Is there an increased risk of birth defects and chromosome abnormalities in babies born after in vitro fertilization and ICSI?
As a result of strict regulatory bodies, all babies born after in vitro fertilization and ICSI are closely monitored. So far, the worldwide results are very reassuring – although it is appreciated that this is a young science. There do not appear to be any increased risk of birth defects or genetic abnormalities in babies born after standard in vitro fertilization. The process of ICSI is a micromanipulation technique whereby a single sperm is injected into an egg. Because this overrides nature, there is a chance that genetic material from a man who would otherwise be incapable of impregnating a woman may be transferred to the offspring. It should be remembered that in all naturally conceived children there is an approximately 4-6% of some form of congenital abnormality occurring independent of maternal age. These abnormalities would include things like clubfeet, cleft lip, hernias, extra digits, etc., etc. It is possible that with ICSI there may be a slightly increased risk of congenit
