<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Pregnancies conceived through assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs) are on the rise worldwide and have been associated with a higher risk of placental-related disease in the third trimester. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A cohort was created of singleton pregnancies after assisted reproduction, admitted at our institution for delivery, between January 2020 and August 2022. Fetal growth velocity from the second trimester to delivery was compared against a gestational-age-matched group of pregnancies spontaneously conceived according to the origin of the selected oocyte (i.e., autologous vs. donated). <b><i>Results:</i></b> 125 singleton pregnancies conceived through ART were compared to 315 singleton spontaneous conceptions. Overall, after adjusting for possible confounders, multivariate analysis demonstrated that ART pregnancies had a significantly lower estimated fetal weight (EFW) z-velocity from the second trimester to delivery (adjusted mean difference = −0.002; <i>p</i> = 0.035) and a higher frequency of EFW z-velocity in the lowest decile (adjusted OR = 2.32 [95% CI, 1.15–4.68]). Also, when ART pregnancies were compared according to the type of oocyte, those conceived with donated oocytes showed a significantly lower EFW z-velocity from the second trimester to delivery (adjusted mean difference = −0.008; <i>p</i> = 0.001) and a higher frequency of EFW z-velocity in the lowest decile (adjusted OR = 5.33 [95% CI, 1.34–21.5]). <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Pregnancies achieved through ART exhibit a pattern of lower growth velocity across the third trimester, especially those conceived with donated oocytes. The former represents a sub-group at the highest risk of placental dysfunction that may warrant closer follow-up.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.