When a couple can not conceive a baby naturally because of problems in either the fallopian tubes for women or the sperm count for men, they turn to medical science to help them. This is when a test-tube baby can be used to give them the child they dream of having. The term ‘test-tube baby’ was first used when Louise Brown was conceived in 1978 as the result of an Assisted Reproduction Technique known as In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF).
IVF is a scientific procedure that involves combining eggs and sperm outside the woman’s body. The word in vitro comes from the Latin meaning ‘within glass’ and this is exactly what happens in the laboratory when these two elements are combined. The resulting embryo is then transferred into the female’s uterus to start a pregnancy. The success rate for IVF varies depending on the patient and clinic.
In the UK, the first test-tube baby was a girl named Louise Brown and the BBC produced a documentary about her birth called To Mrs Brown… A Daughter. This programme became a worldwide hit and gave birth to the idea that technologically assisted reproduction was a reality.
The first thing viewers see is the health visitor weighing Louise, who makes a comical intake of breath when she discovers her robust weight of 7lb 9oz. This is followed by a shot of Louise in her mother’s arms, gazing curiously at the health visitor who murmurs praise. The programme’s makers also make a point of showing the family eating and having meals together, emphasising the idea that this was a normal family. 난임시술병원
A few days after the embryo transfer, a blood beta HCG level is checked to check for a possible pregnancy. If the result is positive, hormone support will be given to continue the pregnancy. If not, the doctor will review the procedure and try again.
By the time Louise was a teenager, the idea of a test-tube baby had become so widespread that she appeared in several TV advertisements to promote IVF treatment. These ads were designed to create sympathy for infertile couples and to cultivate public support for this new technology.
Today, IVF is a mainstream medical treatment for infertility and more than three million babies have been born with the assistance of this fertility treatment. However, although most of these children are healthy, there is a risk that they may be at greater risk for low birth weight in later life.
The term ‘test-tube baby’ has also come to refer to any child conceived through assisted reproductive technology regardless of how it was achieved, whether in the laboratory or by natural means. This has led to some confusion for people who are trying to conceive and is why it’s important that you talk to your fertility specialist about your options. They will be able to advise you on the best treatment options for you and your partner. They may even be able to offer a free IVF trial, giving you the opportunity to see how the process works for yourself and ask any questions you might have. 서울아이앤여성의원