questions about your own case, contact your gynecologist before ovarian stimulation starts, so that testing is done in the right order and without delays.
Parental age and the child’s health
Part of the differences attributed to IVF are actually due to age. Couples who undergo treatment are, on average, older than those who conceive naturally, and age affects pregnancy regardless of the method.
- Maternal age: over the years, the chance of chromosomal abnormalities in the eggs, such as trisomy 21, increases, as does the risk of high blood pressure and diabetes in pregnancy.
- Paternal age: advanced paternal age is linked to a small increase in new genetic mutations in sperm. The absolute risk to the child remains low.
- Underlying conditions: endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, thyroid disorders and obesity affect pregnancy, whether conception happens naturally or in the laboratory.
That is why rigorous studies compare IVF children with their siblings who were conceived naturally by the same mother. In these comparisons the differences shrink noticeably, which shows that infertility, not the technique, carries most of the weight.
Signs in pregnancy that need immediate contact
Pregnancy after IVF usually goes smoothly. There are, however, symptoms that should not wait for your next scheduled appointment:
- Vaginal bleeding, especially if it comes with pain or cramps.
- Severe, persistent pain in the abdomen or shoulder in the first weeks.
- Rapid swelling of the abdomen, shortness of breath or reduced urine in the first days after the transfer, which may point to ovarian hyperstimulation.
- Severe headache, blurred vision or sudden swelling of the face and hands in the second half of pregnancy.
- A noticeable decrease in the baby’s movements in the third trimester.
In any such case, prompt assessment makes a difference for both mother and baby. Keep your doctor’s phone number handy and do not hesitate to call, even if the symptom seems minor to you. A short exam or an ultrasound is usually enough to reassure you or to start the right treatment in time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my child have fertility problems?
Most children born through IVF have normal fertility. If the cause of the father’s infertility is genetic, such as certain Y chromosome microdeletions, it can be passed on to sons.
Are twins more common with IVF?
They used to be, when several embryos were transferred. Today, with single embryo transfer, the rate has fallen considerably.
Does a pregnancy after IVF need special monitoring?
It is monitored like any pregnancy, with slightly closer checks of blood pressure and fetal growth.
Should I tell my child that they were born through IVF?
It is a personal decision. Mental health professionals generally recommend honesty, in words suited to the child’s age.
Does the child need special tests after birth?
No. A newborn conceived through IVF has the same routine tests as any other newborn and follows the usual schedule of pediatric checkups and vaccinations. Additional testing is done only if there is a specific indication, such as prematurity or a known hereditary condition in the family.
Is IVF linked to autism or ADHD?
Large population studies do not show that IVF itself causes autism or ADHD. The small associations that have been described are largely explained by prematurity, twin pregnancies and parental age. Single embryo transfer reduces these factors.
Can I have a vaginal birth after IVF?
Yes. IVF on its own is not a reason for a cesarean section. The mode of delivery is decided using the same obstetric criteria as for any pregnant woman, such as the baby’s position, the position of the placenta and any previous uterine surgery.
Are children from frozen embryos safe?
Yes. Vitrification has been used for many years, and children from frozen embryos develop normally. The differences that have been recorded, such as slightly higher birth weight, relate mainly to how the uterus is prepared, not to the freezing itself.
