Evidence-Based Pre-Pregnancy Counseling for Oocyte Donation Pregnancies: a Systematic Review and Guide for Physicians

Abstract

It is well known that oocyte donation (OD) pregnancies are associated with higher complication rates compared to autologous pregnancies. However, evidence-based information for pre-pregnancy counseling designed for health care workers is scarce. Therefore, a systematic literature search was performed to find articles that address pre-pregnancy counseling before OD. A systematic search was conducted in September 2020 in various databases, including PubMed and Embase. Nine (systematic) reviews and meta-analyses were included that reported on pre-pregnancy advice in OD pregnancies. Studies are consistent in documenting a higher risk for hypertensive disorders, cesarean section, preterm birth, postpartum hemorrhage, and low birth weight. Based on these complications, pre-pregnancy advice is mentioned in all included systematic reviews to prevent complications in the next pregnancy. All studies recommend counseling women on the increased risk of complications during OD pregnancy. Other recommendations include the prophylactic use of aspirin in pregnancy and restriction to single embryo transfer. Individualized appropriate surveillance and management strategies should be considered for every patient achieving pregnancy by OD. In conclusion, we provide a summary of the most important outcomes in OD pregnancies, and thereby offer a guide for pre-pregnancy counseling.