Cases of placenta previa much more likely with fertility treatment

A Norwegian study out this week suggests that women who undergo IVF may be up to six times more likely to develop placenta praevia. Researchers showed that while the incidence of the disorder is around 3 in 1000 births in the general population, that rises to 16, in 1000 among women who have had IVF treatment.

'We found a nearly threefold higher risk of placenta praevia,' said Dr Liv Bente Romundstad. 'This suggests a substantial proportion of the extra risk may be attributable directly to factors relating to the reproduction technology.' The study couldn't confirm why this happens, but it's thought that factors which led to the women's infertility in the first place could have an effect.

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