MEDICAL ASPECTS OF SURROGATE MOTHERHOOD

Surrogacy is associated with a wide range of factors that increase maternal and perinatal risks. The use of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer technologies determines the higher frequency of multiple pregnancies that enhances the risk of cesarean section, premature birth, low body weight in newborns, etc. in case of surrogacy. Genetic differences and immunogenetic reactions increase the risk of pre-eclampsia, placental pathology, abortion, intrauterine growth retardation. Hormonal disbalance under the effect of adverse factors during surrogate pregnancy may initiate prenatal reprogramming of morphogenesis through epigenetic mechanisms. This can affect the organogenesis and predispose to susceptibility to various diseases. Psychological factors and emotional link between a surrogate mother and a fetus are associated with increased levels of hormones of stress-releasing systems, which affect the formation of neurohumoral systems of the fetus and can modulate its mental development.

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Comparative analysis of monocyesis and multiple gestation course after in vitro fertilization and embriotransfer

Bukovinian Medical Herald ◽

10.24061/2413-0737.xviii.2.70.2014.79 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 18 (2 (70)) ◽

Author(s):

L. I. Sehedii ◽

О. I. Prokopiv

Keyword(s):

Intrauterine Growth Retardation ◽

Multiple Pregnancy ◽

Perinatal Outcomes ◽

Multiple Gestation ◽

Stimulation Protocol ◽

Vitro Fertilization ◽

Intrauterine Growth ◽

Adverse Perinatal Outcomes ◽

Observation Period

The data of comparative clinical and statistical analysis of gestation process and pregnancy outcome after IVF & ET in the observation period from 2008 through 2012 have been presented. For a set of initial parameters (age structure; cases, duration and infertility factors, the choice of controlled ovarian stimulation protocol) the studied groups did not differ. It has been concluded, that multiple gestation has a aggravating impact on pregnancies achieved in the result of IVF & ET, which was manifested in statistically more frequent, in comparison to monocyesis, cases of late miscarriage threat, intrauterine growth retardation of fetus (fetuses), preterm labour, adverse perinatal outcomes instances, which has been supported by the corresponding findings of the research in both monocyesis and multiple pregnancy groups. A substantial role in aggravating impact on pregnancy also refers to anemia, which statistically more frequently develops in women with a multiple gestation in comparison to those with monocyesis.

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A Baby at All Costs? Exploring the Use and Provision of Unproven Adjuvant Treatments in the Context of IVF

Seminars in Reproductive Medicine ◽

10.1055/s-0041-1731789 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Georgina L. Jones ◽

Victoria Lang ◽

Nicky Hudson

Keyword(s):

Reproductive Technologies ◽

Patient Survey ◽

Fertility Treatment ◽

Vitro Fertilization ◽

The Past ◽

The United Kingdom ◽

Wide Range ◽

National Patient ◽

Psychosocial Perspective

AbstractThe year 2018 marked 40 years since the birth of Louise Brown, the first baby born as a result of pioneering in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. Since then, advances have seen a wide range of reproductive technologies emerge into clinical practice, including adjuvant treatments often referred to as IVF “add-ons.” However, these “optional extras” have faced growing criticism, especially when they have often come at additional financial cost to the patient and have little evidence supporting their efficacy to improve pregnancy or birth rates. Despite this, according to the latest national patient survey by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, three quarters of patients who had fertility treatment in the United Kingdom in the past two years had at least one type of treatment add-on highlighting the growing demand for these interventions. This article uses a psychosocial perspective to consider the motivations behind patient and clinician behavior along with the wider societal and economic factors that may be impacting upon the increase in the use of adjuvant treatments in fertility clinics more widely. It suggests the reasons fertility patients use unproven “optional extras” are complex, with interpersonal, psychological, and social factors intertwining to generate an increase in the use of IVF add-ons.

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