Infantile Prognosis of Neonates Conceived by Assisted Reproductive Technology: A Prospective Study

Background: Neonates of infertile couples are golden babies, and taking care of them is of paramount importance. However, it is not yet clear if the prognosis is different between these neonates and those from fertile couples. Objectives: The present study aimed to assess neonates conceived by assisted reproductive technology (ART). Methods: In this cohort study, 165 newborns conceived by ART and 165 naturally conceived newborns were included. The prospective study was conducted from April 2020 to October 2021. A neonatologist examined all newborns after birth, and outcomes were followed up over one year and compared with neonates of fertile couples using appropriate statistical tests. Results: The preterm neonates (60% vs. 38%) were higher in ART cases (P < 0.001) than in the other cases. Also, the mean gravid and parity were lower, but the nulliparity was higher in the ART group (P < 0.001) than in the other cases. Moreover, multiple pregnancies (45% vs. 10%; P < 0. 001) and the C/S rate (91% vs. 67%) were higher in ART cases (P < 0.001) than in the other cases. Similarly, the preeclampsia rate (16 % vs. 6%; P = 0.004) and the number of females were higher in the ART group (P = 0.035) than in the other groups. However, birth weight (P = 0.002) and the Apgar were significantly lower (P = 0.002; P = 0.012) in the ART group than in the other groups. IUGR was significantly higher (17% vs. 7%) (P = 0.006), while NEC and RDS were more common in the ART group (P < 0.001) than in the other groups. In addition, more extended hospital stay (P < 0.001) and more common re-admission and weight < the 5th percentile after one year were observed in the ART group (P = 0.021) than in the other groups. Conclusions: According to the findings, pregnancy after ART has more side effects before and after birth and in infancy, not only because of multistation but also due to manipulations in ART.