How is IVF Pregnancy Different Than Non-IVF Pregnancy?

Nicole Harris
·4 min read

Learn about the risks and complications of undergoing IVF treatment and how this conception method may impact your pregnancy.

Many people struggling with infertility choose in vitro fertilization (IVF) as an assisted conception method. The procedure involves extracting eggs from the ovaries, mixing them with sperm, and inserting them directly into the uterus. Given the unique method of conception, it's natural to wonder how IVF pregnancy differs from a pregnancy that does not use assisted reproductive technology (ART) such as IVF.

As it turns out, the risks and complications are pretty similar. Learn more about how IVF pregnancy differs from non-IVF pregnancy.

Related: What the IVF Process Is Really Like

IVF Pregnancy Health Risks

IVF is a safe, effective, and commonly used treatment for infertility that is often undertaken if someone faces significant challenges to conception, such as ovulation disorders, impaired sperm function, uterine fibroids, or unexplained infertility.

Generally, a pregnancy achieved through IVF is not necessarily considered high risk, according to Connie L. Agnew, MD, an OB-GYN in Los Angeles. “Yet a woman who conceives via this technique may have one or more pre-existing conditions, such as advanced maternal age or a history of miscarriage, that make it appropriate for her to see a perinatologist,” says Dr. Agnew. Other common factors that may cause a pregnancy to be considered high-risk include maternal obesity and having a chronic health condition like diabetes.

A perinatologist is a physician who specializes in the treatment of a pregnant parent and their fetus when either is at risk for complications, says Dr. Agnew. Your personal medical history and any specific issues that present in your pregnancy will determine if this type of medical provider is needed. If not, a traditional OB-GYN can safely monitor your IVF pregnancy.

Related: How to Increase the Likelihood of IVF Success

IVF Pregnancy Has a Higher Risk of Conceiving Multiples

IVF pregnancies are more likely to result in multiples. Carrying twins, triplets, or other multiples is considered higher risk with or without IVF treatment since this type of pregnancy increases the chances of premature labor and low birth weight. Many IVF recipients have more than one embryo implanted to increase the chance of getting pregnant, which makes it more likely that twins will occur.

In fact, according to data collected by the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART), about 6.6% of IVF pregnancies in parents under the age of 35 resulted in live births of twins, and 0.2% resulted in triplets after 42,460 cycles counted.

Related: 5 Signs You Might Be Pregnant With Twins

IVF Pregnancy Slightly Increases Rates of Birth Defects

Babies born through IVF have a slightly higher chance of birth defects (about 1-2%), says Susan Hudson, MD, a reproductive endocrinologist at Texas Fertility Center in New Braunfels. However, explains Dr. Hudson, the elevated incidence of birth defects is probably related to the nature of the parent's infertility rather than IVF treatment.

In fact, a systemic review of medical data found that IVF did not directly cause congenital birth defects or complications. However, the underlying conditions that brought the parents to use IVF, such as advanced maternal age, did slightly increase the incidence of abnormalities. Researchers note in their findings that although IVF is not without risk, any parents who want to use IVF should know that the benefits outweigh the risks.

Related: 9 Birth Defects that Can Occur in Babies

Are IVF Pregnancy Symptoms Different?

In general, the symptoms of IVF pregnancy resemble those of non-IVF pregnancy. But people who had IVF may be more aware of early pregnancy signs since they know they’re carrying a child from the beginning. Those who don't use IVF or assisted conception methods to become pregnant usually aren't aware of their pregnancy for about a month or until they take a pregnancy test.

Fertility medications used to stimulate egg production before the IVF procedure may also have side effects resembling early pregnancy symptoms. These can include the following:

  • Abdominal pain

  • Bloating

  • Headaches

  • Hot flashes

  • Mood Swings

While these symptoms aren't usually concerning, in rare situations they result from ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), which is an uncommon condition that occurs from excess egg production. Visit a doctor if you experience severe weight gain, abdominal pain and swelling, nausea, shortness of breath, dizziness, or any other concerning early pregnancy symptoms to rule out this issue.

Additionally, studies show a slight increase in certain pregnancy complications, such as the baby having a low birth weight, preterm birth, and being small or large for gestational age. Again, some of these issues may be the result of pre-existing medical issues rather than IVF treatment itself. However, regardless of the cause, these issues occur more often with IVF pregnancies.

Related: Your Pregnancy Symptoms Week-by-Week



Key Takeaways

IVF is a safe method for conceiving and IVF and non-IVF pregnancies are very similar. Although IVF does carry some risks, researchers and doctors point out that the benefits of IVF outweigh the risks. If you are considering IVF, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has an IVF Success Estimator tool that can help you see an estimate of your chances for conception. As with any pregnancy—via IVF or not—talk to your doctor about any concerns about the health of your pregnancy.



Related: 25 Tips To Get Pregnant, According to Experts

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