The children of IVF pregnancies: A cohort study

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Abstract
A number of concerns have been publicly expressed concerning children conceived by in vitro fertilization (IVF). For this reason the first 52 infants in the Monash University IVF Programme were seen for pediatric follow-up. Forty-nine children completed the Programme with one child dying at 4 months and one set of twins being withdrawn from the study. Assessment was by general pediatric interview and examination. A sub-group comprising 33 of the children and their parents received psychosocial assessment including developmental assessment. Results revealed no particular areas of concern related to the IVF conception itself. Problems found appeared to be related to the high incidence of preterm delivery (21%), twinning (21%), and Caesarean delivery (37%). The limitations of this preliminary study are noted and a longer term controlled study is planned.