J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2026 Dec;39(1):2654342. doi: 10.1080/14767058.2026.2654342. Epub 2026 Apr 12.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: In vitro fertilization (IVF) pregnancies are associated with an increased risk of maternal and perinatal complications. Advanced maternal age and multiple gestations are more common in IVF and may contribute to adverse outcomes. Evaluating the interaction between mode of conception and maternal age may help clarify risk profiles in IVF pregnancies.
METHODS: This single-center, retrospective observational study included nulliparous women who delivered from 26 weeks’ gestation onward. A total of 144 IVF and 106 spontaneously conceived pregnancies were analyzed. IVF pregnancies included cycles with fresh or frozen embryo transfer and homologous or heterologous fertilization. Maternal characteristics, pregnancy complications, fetal and neonatal outcomes were compared between groups.
RESULTS: IVF pregnancies were associated with a significantly higher incidence of hypertensive disorders (17.9% vs 7.3%), and multiple pregnancies (25.9% vs 4.6%). Fetal complications, including fetal growth restriction (20% vs 7.3%), oligohydramnios (10.6% vs 2.8%), polyhydramnios (7.3% vs 0%), preterm premature rupture of membranes (6.4% vs 3%), and non-reassuring fetal heart rate patterns (17.1% vs 8%), were more frequent in IVF pregnancies. IVF pregnancies delivered at a lower gestational age (35.98 vs 37.99 weeks, p < .001), with lower birth weight (2244 vs 3074 g, p < .001), lower Apgar scores at 1 and 5 min, higher cesarean section rate (70.7% vs 52.8%), and higher NICU admission (38.8% vs 5.1%).
CONCLUSION: IVF pregnancies were associated with increased maternal morbidity and adverse fetal and neonatal outcomes compared to spontaneous pregnancies, including hypertensive disorders, fetal growth restriction, preterm birth, cesarean delivery, and NICU admission.
PMID:41968114 | DOI:10.1080/14767058.2026.2654342
