Maternal Risks Persist Despite ART Success in Nigeria

During a valedictory lecture at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Professor Joseph Olamijulo discussed the advancements and risks associated with Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). He noted that over 13 million babies have been born worldwide through ART, with 2.5 million IVF cycles conducted annually, including 100 registered ART centers in Nigeria.

Despite the successes, Olamijulo cautioned that pregnancies achieved through ART often carry additional risks, particularly for older women or those with underlying health conditions such as hypertension and diabetes. He identified complications associated with ART pregnancies, including pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, and preterm birth.

Olamijulo advocated for comprehensive pre-pregnancy assessments and the development of evidence-based national ART guidelines to promote single embryo transfer, discouraging routine multiple embryo transfers. He called for stronger collaboration among fertility specialists, obstetricians, and healthcare professionals to improve maternal care and outcomes in Nigeria, where data on maternal morbidity and mortality related to ART remains limited.