Pregnant mums over 40 may cut baby's birth defects risk this way

Assisted reproduction methods such as IVF may reduce birth defects in babies from older mums.

Contrary to popular belief, birth defects may actually be less common in babies born to mothers aged over 40 and conceived by IVF (in vitro fertilisation) than in babies born to women of the same age and conceived naturally. These findings come from an Australian study, published in the International Journal Of Obstetrics & Gynecology (BJOG).

Babies conceived naturally and born to mothers over the age of 40 are exposed to higher risks of birth defects than those born to younger mothers. Women who undergo assisted reproduction also have an increased rate of birth defects compared to women who conceive naturally.