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Spontaneous conceptions within two years of having a first infant with assisted conception
Author(s) -
Wynter Karen,
McMahon Catherine,
Hammarberg Karin,
McBain John,
Boivin Jacky,
Gibson Frances,
Fisher Jane
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
australian and new zealand journal of obstetrics and gynaecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.734
H-Index - 65
eISSN - 1479-828X
pISSN - 0004-8666
DOI - 10.1111/ajo.12112
Subject(s) - spontaneous conception , assisted reproductive technology , live birth , medicine , obstetrics , infertility , incidence (geometry) , pregnancy , unexplained infertility , gynecology , pediatrics , biology , genetics , physics , optics
Background Australian data regarding spontaneous conceptions following a live birth conceived by assisted reproductive technologies ( ART ) have not yet been reported. Aims This study aimed to determine the incidence of spontaneous conceptions within 18–24 months after women had a first infant conceived by ART ( ARTC ) or spontaneously conceived ( SC ). Factors associated with spontaneous pregnancies in women with ARTC first infants were investigated. Materials and Methods Nulliparous women were recruited through ART clinics ( n = 297) and maternity hospitals ( n = 295) in M elbourne and S ydney, A ustralia. Participants were interviewed in pregnancy and when their first infants were aged 18–24 months. Information was collected on pregnancies since the first infant's birth. The outcome was any subsequent conception during this period. Results Follow‐up data were available for 198 women with SC first infants and 236 women with ARTC first infants, 94 (40%) of whom had further ART following the first birth. Spontaneous conceptions had occurred in 40% of women with SC first infants and 33% of women with ARTC first infants who had not had subsequent ART . Twenty‐four per cent of pregnancies after the birth of SC first infants were unexpected, compared with 61% of subsequent pregnancies (without further treatment) after the birth of ARTC first infants ( P < 0.001). Subsequent, spontaneous pregnancies in women with ARTC first infants were significantly associated with unexplained infertility and shorter partner relationship duration. Discussion Discussion about contraception is recommended if women with ARTC first infants do not wish to have more children or wish to delay subsequent pregnancies.