PREGNANCY AND BIRTH OUTCOMES IN FEMALE WITH AND WITHOUT ASSISTED REPRODUCTIVE TECHNOLOGY IN UKRAINE

Abstract

The aim: To assess and compare the risk of maternal/perinatal complications and adverse outcomes in pregnancy and childbirth conceived by ART with those conceived naturally in Ukraine. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective multicenter cohort study from January 1st, 2019 to December 31st, 2021. This study included pregnant women who delivered at 14 Women’s Hospitals from 8 regions of Ukraine. Results: A total of 21,162 pregnancies were included. Of these, there were 19,801 natural pregnancies and 1,361 pregnancies after ART. The proportion of ART. pregnancies has increased every year in during study period, peaking in 2021 (6.7%). Data analysis showed that the risks of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, moderate or severe anemia, liver-related diseases, thyroid-related diseases, preterm birth, placenta previa, postpartum hemorrhage, and cesarean section were significantly increased in ART pregnancy. For neonatal outcomes, women conceived by ART were more likely to have twins. The effects of ART on the risk of premature rupture of membrane, cord entanglement, intrapartum fever, and cesarean section were more pronounced in singletons pregnancies. Conclusions: Women conceived by ART were at increased risks of several adverse pregnancy outcomes compared with women conceived naturally. Therefore, prenatal and intrapartum monitoring should be strengthened, and neonatal outcomes should be closely observed for ART pregnancy.