(NaturalHealth365)  Assisted reproductive technology (ART) is a source of hope for many couples and individuals.  It can pave the way to building a family for people dealing with infertility.

Unfortunately, just like any medical procedure, ART doesn’t come without risks.  Now, a recent study suggests that ART could raise the risk of serious cardiovascular complications around the time of delivery.

New study links assisted reproductive technology to cardiovascular complications

ART is defined as any fertility treatment procedure that involves handling eggs or embryos.  For example, medically removing eggs from a woman’s ovaries is ART.  Many women have their eggs retrieved, fertilized in a lab, and transferred back to the uterus, where the embryo can implant.

ART may also involve egg or embryo donation.  Such fertility treatments are well-known to carry several risks, including preterm birth, low baby birth weight, and the birth of multiples.

A new study published in 2022 in The American Journal of Cardiology sought to establish whether women who undergo ART also have an increased risk of developing cardiovascular complications.

A price too high to pay?  ART procedures raise risk of MULTIPLE severe complications

The study looked at over 45,000,000 delivery cases between 2008-2019.  From this sample, the researchers evaluated the number of cardiovascular complications in women who had undergone ART procedures.

Researchers discovered that women who got pregnant through ART experienced a greater prevalence of cardiovascular complications surrounding their delivery window.  These complications included pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, heart failure, and heart arrhythmias.  The women were also at a higher risk of developing an acute kidney injury, stroke, venous blood clots, and pulmonary edema than those who experienced natural conception.

Fortunately, ART did not appear to raise the risk of acute coronary syndromes (where blood flow to the heart is reduced, such as with a heart attack) or cardiomyopathy.  However, the increased risk of other cardiovascular complications is concerning.

Reduce cardiovascular complications during pregnancy and delivery

Despite the risks of conceiving with an ART procedure, ART is often the only way for people to become parents.  Many may feel it’s well worth the risk.  Every pregnancy and delivery is different, and it’s hard to know whether there will be complications.  However, you may increase your chances of a healthy delivery by eating a healthy diet rich in whole plant-based foods, staying hydrated, and exercising regularly.

It’s also helpful to stay hydrated and avoid processed junk foods.  Getting plenty of rest and reducing stress are essential during pregnancy.  Furthermore, exposure to many common industrial chemicals and toxins could promote infertility.  There are some key ways to minimize your chemical exposure if you’re trying to start or grow your family.

It’s a good idea to choose organic, whole foods and avoid processed ones.  Also, go for all-natural cosmetics and cleaning products and minimize plastic use.  You may not be able to completely eliminate toxic chemicals, but all of these things may help you stay healthy during pregnancy and beyond.

Sources for this article include:

NIH.gov
CDC.gov
Americanpregnancy.org