Pregnancy outcomes following oocyte donation

• Published in: Best practice & research. Clinical obstetrics & gynaecology 2021-01, Vol.70, p.81-91
• Main Authors: Berntsen, Sine, Larsen, Elisabeth Clare, la Cour Freiesleben, Nina, Pinborg, Anja
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aspirin; Assisted reproductive technique; Donor conception; Female; Fertilization in Vitro; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Oocyte Donation; Pregnancy; Pregnancy complications; Pregnancy Outcome; Pregnancy-induced hypertension; Premature Birth; Reproductive Techniques, Assisted
• ISSN: 1521-6934; 1532-1932
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2020.07.008

The use of oocyte donation (OD) has increased continuously over the last three decades, and it is now an indispensable part of assisted reproductive technology (ART). With OD, it has become possible to overcome the biological barrier of ovarian follicle pool depletion and the general age-related decline in fertility. This review contains a thorough appraisal of the safety of OD with an analysis of short-term pregnancy outcomes. Salient up-to-date evidence was evaluated, which revealed that in comparison with both IVF with autologous oocytes, and naturally conceived pregnancies, there is: (i) an increased risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and preeclampsia; (ii) an increased risk of low birth weight and preterm birth and (iii) an increased risks of obstetric emergencies, following OD treatment. As a precaution, it is therefore highly encouraged to perform only single embryo transfer (SET) and to prescribe prophylactic low-dose aspirin during OD pregnancies. •The risk of preeclampsia is 2-3-fold higher in pregnancies after oocyte donation (OD).•This risk is further added in multiple pregnancies.•Both obstetric and perinatal risks are increased in OD pregnancies.•Single embryo transfer is recommended in all oocyte donation cycles.•Low-dose aspirin (150 mg daily) commenced early in pregnancy and continued until 37 weeks of gestations is recommended.