Abstract
BackgroundIn Germany, performing fertility procedures involving oocyte donation is illegal, as stated by the Embryo Protection Law. Nonetheless, in our clinical routine we attend to a steadily rising number of pregnant women, who have sought oocyte donation abroad. Due to the legal circumstances many women opt to keep the origin of their pregnancy a secret. However, studies have shown, that oocyte donation is an independent risk factor for the development of pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia.ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to evaluate maternal and neonatal outcomes of oocyte donation pregnancies in three large obstetric care units in Berlin, Germany.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed all available medical data on oocyte donation pregnancies at Charité University hospital, Vivantes Hospital Friedrichshain, and Neukoelln in the German capital.ResultsWe included 115 oocyte donation (OD) pregnancies in the present study. Our data are based on 62 singleton, 44 twin, 7 triplet, and 2 quadruplet oocyte donation pregnancies. According to our data, oocyte donation pregnancies are associated with a high risk of adverse maternal and fetal outcome, i.e., hypertension in pregnancy, preterm delivery, Cesarean section as mode of delivery, and increased peripartum hemorrhage.ConclusionAlthough oocyte donation is prohibited by German law, many couples go abroad to seek reproductive measures using oocyte donation after former treatment options have failed. OD pregnancies are associated with a high risk of preeclampsia, C-section as mode of delivery, and peripartum hemorrhage. Detailed knowledge of the associated risks is of utmost importance to both the patient and the treating physician and midwife.
Highlights
Since the first successful pregnancy resulting from oocyte donation in 1984 [1] was performed, we are witnessing the success story of oocyte donation (OD) in the field of reproductive medicine worldwide
The initial search revealed 141 pregnancies conceived through oocyte donation (OD)
Two pregnancies were excluded from the analysis since they resulted in a miscarriage and an ectopic pregnancy. 10 women included in our data had at least two OD pregnancies
Summary
Since the first successful pregnancy resulting from oocyte donation in 1984 [1] was performed, we are witnessing the success story of oocyte donation (OD) in the field of reproductive medicine worldwide. In 2018 the mean age of child-bearing in Germany was 30.0 years; latest data suggest that the number in the German population is still rising [4]. In Germany, performing fertility procedures involving oocyte donation is illegal, as stated by the Embryo Protection Law. in our clinical routine we attend to a steadily rising number of pregnant women, who have sought oocyte donation abroad. Objective The aim of this study is to evaluate maternal and neonatal outcomes of oocyte donation pregnancies in three large obstetric care units in Berlin, Germany. Oocyte donation pregnancies are associated with a high risk of adverse maternal and fetal outcome, i.e., hypertension in pregnancy, preterm delivery, Cesarean section as mode of delivery, and increased peripartum hemorrhage. Detailed knowledge of the associated risks is of utmost importance to both the patient and the treating physician and midwife
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