Assisted reproductive therapies and antenatal care

Abstract

Assisted reproductive therapy (ART) is not currently included in UK national guidelines as an indication for specific antenatal, intrapartum or postpartum care even though ART pregnancies have a higher risk of complications compared to spontaneous conception singleton pregnancies. Risks include venous thromboembolism, hypertensive disorders, psychological sequelae and preterm birth. ART alone is not an indication for early induction of labour or continuous electronic fetal monitoring in labour or closer postpartum surveillance. Albeit ART pregnancies may have pregnancy complications that require obstetric-led care. Holistic and personalised care is a priority for all pregnancies and this should include pregnancies after ART with their increased risks related to the therapy itself and/or the underlying cause of infertility. This article outlines the considerations clinicians caring for a pregnancy following ART may need to contemplate.