Wondering whether IVF babies are as healthy as babies born naturally?
It has been more than 42 years since the day the first IVF baby was born. In all these years, more than eight million children have been born through various Assisted Reproductive Techniques including IVF as well as several other advanced techniques have evolved since then. So, what does this indicate?
This indicates yes, IVF babies are as healthy as babies born naturally.
Although, the chances of any baby to have a health risk or any other problem, are almost comparable to what a baby born through natural conception could have.
Let us compare the process of IVF and natural conception to help you reach a conclusion.
IVF vs Natural Conception
One thing which is common is that both processes involve the fertilization of eggs by sperm. In IVF, what we do is collect eggs from the female partner. We collect sperm from the male partner. Finally, the eggs are placed in a culture dish packed with nutrients and mixed with sperm to fertilize the eggs. The petri dish with eggs and sperm is moved to an incubator at 37 degrees for 24 hours and monitored. After that, the embryos are left to grow for three days to five days. The embryos are, then, transferred inside the mother’s uterus.
This is the basic process of making a baby through IVF. The egg and the sperm meet on their own and form embryos. We do not force them in any way. In natural conception, this process of sperm entering inside an egg takes place in the fallopian tubes. IVF comes into the picture when this is not happening naturally after trying for a long time.
Conclusively, after the embryo(s) are implanted in the uterus the phases that follow are the same as in natural conception. Hence, logically thinking, you will easily understand that the health of a test tube baby is not at stake at all. They can be as healthy both physically and mentally and ailment free as a baby born through a natural pregnancy.
The pregnancy outcomes are also similar. Mothers can deliver the baby using a normal delivery and if required, a c-section in both IVF and normal conception.
You can never tell the difference between both the babies. They have normal physical appearances and are equally adorable when you look at them.
Considering all the facts, IVF is a boon to those who are unable to expect a baby via a natural process. The majority of the babies born through this process are healthy both physically and mentally. This, itself, assures the success of the process. Following some precautions, you can definitely gift yourself the happiness you always deserved. If you are still in doubt, then book an appointment with us today to get answers to all your queries!
Dr. Gouri Sultane, Director of DZIRE IVF, is one of the most renowned and respected doctors in Mumbai. Hundreds of couples have benefitted from her insightful counsel and sterling skills. Under her leadership, DZIRE IVF has grown to be acknowledged as one of the best IVF clinics in Mumbai for all sorts of infertility treatments.