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Infertility, infertility treatment and behavioural problems in the offspring.

Authors :
Zhu JL
Obel C
Basso O
Henriksen TB
Bech BH
Hvidtjørn D
Olsen J
Source :
Paediatric and perinatal epidemiology [Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol] 2011 Sep; Vol. 25 (5), pp. 466-77. Date of Electronic Publication: 2011 Jul 19.
Publication Year :
2011

Abstract

Behavioural patterns in children of infertile couples may be influenced by both the underlying causes of infertility and stress in the couples. Treatment procedures, such as culture media and manipulation of gametes and embryos, may also result in developmental problems. We examined behavioural problems in children as a function of infertility and infertility treatment, using data from three population-based birth cohorts in Denmark (Aalborg-Odense Birth Cohort, Aarhus Birth Cohort and Danish National Birth Cohort). Information on time to pregnancy and infertility treatment was collected during pregnancy. Children aged between 7 and 21 years were assessed using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). The SDQ was completed by mothers in all cohorts and, in addition, by teachers in the Aarhus cohort and by children themselves in the Aalborg-Odense cohort. Children born after a time to pregnancy of >12 months and no infertility treatment had a behavioural pattern similar to children of fertile parents. Teachers reported a higher total difficulties score for children born after infertility treatment, but no significant differences were seen on any subscales of the teachers' report, and neither the mothers nor the children reported any differences on the total difficulties score and the prosocial behaviour score. Our results are thus overall reassuring regarding behavioural problems in children born to infertile couples, regardless of infertility treatment.<br /> (© 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.)

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1365-3016
Volume :
25
Issue :
5
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Paediatric and perinatal epidemiology
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
21819428
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-3016.2011.01220.x