In vitro culture of human embryos : effects on fetal development and the role of the placenta

IVF children are at a slight developmental disadvantage compared to children who were conceived naturally. The cause of low birth weight and premature birth remains unknown. The effects in human babies are less pronounced than in animals and, while IVF newborns may appear perfectly normal at birth, they could go on to develop problems later in life. This study shows that culturing human embryos for two to three days in two different culture mediums results in a significant difference in birth weight after nine months. A difference in fetal development was also noted. Changes were found in the placentas of women who had undergone IVF treatment that were not found in women who had conceived naturally. It is therefore important that manufacturers of IVF cultures publish the exact composition of their mediums. Additionally, the safety of IVF warrants further research.