The main difference between IVF and natural pregnancy is how fertilization occurs. In natural conception, sperm fertilizes an egg inside the body, usually in the fallopian tube. In IVF, fertilization happens in a laboratory before an embryo is transferred to the uterus. Both can lead to healthy pregnancies, although monitoring needs and certain risks may differ.
A few days back, two women visited a doctor’s clinic, she looked at the anxious parents sitting before her. While one was pregnant naturally, the other became a mother through IVF after trying for nearly eight years. They both shared the same glint in their eyes. They both held the ultrasound report with shaking hands and asked me the same question. Doctor, will my baby be healthy?
And my response to them was the same. Yes, because once the pregnancy happens, every baby will grow with the same heartbeat, the same fingers and the same dream ready to enter this world. Talking regarding this will help you to get clarity on IVF vs natural pregnancy in the easiest way. At Prime IVF Centre, we have met many parents who ask us such a common question, and the first step to answering them is an essential one.
What Is Natural Conception?
The Doctor picked up a mini model of the female reproductive system gently. “First, we will talk about natural pregnancy.” Natural pregnancy is when the egg of a woman meets the sperm of a man in the fallopian tube. Then it travels to the uterus and implants there to grow. For some parents, this occurs spontaneously. But for others, a little help is required. There can be situations like PCOS, blocked fallopian tube, reduced sperm count, endometriosis, increased age, which can complicate natural pregnancy. In the first case presented by her, she had undergone natural pregnancy. She was anxious and excited and filled with queries as each first-time mom is.
What Is an IVF Pregnancy?
The doctor then smiled and gestured towards the other ultrasound printout. Now let me explain my second case to you. She had dreamed for years of hearing the news, “Congratulations, you are pregnant.” She gave up on herself many times but finally decided to undergo IVF treatment. IVF pregnancy is when the eggs of the female are extracted and fertilized by the sperm in the laboratory, and once an embryo forms, it is put back in the uterus. Many believe that all aspects of the IVF pregnancy are unique. Well, not really. The main difference is how fertilization occurs, although pregnancy monitoring and certain health risks may also differ . As soon as the embryo gets implanted into the uterus, it grows naturally like any other pregnancy. The second mother was looking at her ultrasound crying tears of joy since she waited many years to carry her baby.
IVF vs Natural Conception
The parents seated in front of the doctor asked a question that was posed by every expecting parent. “Doctor, what is the difference between IVF and natural conception?” The doctor answered with a smile on her face. Think about the two seeds. One seed will germinate when it is dropped into the soil naturally. However, the second seed will be nurtured in a nursery before being dropped in the soil. Then, would it be possible to differentiate the trees grown from the two seeds? The parents thoughtfully nodded their heads. Yes, the difference between IVF and natural pregnancy can be known only during fertilization. In the case of natural conception, the fertilization takes place naturally within the body of the woman. In contrast, fertilization in the case of IVF takes place in the lab itself, and then the embryo is transferred to the uterus. After implantation, both the pregnancies grow exactly in the same manner. The fetus in IVF pregnancy develops just like the natural pregnancy. The changes in a female’s body are also the same in both natural and IVF pregnancy.
Which is Better Between Natural Conception and IVF?
Doctor, so which is better between Natural Conception and IVF? The doctor kindly responded, “The better thing would be the one that would make you parents.” Natural conception vs IVF is not a competition. Natural conception is great, if it occurs. IVF is also great, when it makes you a parent after years of trying. Both paths are different in their beginning but same in the end, a baby in your hands.
IVF baby – is it different from a naturally conceived one?
Parents paused for a moment and asked another question. Doctor…is our baby going to be different because of IVF?” The doctor smiled kindly. When my two patients gave birth to their babies, the babies cried simultaneously like all other newly-born. Both had small hands, small feet, pure smiles, and loving parents who would carry them in their arms. The baby born via IVF is no less smart, healthier and capable than a naturally conceived baby. The way of conception cannot determine the fate of the child. It is the love, care, proper nutrition, good education and right environment that will make the life of a child and not the way of fertilization.
Once the pregnancy is established, both the mothers get almost the same kind of care. The mother who conceived naturally goes for routine check-ups during pregnancy. The mother conceived through IVF gets some extra care in the form of medicines and early monitoring as doctors monitor her pregnancy very carefully during the first trimester of pregnancy. Replace with: “After the first trimester, many IVF pregnancies progress normally, although additional monitoring may be recommended. Both the mothers are asked to eat healthy food, exercise as per their medical condition, get proper sleep, and go for routine check-ups.
Under What Circumstances is IVF Advised?
IVF is not necessary for everyone, clarified the doctor. There are various circumstances where doctors may advise IVF specifically when conceiving through natural ways becomes complicated due to blockage in fallopian tubes, low sperm count, low-quality sperm, PCOS impacting ovulation, endometriosis, unexplained infertility, advanced maternal age factor, and failed fertility treatments in the past. The doctors at Prime IVF Centre always try to analyze each individual’s medical situation before advising any suitable treatment plan.
Myths About the IVF Process
Myth: Babies born through the IVF process are always weak and unhealthy.
Fact: This myth is absolutely baseless as the babies who are born through the IVF process grow and develop perfectly normally just like any other baby born through normal pregnancy.
Myth: Multiple births are common in the case of IVF.
Fact: This is totally wrong as the doctors implant 1-2 eggs in the female uterus and thus, multiple births during the IVF process are a matter of chance.
Myth: The pregnancy resulting from the IVF process is totally different from the normal pregnancy.
Fact: The difference between the IVF process and the normal pregnancy lies in the process of fertilization. Thereafter, the growth and development of the baby is the same in both IVF and natural pregnancy.
Myth: The IVF process is suggested to women above 35 or 40 years old.
Fact: There are various reasons why the IVF process is advised besides the age of the woman. It could be advised in cases like PCOS, blocked fallopian tubes, low sperm count, uterus issues and more.
Myth: IVF guarantees pregnancy.
Fact: The IVF process increases the chances of pregnancy but no fertility treatment can guarantee 100% chances of conception.
FAQs
What is the main difference between IVF and natural pregnancy?
The main difference is the fertilization process. In natural pregnancy, fertilization occurs inside the woman’s body, while in IVF, the egg and sperm are combined in a laboratory before an embryo is transferred into the uterus. Both methods can result in healthy babies.
Are IVF babies as healthy as naturally conceived babies?
Yes, most IVF babies are born healthy and develop normally. However, certain pregnancy and birth complications, including premature birth and low birth weight, may occur more frequently in IVF pregnancies. Individual risks depend on several factors.
Can IVF babies be delivered normally?
Yes. A vaginal delivery is possible after IVF. The delivery method depends on the mother’s health, baby’s position, pregnancy complications, and medical recommendations. IVF conception alone does not automatically require a C-section.
Can IVF result in twins or multiple pregnancies?
Yes. IVF can result in twins or multiple pregnancies, especially when more than one embryo is transferred. Transferring a single embryo can significantly reduce this risk, although identical twins remain possible.
