Postpone your IVF treatment, couples told
WOMEN are being advised not to have IVF until the coronavirus outbreak ends.
All couples considering fertility treatment ‘should avoid becoming pregnant at this time’, according to the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology.
Around 70,000 IVF cycles are carried out each year in the UK, many for those running out of time to start a family.
But the society says all those planning treatment should put it on hold as a precaution. Anyone having treatment should consider freezing their eggs or the embryos they have created for a pregnancy.
The society, which provides guidance for fertility clinics across Europe, including those in the UK, notes there is ‘no strong evidence’ of coronavirus negatively affecting pregnancies.
But there have been some reports, based on limited data, of women with coronavirus having premature babies, and they may need to take drugs that could be harmful during pregnancy.
Pregnant women are strongly advised to follow social-distancing measures – such as shunning public transport, avoiding large and small gatherings in places like pubs and cinemas and to not gather with friends or family.
But the Royal College of Midwives yesterday urged them to attend antenatal appointments.
In its statement, the society said: ‘As a precautionary measure – and in line with the position of other scientific societies in reproductive medicine – we advise that all fertility patients considering or planning treatment, even if they do not meet the diagnostic criteria for Covid-19 infection, should avoid becoming pregnant at this time.’
Natalie Lyons, from Derby, is due to give birth to her second child in a month. She says she is doing her best not to panic, but is concerned about hospitals becoming overwhelmed and has struggled to get hold of supplies such as nappies.
The 33-year-old mother of one has followed the Government’s advice and yesterday stopped her job as a hairdresser to start maternity leave three weeks early.
‘I’m trying not to panic but when you have a baby you need all these supplies, and how are we meant to get them if we’re advised to stay inside?’
‘Urged to attend appointments’