WOMEN are being advised not to undergo IVF during the coronavirus pandemic over fears that the virus may have negative effects during pregnancy.<\/p>\n
A report by the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) says all couples who are considering fertility treatment \"should avoid becoming pregnant at this time.\"<\/p>\n
Although the statement makes clear there is \"no strong evidence of any negative effects\" of coronavirus on pregnancies, it says there have been some reports of women with COVID-19 giving birth prematurely.<\/p>\n
In the report, it advises those who are already undergoing IVF to freeze their eggs or the embryos that they have created as a \"precautionary measure.\"<\/p>\n
It states: \"We advise that all fertility patients considering or planning treatment, even if they do not meet the diagnostic criteria for Covid-19 infection, should avoid becoming pregnant at this time.<\/p>\n
\"For those patients already having treatment,we suggest considering deferred pregnancy with oocyte or embryo freezing for later embryo transfer.\"<\/p>\n
The report also advises that patients who are pregnant or those undergoing treatment not travel to areas with high infection and contact with potentially infected people.<\/p>\n
The ESHRE found cases of women who tested positive for Covid-19 who delivered healthy babies without the virus.<\/p>\n
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It said there have been reports of premature babies - but cautioned this was based on limited data.<\/p>\n
One case reported that a baby was born with Covid-19 but again there was no strong evidence that this was the result of transmission from the mother or \"vertical transmission\".<\/p>\n
It is estimated that more than 68,000 women in the UK undertake IVF every year, many of whom are in their late thirties.<\/p>\n
The Government has included pregnant women in it's 'at risk' group when issuing advice on coronavirus.<\/p>\n
Mothers-to-be are strongly advised to follow social distancing measures and to avoid public transport or going out to cinemas and restaurants.<\/p>\n
Professor Chris Whitty, England's Chief Medical Officer, said that including pregnant women in this group was a \"precautionary measure\" as experts are \"early in our understanding of this virus\".<\/p>\n
And his deputy, Professor Jonathan Van-Tam, said it's hoped that these new measures will reduce the infection rate and protect those at higher risk.<\/p>\n
He told the BBC: \"When it comes to this coronavirus, it is a new disease, it's been with humans around the world for just a few months.<\/p>\n
\"We are being very precautionary in terms of the advice we are giving to pregnant women to increase their social distancing.\"<\/p>\n
Earlier today the NHS revealed that they would send their pregnant staff to low risk hospitals in areas with few cases of the virus.<\/p>\n
\"We know that a whole range of normal infections are more serious in pregnancy and the advice we're giving is extremely precautionary.\"<\/p>\n
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\nWomen advised not to have IVF during coronavirus outbreak after some mothers report giving birth prematurely - The Sun<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"