MATERNAL FERTILITY STATUS AND INFANT OUTCOMES: THE EREBOUNI MEDICAL CENTER STUDY OF ASSISTED REPRODUCTIVE TECHNOLOGY

Background: In the realm of in vitro fertilization (IVF), the preferred childbirth method remains a topic of interest. Vaginal delivery is often favored due to potential advantages in reducing complications for both mother and newborn. However, specific cases still require cesarean sections. Objective: This study, involving 346 IVF-conceived women, explores childbirth outcomes and associated risks based on delivery method.

Methods: A study at one center examined 346 women aged 16 to 51, all becoming pregnant through IVF, encompassing both single and multiple pregnancies. These participants were categorized by maternal age and number of fetuses. A control group with a 1:2 ratio, matched for maternal age and parity, was formed. A thorough comparison of demographic data, medical history, pregnancy-related traits, and outcomes for both mothers and newborns was performed between the study and control groups.

Results: Between 2018 and 2020, a group of 346 women aged 16–51 who conceived via IVF was identified. This group was compared to a control cohort of 120 women matched for age and parity. Maternal characteristics and pregnancy-related issues were similar between the groups. During this time, Erebouni Medical Center saw 19,281 pregnancies, resulting in 14,372 births (74.5%), including 1,713 preterm births (8.9%). Among these, 1.8% were IVF-conceived. Of all pregnant women at Erebouni MC, 12.4% were 36 or older, 31.3% were 30-35, and 56.3% were under 30. IVF-conceived pregnancies followed a similar distribution: 18% were 36 or older, 32% were 30-35, and 50% were under 30. Certain issues like pre-eclampsia and complex medical histories were more common in IVF pregnancies of women aged 36 or older. Using Robson`s classification, most IVF-related pregnancies fell into groups 2b, 10, and 8, with cesarean delivery being prominent. Vaginal delivery was more frequent in IVF pregnancies in groups 3, 4a, and 1, particularly among women under 30.

Conclusion: The assumption that cesarean section is the exclusive mode of delivery for IVF-conceived pregnancies warrants careful consideration, given the varied outcomes observed across different maternal age groups and Robson classifications. Further discussion and individualized assessment are necessary to determine the most suitable approach for each case.