Age and IVF: Understanding Pregnancy Risks and Solutions

Pregnancy through IVF can be a joyful and long-awaited milestone, especially for individuals and couples who have faced months or years of fertility challenges. Yet it’s essential to recognise that age and IVF pregnancies may bring unique considerations, particularly when age plays a role.

Being well-informed doesn’t mean living in fear. With the right medical guidance and a supportive clinic like Alpha Fertility Centre, many women go on to enjoy healthy pregnancies and welcome their babies with confidence.

This article explores some of the most common risks linked to IVF pregnancies and explains how age can influence outcomes, helping you prepare for the journey ahead.

Why IVF Pregnancies Are Considered “High Risk”

IVF follows the same biological process as natural conception once the embryo implants. From that point, the baby develops just as in any other pregnancy. Still, doctors may categorise IVF pregnancies as “high risk” to ensure closer monitoring.

Several factors contribute to this classification:

• Many patients undergoing IVF are over 35, which naturally raises certain risks.
• IVF cycles can involve transferring more than one embryo, increasing the chance of multiples.
• Hormonal or underlying health conditions may be present.
• Advanced techniques like ICSI or PGT-A often require tailored prenatal care.

A “high risk” label simply means more careful observation not that something is destined to go wrong.

Common IVF-Related Pregnancy Risks

1. Miscarriage Risk

Although miscarriage is possible in any pregnancy, its likelihood rises with age. Chromosomal abnormalities in eggs are a major reason for this. For example:

• Around age 30, the miscarriage rate is about 10–15%
• At 40, the rate climbs to roughly 34%
• By 45 and above, it can exceed 50%

IVF can help reduce this risk through embryo selection and genetic testing such as PGT-A, which identifies chromosomally normal embryos before transfer.

2. Pre-eclampsia and High Blood Pressure

Older maternal age, a first-time pregnancy, or carrying twins can increase the risk of pre-eclampsia. This condition involves high blood pressure and signs of organ stress during pregnancy. Common symptoms include persistent headaches, blurred vision, swelling of the face or hands, and high protein levels in the urine. Regular blood pressure checks and early detection play a critical role in prevention and management.

3. Gestational Diabetes

Women over 35 who conceive via IVF face a slightly higher chance of developing gestational diabetes. While temporary, it can lead to larger birth weights, affect delivery planning, and raise the likelihood of C-section. Diet, exercise, and monitoring usually keep this condition under control often without the need for insulin.

4. Placenta Complications

Research links IVF to certain placental conditions, including placenta previa, placental abruption, and placenta accreta. These are uncommon and typically identified early through prenatal scans, allowing for safe, well-planned deliveries.

5. Preterm Birth and Low Birth Weight

Factors such as uterine or cervical issues, multiple pregnancies, and hormonal changes can make preterm birth more likely. Single Embryo Transfer (SET) is now widely recommended especially for women over 35 to reduce these risks.

6. Caesarean Section (C-Section)

C-sections are more common in IVF pregnancies due to maternal age, placental issues, or previous surgeries. Some parents also opt for planned C-sections for emotional reassurance after a long fertility journey.

How Age Affects IVF Pregnancy Outcomes

• Under 35 Higher IVF success per cycle, lower chromosomal abnormality risk, and fewer complications.
• 35–39 Success rates begin to drop, while miscarriage and chromosomal risks rise; closer monitoring is required.
• 40 and above Significantly lower success without donor eggs, greater likelihood of complications, and more C-sections.

Egg quality is often the main concern, and options like egg freezing or donor eggs can help improve results.

Supporting a Healthy IVF Pregnancy

Start Prenatal Care Early Book your first appointment as soon as your pregnancy is confirmed. Early check-ups allow your medical team to track your health, adjust medications, and spot potential issues quickly.

Maintain a Balanced Diet Focus on regular meals with complex carbs and protein, limit high-sugar foods, stay hydrated, and take prescribed supplements.

Monitor Movement and Symptoms Track your baby’s kicks from the second trimester and report sudden swelling, severe pain, reduced movement, or unusual bleeding immediately.

Plan for Delivery in Advance Discuss induction, C-section, and hospital facilities early on, especially if preterm birth is a concern.

IVF Pregnancy: High Risk Doesn’t Mean High Worry

Additional risks don’t automatically translate to poor outcomes. With early planning, vigilant monitoring, and expert care, most IVF pregnancies progress safely regardless of age. Thousands of women in Malaysia, including those over 40, have delivered healthy babies with the right support.

Consult Your Fertility With Us!

At Alpha Fertility Centre, we guide you from embryo to baby and beyond. If you’re concerned about age or IVF-related pregnancy risks, our specialists will provide a personalised plan to support your health and peace of mind.

👉 Talk to a fertility specialist today and take the next step toward parenthood with care tailored to your needs.