In recent years, doctors noticed an uptick in cases of hypertension during pregnancy that followed IVF. As the number of those who take advantage of assisted reproductive technology goes up, so do the cases of hypertension in pregnancy for those patients. Is there a connection? What risk does IVF pose to hypertension during pregnancy and what does it mean for you?
To be clear, the connection between IVF and hypertension in the resulting pregnancy is not a simple one. It isn’t a straight line by any means. There are several mitigating circumstances and various conditions cause hypertension in pregnancy. Some of the conditions that result in infertility pose a predisposed risk for hypertension.
Here we take a look at the latest research and break down the results for you.
What is Hypertension?
Doctors diagnose hypertension in patients whose blood pressure reading is consistently above 140/90. High blood pressure means constant stress against the walls of the arteries which puts you at risk for heart disease and stroke. The medical community often refers to hypertension as “the silent killer” because the symptoms are not noticeable.
Hypertension During Pregnancy
Hypertension during pregnancy becomes evident after the first few months and only be present during pregnancy. Doctors call this gestational hypertension. It’s highly dangerous for both the mother and the fetus and may result in insufficient support of the placenta which provides nutrition and oxygen to the developing fetus.
Hypertension during pregnancy also increases your risk for pre-eclampsia which may result in damage to the mother’s liver, kidneys, lungs and brain and also prevent the placenta from sustaining the fetus.
Research Findings
In the fall of 2022, the American Heart Association published their findings from a study in which there appeared to be a higher instance of hypertension and high blood pressure related pregnancy complications specifically when the patient used frozen embryos for IVF.
The use of frozen embryos is far more common than fresh embryos for a few different reasons. In order to take advantage of preimplantation genetic testing the embryos must be frozen or cryogenically preserved while awaiting the results of the test. Additionally, a couple may end up with several embryos as a result of IVF. When that happens, the doctor preserves the embryos by freezing them (cryogenic preservation) for future use.
Using frozen or fresh embryos has no real impact on the success of IVF but spikes in blood pressure and hypertensive related disorders during pregnancy do pose a significant risk for preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is dangerous and poses a risk to both the mother and the developing fetus.
Why Frozen Embryos Pose a Bigger Risk
The research team compared naturally conceived pregnancies with fresh embryo IVF and frozen embryo IVF and the instance of hypertension. They found hypertension related disorders in frozen embryo IVF 7.4% of the time. For fresh embryo IVF the number dropped to 5.9% and in natural conception, 4.3%.
Most researchers and physicians agree the uptick in hypertension after IVF isn’t as much related to the frozen embryo as it is the preparation method before transfer. Although the study points to the need for additional research, most doctors and research scientists think the connection is in the medication protocols used for preparing the uterus for implantation of the embryos.
Other Options
Thankfully the research identifying the connection is underway, and your doctor has other treatment options, depending on your diagnosis. Of course, preeclampsia and other pregnancy risks related to high blood pressure may be manageable under your doctor’s care. The best thing you can do is discuss all of your options with your doctor and find the best way forward for growing your family.
What Are The Other Risks That May Cause Pregnancy Hypertension?
There are additional risks that may contribute to hypertension in pregnancy and many of the conditions associated with the risk are also associated with infertility.
- Age: The mothers age at the time of treatment can increase the chances for hypertension.
- Family Predisposition: Again your odds for developing a condition called primary hypertension directly relates to your family history of high blood pressure.
- Pre-existing Hypertension: Undiagnosed hypertension may lead to premature ovarian insufficiency, which contributes to infertility. Also, high blood pressure is often present in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
- Obesity: Being overweight to obese contributes to both hypertension and infertility.
- Stress: Daily stress is a threat to your emotional wellbeing, but it also takes a huge toll on your physical wellbeing. Stress plays a significant role in hypertension and infertility.
Your doctor begins your fertility treatment with a thorough physical and health history. Share any family connection to high blood pressure with your physician and begin making changes that help lower your blood pressure. Meditation, losing just 10% of your excess weight and doing all you can for your health is a good first step.
Other Options
Thankfully the research identifying the connection is underway, and your doctor has other treatment options, depending on your diagnosis. Of course, preeclampsia and other pregnancy risks related to high blood pressure may be manageable under your doctor’s care. The best thing you can do is discuss all of your options with your doctor and find the best way forward for growing your family.
We Want A Healthy Outcome For All
The best way to ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy? Follow your doctor’s orders. We closely monitor our patients for that very reason. We want you and your baby to have a safe and healthy outcome. We focus on helping you achieve that outcome.
For more information on preventing hypertension during pregnancy contact LA IVF today.
