The Rising Trend of Assisted Reproductive Techniques in Sri Lanka

Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) are reshaping family planning in developing nations like Sri Lanka, where fertility options have historically been limited. Despite this surge, detailed data on the outcomes of these assisted pregnancies is alarmingly scant!

Key Objectives of the Study

A groundbreaking study aimed to uncover the pregnancy, delivery, and neonatal outcomes linked to assisted pregnancies specifically in Sri Lanka, a nation classified as low-middle-income. This research scrutinizes the complications faced by mothers utilizing ART between August and September 2023, drawing on comprehensive data from 13 hospitals.

Shocking Statistics: Spontaneous vs. Assisted Pregnancies

Out of 8,992 pregnancies examined, a staggering 99% were spontaneous conceptions! Only 92 pregnancies (1%) were assisted—52 via intra-uterine insemination (IUI) and 40 through in-vitro fertilization (IVF). It’s noteworthy that mothers using ART were significantly older, with average ages of 31.2 and 38.7 for IUI and IVF births, respectively, compared to just 28.6 for spontaneous conceptions.

Higher Risk Factors and Complications for Assisted Pregnancies

The grim reality is that assisted pregnancies were more prevalent among women with pre-existing conditions like diabetes and hypothyroidism. Pregnancy complications notably included increased rates of gestational diabetes and urinary tract infections, raising serious questions about the overall health risks of clarified assisted conception.

The Delivery Dilemma: C-Sections on the Rise!

Emerging from the study was another critical finding: the rate of cesarean sections soared to a staggering 77.2% for assisted pregnancies compared to just 41.8% for spontaneous ones! This prompts alarming concerns about the delivery methods being employed.

Neonatal Outcomes: A Disturbing Trend

Unfortunately, the data revealed that neonates born via assisted pregnancies displayed significantly worse outcomes—higher rates of prematurity, low birth weight, and greater likelihood of needing neonatal intensive care. Shockingly, they were even more susceptible to dying within their first day of life.

Closing Thoughts: A Call for Intensive Care!

While assisted reproductive technologies are gaining traction, this study's findings emphasize the pressing need for robust antenatal care and specialized monitoring for pregnancies achieved through ART in Sri Lanka. The alarming rates of complications demand that we treat assisted pregnancies as high-risk scenarios, ensuring that women receive the necessary medical support every step of the way.

The implications of this study reverberate far beyond Sri Lanka, highlighting a critical need for similar evaluations in other low-income countries to safeguard mothers and their newborns.