Pregnancy Outcomes after Assisted Reproductive Technology: A Cross-sectional Study

Document Type : Original Research Article

Authors

1 Associate Professor, Child and Mother Care Research Center, Institute of Health Sciences and Technologies, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran

2 Associate Professor, Cancer Research Center, Institute of Cancer, Avicenna Health Research Institute, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran

3 PhD Student of Midwifery, Student Research Committee, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran

10.22038/jmrh.2025.76847.2274

Abstract

Background & aim: In the absence of region-specific data, this study investigated pregnancy and childbirth outcomes associated with assisted reproductive technology (ART) in western Iran.
Methods: This population-based cross-sectional study adhered to STROBE guidelines and included 368 women recruited by convenience sampling between November 2, 2022 and August 29, 2023, in Hamadan, western Iran. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire and checklist evaluated by ten faculty experts from Hamadan University of Medical Sciences. Pregnancy outcomes were summarized using frequencies and percentages. Associations between demographic or midwifery factors and categorical pregnancy outcomes were examined using chi-square tests. Logistic regression assessed the relationship between ART modalities and adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes. Analyses were performed using Stata version 14.
Results: Women who conceived through intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) exhibited significantly higher rates of hypertension, preeclampsia, placental abruption, preterm premature rupture of membranes, oligohydramnios, and emergency cesarean delivery compared with those in the in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intrauterine insemination (IUI) groups (P<0.05). The IVF group demonstrated increased risks of placenta previa, antepartum hemorrhage, polyhydramnios, gestational diabetes, postpartum bleeding, intrauterine growth restriction, cesarean delivery, preterm birth, and infants with low birth weight or low Apgar scores (P<0.05). Rupture of membranes was significantly more common in the IUI group than in the other ART groups (P<0.001).
Conclusion: ART modalities are associated with distinct maternal and neonatal risks. Clear communication of these risks and implementation of tailored risk-reduction strategies are essential. Pre-ART counseling should prioritize individualized risk assessment and education to support safer pregnancy outcomes.

Keywords

Main Subjects

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Journal of Midwifery and Reproductive Health
Volume 14, Issue 1
January 2026
Pages 5236-5243

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