(1) Surrogacy and Pregnancy
Abstract
Importance: Surrogacy allows for parenthood when it is otherwise impossible or exceedingly difficult; however, the risks of surrogate pregnancy for the gestational surrogate and the fetus are not well defined.
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Objective
The aim of this study was to review the literature to examine the prevalence and requirements of surrogate pregnancy and maternal and perinatal outcomes.
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Evidence acquisition
A CINAHL and 2 PubMed searches were undertaken using the terms “surrogate mothers” OR “(surrogate or surrogacy)” AND “(mothers OR pregnancy OR pregnant).” The second search used these terms and pregnancy outcomes. The search was limited to the English language, but the years searched were unlimited.
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Results
The search identified 153 articles, 36 of which are the basis for this review. The number of surrogate pregnancies is increasing in the United States. Fetal risks associated with surrogacy include low birth weight, increased risk of multiple gestation, and preterm birth. Maternal complications associated with surrogate pregnancy include hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, postpartum hemorrhage, and gestational diabetes.
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Conclusions and relevance
Surrogacy is a route to parenting that is not without risk to the surrogate or the fetus, and surrogate pregnancy is increasing in frequency in the United States.
Phillips AM, Magann EF, Whittington JR, Whitcombe DD, Sandlin AT. Surrogacy and Pregnancy. Obstet Gynecol Surv. 2019 Sep;74(9):539-545.
(2) Children Conceived by Assisted Reproductive Technology Prone to Low Birth Weight, Preterm Birth, and Birth Defects: A Cohort Review of More Than 50,000 Live Births During 2011–2017 in Taiwan
Abstract
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Objectives
The use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) has increased rapidly in Taiwan. The purpose of this study is to discuss the risks of low birth weight, preterm birth, and birth defect for children conceived by assisted reproductive technology in Taiwan.
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Methods
Both National ART report database and National birth reports were obtained from the Health Promotion Administration in the Ministry of Health and Welfare in Taiwan. The cohort included live births (n = 1,405,625) and children conceived by ART (n = 50,988/172,818 cycles) from 2011 to 2017. The prevalence of low birth weight, preterm birth, and birth defect were compared between the ART and natural pregnancy groups.
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Results
Children conceived by ART displayed a higher rate of low birth weight as compared to those in the natural pregnancy group (p < 0.001), even when analyses were restricted to singleton births (p < 0.001). A higher rate of preterm birth (p < 0.001) was also observed in children conceived by ART even when analyses were restricted to singleton births (p < 0.05). A significant increased rate of birth defects was noted from children conceived by ART (p < 0.05).
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Conclusions
With the increasing need for and use of ART-conceptions, the likelihood of risks induced or related to Assistant Reproductive Technology (ART) has drawn considerable attention in recent years. Taiwan, as one of the leading countries with outstanding ART performances and modern medical care, the result of the current study suggests that further consideration and tighter regulations and policy are needed with regard to the use of ART.
Chang H-Y, Hwu W-L, Chen C-H, Hou C-Y and Cheng W (2020) Children Conceived by Assisted Reproductive Technology Prone to Low Birth Weight, Preterm Birth, and Birth Defects: A Cohort Review of More Than 50,000 Live Births During 2011–2017 in Taiwan. Front. Pediatr. 8:87.