Dr K K Aggarwal

eMedinewS Editorial

IVF pregnancies are causing rise in maternal mortality rates

Maternal mortality rates are increasing in according to an editorial in the British Medical Journal. The in vitro fertilization–related pregnancies are an additional risk factor for maternal death.

A study conducted in The Netherlands, found there were 42 deaths per 100,000 IVF pregnancies, compared with six deaths seen among 100,000 pregnancies in the general population.

The major causes of maternal death are rare catastrophes, such as hemorrhage and blood clots but the incidence of these problems is increasing, possibly because more pregnant women today have health problems, such as diabetes, obesity or some other chronic condition or also generally older.

One should track IVF–associated risks including ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome to better understand risks associated with IVF.
Dr KK Aggarwal
Editor in Chief