The outcome of pregnancy in previously infertile women

Abstract

212 consecutive pregnancies are reviewed in previously infertile women. 96 had conceived following treatment, 21 in a "rest cycle" after treatment, 60 during investigations and 35 before investigations were started. There were 25 miscarriages (11.8%), 13 following hormone treatment. There were 7 multiple pregnancies, 2 sets of triplets and 5 sets of twins. The multiple pregnancy rate with Clomiphene was 3.9% and with gonadotrophins 30%. Pregnancy after the first trimester was normal, 82 (44%) were induced, 79% laboured for less than 12 hours. Spontaneous vaginal delivery occurred in 107 patients (55%), forceps delivery in 34%, breach 5.6% and caesarean section 6.1%. Only 20 babies weighed less than 2500 grams (10.5%) and 168 (88%) had an apgar score greater than 5. These infertile patients were matched with a control group of our normal obstetric population. There was no significant difference between the control and infertile patients except for a higher induction rate (p less than 0.0005) and higher forceps rate (p less than 0.001) in the infertile patients. We conclude that pregnancy following infertility is associated with a higher spontaneous miscarriage rate, but otherwise is normal.