Developmental Outcomes of Children Born After Assisted Reproductive Technologies

Since the birth of Louise Brown in England more than 25 years ago, an estimated 2 million children have been born worldwide through in vitro fertilization and related assisted reproduction technology (ART) procedures. Most children born after ART are healthy and develop without complications. Largely because of multiple births (twins, triplets, etc), however, some ART offspring experience developmental problems. In addition, recent studies suggest increased risk of prematurity and smaller birth weight after ART. Regular periodic screening and careful developmental follow-up of ART offspring are recommended as well as rigorous follow-up studies of children conceived after these procedures.