A new study has shown that women who conceive naturally after having a baby via IVF treatment is more common than scientists had anticipated
The study was carried out by University College London’s EGA Institute for Women’s Health and found that one in five women fell pregnant after having a baby with the support of assisted reproductive technology.
UCL scientists said they wanted women to be aware that it was not as unusual as thought to have a child conceived naturally.
The study of more than 5,000 women showed that 20 per cent of those women went on to have a natural conception within three years of the previous IVF child.
Dr Annette Thaites said: “Our findings suggest that natural pregnancy after having a by via IVF is far from rare.
“This is in contrast with widely held views – by women and health professionals – and those commonly expressed in the media, that it is a highly unlikely event.”
The research was published in June 2023 in Human Reproduction and included interviews with 22 women in the UK who experienced natural pregnancy after IVF conception.
The researchers said the majority of women within the study had subfertility, so there was an expectation that conception would take longer to achieve. They also said that it meant that the women undergoing fertility treatment were absolutely or permanently infertile.
Dr Thwaites said: “Knowing what is possible would empower women to plan their families and make informed choices regarding further fertility treatment and/or conception.”
Did you conceive naturally after having a baby via IVF? We would love to hear your story; email mystory@ivfbabble.com.
