Imagine deciding that you can’t have babies anymore, and suddenly, you hear about some medical procedures that can help you get pregnant. You will be very excited, right?
This is the kind of hope that IUI and other assisted reproductive Technologies (ARTs) have given to millions of couples worldwide. ART is the procedure of using artificial methods to help women get pregnant.
Though these methods have become popular in recent decades, there are still people who worry that babies born through IUI and other methods won’t be as healthy as normal babies.
So, in this article, we’ll clear the long-held misconception regarding IUI babies and see if they are the same as normal babies.
IUI Babies Vs Normal Babies: Are they Normal?
So, what do you think? Are IUI babies the same as normal babies?
Well, the answer is yes. IUI babies are as physically and mentally healthy as normal babies. The risks of any abnormalities are also lower in IUI than in other fertility treatments.
Only the method of conception is different for each baby. Other than that, there will be no major difference between an IUI baby and a normal baby.
IUI Pregnancy Vs. Natural Pregnancy
The only difference between IUI and normal pregnancy is the way the babies are conceived. In a natural pregnancy, fertilization happens when the male and female partners have sexual intercourse.
The male partner ejaculates the sperm inside the vagina, which then swims to the fallopian tube and fertilizes the egg. Pregnancy happens when the fertilized egg successfully implants in the uterus and starts developing.
IUI pregnancy, on the other hand, occurs with the assistance of a fertility doctor. Below are the steps involved in an IUI pregnancy.
Ovulation Induction
In this step, you will be administered fertility medications for some days. Ovulation Induction is done to stimulate your ovaries and produce more eggs for fertilization.
If you have a regular menstrual cycle and produce a healthy egg, there is no need for this step. The IUI procedure can be done on the day of ovulation.
Sperm retrieval
The sperm is collected from the male partner and sent for semen analysis. The sperm are washed, and the healthy, high-quality sperm are segregated from the rest and collected in a needle.
Insemination & Fertilization
The collected sperm are injected into the female uterus through a transvaginal procedure. The sperm will then swim to the fallopian tube and fertilize the mature egg.
Implantation & pregnancy
Implantation happens when the fertilized egg implants into the uterine lining. Your IUI procedure is considered a success if the embryo starts developing into a baby.
IUI Babies Disadvantages
Though IUI is considered a safe procedure and is comparatively less complicated than other fertility treatments, there are some disadvantages associated with it.
Increased risk of multiple pregnancies
As you saw earlier, you will be given fertility medications to stimulate your ovaries to produce more than one egg. This can lead to multiple pregnancies when the sperm fertilizes more than one egg.
This condition is quite serious and can lead to complications like miscarriages, low birth weight, premature delivery, etc.
Risk of birth defects in babies
This is very rare in IUI and only happens if the egg or sperm are of poor quality. This can cause genetic or chromosomal abnormalities in the baby.
Risk of infection and spotting
IUI insemination is a transvaginal procedure. This can increase the chance of infections in some women. You might also get light spotting or bleeding if the instruments bruise your vagina or cervix.
Financial burden
Fertility treatments can be expensive. And if you have to undergo more than one cycle to get pregnant, it can become quite a burden to manage your expenses.
Physical and emotional stress
The entire IUI procedure, from ovulation induction to pregnancy, can be physically and mentally draining. The anxiety and hope of getting pregnant can lead to disappointment if the cycle is a failure. Couples need to be emotionally prepared to face any result during the IUI treatment.
Is Normal Delivery Possible After IUI?
You might be wondering if you can have a normal delivery after IUI. Some believe that they can only have a C-section after undergoing fertility treatments. This is another reason they hesitate to undergo these procedures.
You must understand that the type of delivery you can undergo depends on your health condition. If you and your baby are healthy and the delivery won’t lead to complications, you can certainly undergo normal delivery.
However, if you have any complications like premature birth or low birth weight, you might have to have a C-section. Discuss with your doctor and monitor your health condition before deciding on the delivery method.
Conclusion
Whether you have a baby naturally or through IUI, the health of your baby depends on your health. Though there are some chances of birth defects in IUI babies, they are very minimal and can be avoided through proper screening methods.
Technology has developed, and there are many methods to avoid complications. Discuss with your fertility doctor and follow their instructions carefully to increase your chances of success.
There is no evidence indicating that IUI increases the chance of having a baby boy. The sex of your baby depends on the sperm (X or Y) that fertilizes the egg.
Though IUI is considered a safe procedure and is comparatively less complicated than other fertility treatments, there are some disadvantages associated with it.
- Increased risk of multiple pregnancies
- Risk of birth defects in babies
- Financial burden
- Physical and emotional stress
Yes, IUI babies are as physically and mentally healthy as normal babies. Only the method of conception is different for each baby. Other than that, there will be no major difference between an IUI baby and a normal baby. The risks of any abnormalities are also lower in IUI than in other fertility treatments.
