This paper provides an overview of the effects of in vitro fertilization
(IVF) on the children born from it. One of the main problems with IVF to date
remains the high incidence of multiple pregnancies, which carry an inherent
higher risk of preterm delivery and, therefore, of increased morbidity and
mortality in newborns. Further, singleton pregnancies and twin pregnancies
from IVF compared to control singleton or twin pregnancies appear to be at
higher risk of preterm birth and low birth weight. Whether this is an effect
of the procedure per se or is related to maternal factors, or a combination of
both, remains to be studied. The risk of congenital malformations does not,
with the available data, seem to be elevated. As of now, it remains unclear
whether embryo freezing is a safe procedure. Psychomotor development of
children born through IVF does not seem to be disturbed. Until further and
more extensive studies are conducted, it remains unclear whether IVF poses
long-term risks for the children.