Fetal cardiac function at midgestation and conception by in‐vitro fertilization

This study compared the cardiac morphology and function of fetuses conceived through in-vitro fertilization (IVF), using fresh or frozen embryo transfer, with those conceived naturally. The study included 5801 women with singleton pregnancies, and echocardiographic modalities were used to assess fetal cardiac function. The results showed that IVF-conceived fetuses had lower sphericity index and reduced left ventricular systolic function than naturally conceived fetuses, but there were no differences between fresh or frozen embryo transfers. However, IVF pregnancies had better placental perfusion and function than naturally conceived pregnancies. The study suggests that fetal cardiac remodeling occurs in mid-gestation in IVF pregnancies, but it remains to be determined if these changes persist in the postnatal period.