Fertility Problems May Increase Risk of Cerebral Palsy

New research indicates that couples with fertility problems are three times more likely to bear a child with life-long disabilities such as cerebral palsy and autism.

According to the new study, presented at a meeting of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, this increased risk may be caused by health complications that made it hard for the couples to conceive to begin with.

Scientists tested 4,000 women and their children under 6 years old and found that those with fertility complications were more likely to suffer from other serious conditions like diabetes and heart disease. These conditions are known to increase problems during pregnancy.

“What has caused them to be unable to conceive goes on to cause problems. It is as if a brick wall has stopped you becoming pregnant,” said lead researcher Professor Mary Croughan of the University of California. “Treatment allows you to climb over the wall, but it is still there and it goes on to cause problems.”

Of the study’s 4,000 participants, half of them had fertility problems and the other half were able to conceive naturally. The study found that the children of women with fertility complications had almost triple the risk of developing cerebral palsy, autism, seizures, mental retardation, and cancer.

Other problems such as learning disabilities, hearing impairment, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder were also 40 percent more likely in children of infertile parents.

Researchers do add that more studies need to be conducted to test the magnitude of the risk.

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