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Researchers have reviewed current knowledge to further understand the reasons for the increased incidence of birth defects in babies born through assisted reproductive technologies (ART).

Children born through ART have a higher risk of preterm birth, , birth defects and being small for gestational age.

The review by researchers from the Telethon Kids Institute, aimed to improve understanding of the effects of ART on both poor and excessive intrauterine growth and suggest future pathways for research in the field.

"We reviewed the literature for any systematic reviews of perinatal outcomes or birth defects in ART infants as well as examined more recent individual studies," says Dr Michele Hansen.

"Researchers are constantly playing a catch-up game in this field, where new techniques are introduced just as we are able to begin reporting on health outcomes of older techniques."

The review identifies that both ART procedures and underlying infertility contribute to increased risks of adverse outcomes.

"Underlying parental infertility plays an important role in since studies examining couples that have taken a long time to...