Blooming flower emerging from a test tube, symbolizing natural conception after IVF.

IVF Aftermath: Can You Conceive Naturally?

Theo Raines in Health & Wellness November 2025 • 4 min read.

"New Research Debunks the Myth of Increased Obstetric Risks After Assisted Reproduction"

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), particularly IVF, has become a widespread solution for individuals and couples facing fertility challenges. Globally, hundreds of thousands of babies are born each year thanks to ART, representing a significant portion of births in many developed nations. While ART offers hope, pregnancies achieved through these methods have traditionally been labeled as high-risk, prompting increased medical vigilance.

This label stems from the characteristics often associated with ART users, such as advanced maternal age, underlying infertility issues, and related health conditions. These factors can indeed contribute to poorer birth outcomes. However, a critical question remains: Does ART treatment itself independently elevate obstetric risks, or are these risks primarily linked to the pre-existing conditions of those seeking ART?

Recent research is shedding light on this complex issue, challenging the assumption that ART automatically leads to higher risks. A new study delves into the impact of ART on obstetric interventions and child health at birth, providing insights that could reshape our understanding of post-IVF pregnancies.

Unpacking the Study: Natural Conception After IVF

Blooming flower emerging from a test tube, symbolizing natural conception after IVF.

Researchers Fabio I. Martinenghi, Xian Zhang, Luk Rombauts, and Georgina M. Chambers conducted a study titled "Conceiving Naturally After IVF: The Effect of Assisted Reproduction on Obstetric Interventions and Child Health at Birth."

The study's design is crucial to understanding its findings. The researchers focused on women who had undergone ART treatment in Australia. They divided the participants into two groups:

Treatment Group: Women who conceived through ART.
Control Group: Women who had an unsuccessful ART cycle and subsequently conceived naturally within 3 to 12 months.

This approach is key because it compares women with a history of ART, eliminating the selection bias that arises when comparing ART pregnancies to those of naturally fertile women. By focusing on women who have all experienced ART, the study isolates the effect of the treatment itself, rather than the pre-existing conditions that often accompany infertility.

Reassessing the Narrative: A Path Forward

This study offers a valuable perspective for individuals considering or undergoing IVF. It suggests that the mode of conception – whether through ART or naturally after ART – may not be as significant a risk factor as previously believed. These findings can empower women and their healthcare providers to make informed decisions about pregnancy management and care, potentially reducing unnecessary interventions and anxiety. As research continues, the narrative surrounding ART pregnancies is evolving, emphasizing the importance of individualized care and a nuanced understanding of the factors that contribute to healthy outcomes.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2405.00234,

Title: Conceiving Naturally After Ivf: The Effect Of Assisted Reproduction On Obstetric Interventions And Child Health At Birth

Subject: econ.gn q-fin.ec

Authors: Fabio I. Martinenghi, Xian Zhang, Luk Rombauts, Georgina M. Chambers

Published: 30-04-2024

Everything You Need To Know

What is the main question the "Conceiving Naturally After IVF" study aimed to answer?

The primary question the study, "Conceiving Naturally After IVF: The Effect of Assisted Reproduction on Obstetric Interventions and Child Health at Birth", by Fabio I. Martinenghi, Xian Zhang, Luk Rombauts, and Georgina M. Chambers sought to address was whether Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) treatment itself independently elevates obstetric risks, or if these risks are primarily linked to the pre-existing conditions of those seeking ART. The study aimed to isolate the effect of the treatment rather than the factors often accompanying infertility.

How did the "Conceiving Naturally After IVF" study design eliminate selection bias when comparing pregnancies?

The study, "Conceiving Naturally After IVF", design was crucial in eliminating selection bias. The researchers focused on women who had undergone Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) treatment in Australia. They divided the participants into two groups: the Treatment Group, women who conceived through ART, and the Control Group, women who had an unsuccessful ART cycle and subsequently conceived naturally within 3 to 12 months. This approach compared women with a history of ART, isolating the effect of the treatment itself, rather than the pre-existing conditions that often accompany infertility.

What are the key findings of the "Conceiving Naturally After IVF" study regarding pregnancy risks after Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)?

The study suggests that the mode of conception – whether through Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) or naturally after ART – may not be as significant a risk factor as previously believed. The research indicates that the narrative surrounding ART pregnancies is evolving, emphasizing the importance of individualized care and a nuanced understanding of the factors that contribute to healthy outcomes.

What factors have traditionally led to the labeling of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) pregnancies as high-risk?

Pregnancies achieved through Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) have traditionally been labeled as high-risk due to factors often associated with ART users. These include advanced maternal age, underlying infertility issues, and related health conditions. These pre-existing conditions can contribute to poorer birth outcomes, leading to increased medical vigilance during pregnancies resulting from ART.

How can the findings of the "Conceiving Naturally After IVF" study impact women and healthcare providers?

The findings of the study can empower women and their healthcare providers to make informed decisions about pregnancy management and care. The insights from the study, suggesting that the mode of conception may not be as significant a risk factor as previously believed, can potentially reduce unnecessary interventions and anxiety. This study offers a valuable perspective for individuals considering or undergoing In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF), promoting a more nuanced understanding of factors contributing to healthy outcomes and individualized care.