Risks of nonchromosomal birth defects, small-for-gestational age birthweight, and prematurity with in vitro fertilization: effect of number of embryos transferred and plurality at conception versus at birth

Purpose Excess embryos transferred (ET) (> plurality at birth) and fetal heartbeats (FHB) at 6 weeks’ gestation are associated with reductions in birthweight and gestation, but prior studies have been limited by small sample sizes and limited IVF data. This analysis evaluated associations between excess ET, excess FHB, and adverse perinatal outcomes, including the risk of nonchromosomal birth defects. Methods Live births conceived via IVF from Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina, and Texas included 138,435 children born 2004–2013 (Texas), 2004–2016 (Massachusetts and North Carolina), and 2004–2017 (New York) were classified by ET and FHB. Major birth defects were reported by statewide registries within the first year of life. Logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% CIs of the risks of a major nonchromosomal birth defect, small-for-gestational age birthweight (SGA), low birthweight (LBW), and preterm birth (≤36 weeks), by excess ET, and excess ET + excess FHB, by plurality at birth (singletons and twins). Results In singletons with [2 ET, FHB =1] and [≥3 ET, FHB=1], risks [AOR (95% CI)] were increased, respectively, for major nonchromosomal birth defects [1.13 (1.00–1.27) and 1.18 (1.00–1.38)], SGA [1.10 (1.03–1.17) and 1.15 (1.05–1.26)], LBW [1.09 (1.02–1.13) and 1.17 (1.07–1.27)], and preterm birth [1.06 (1.00–1.12) and 1.14 (1.06–1.23)]. With excess ET + excess FHB, risks of all adverse outcomes except major nonchromosomal birth defects increased further for both singletons and twins. Conclusion Excess embryos transferred are associated with increased risks for nonchromosomal birth defects, reduced birthweight, and prematurity in IVF-conceived births.