Child growth from birth to 18 months old born after assisted reproductive technology--results of a national birth cohort study.

Abstract Background Pregnancy conceived by assisted reproductive technology (ART) carries a higher risk of adverse birth outcomes. So far, there have been very few longitudinal studies of the growth of children born after ART. Objective The purpose of this study was to explore the determinants of growth of children born after ART. Design, setting and participants Using data of Wave I (6 months old) and II (18 months old) of the Taiwan Birth Cohort Study (TBCS), a national sample of 21,248 pairs of mothers and their children were included for analysis, including 366 pairs resulting from ART (1.7%). Methods Data were collected through field interviews with structured questionnaires, and with references to each child's birth certificate and Passport of Well-baby Care. Results Compared to children born with naturally conceived pregnancy, children born after ART had a significantly higher incidences of low birth weight (33.1 vs. 6.9%; p p Conclusion Though exhibiting a higher incidence of low birth weight as well as prematurity, children born with ART enjoyed a similar or faster rate of growth from birth to 18 months old when compared to those children born through naturally conceived pregnancies. While multiple gestation is always a negative contributing factor, continuous breastfeeding and having the mother herself as the caregiver in daytime are positive contributing factors for the growth and/or change of growth for the children born after ART.