The relationship between socioeconomic status and perinatal outcomes in in vitro fertilization conceptions

In vitro fertilization is the most used assisted reproductive technology in the United States that is increasing in efficiency and in demand. Certain states have mandated coverage that enable individuals with low income to undergo in vitro fertilization treatment. This study aimed to evaluate if socioeconomic status has an impact on the perinatal outcomes in in vitro fertilization pregnancies. We hypothesized that with greater coverage there may be an alleviation of the financial burden of in vitro fertilization that can facilitate the application of evidence-based practices. This was a retrospective, population-based, observational study that was conducted in accordance with the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project–Nationwide Inpatient Sample database over the 6-year period from 2008 to 2014 during which period 10,000 in vitro fertilization deliveries were examined. Maternal outcomes of interest included preterm prelabor rupture of membranes, preterm birth (ie, before 37 weeks of gestation), placental abruption, cesarean delivery, operative vaginal delivery, spontaneous vaginal delivery, maternal infection, chorioamnionitis, hysterectomy, and postpartum hemorrhage. Neonatal outcomes included small for gestational age neonates, defined as birthweight