Findings suggest that becoming pregnant naturally after IVF not as unusual as thought, say scientists
About one in five women become pregnant naturally after having a baby using fertility treatment such as IVF, according to research.
Scientists at University College London said women should be aware that natural pregnancies after IVF are not as unusual as thought.
The experts said a study of more than 5,000 women showed that 20% of those who sought assisted conception for their first child were able to become pregnant naturally within three years.
Dr Annette Thwaites, the lead author from UCL’s EGA Institute for Women’s Health, said: “Our findings suggest that natural pregnancy after having a baby by IVF is far from rare.
“This is in contrast with widely held views – by women and health professionals – and those commonly expressed in the media, that it is a highly unlikely event.”
The researchers analysed data from 11 studies of more than 5,000 women around the world between 1980 and 2021, including 1,160 from the UK.
