Maternal and Infant Characteristics among Users of Non-Assisted Reproductive Technology (Non-ART) Infertility Treatments: Insights from the New 2003 Revision of Birth Certificate, Texas 2005-2006

Suzanne Roseman, University of Alabama at Birmingham
Andrzej Kulczycki, University of Alabama at Birmingham

Despite widespread use of ovulation induction/artificial insemination (non-ART treatments), data on maternal and infant characteristics are sparse, and existing datasources problematic. We shed light on this issue with new data. In 2005, Texas implemented the 2003 revision of the U.S. birth certificate, including infertility-related information. We examined all live birth files recorded in Texas, 2005-06, including 795,599 spontaneously conceived (SC) and 3,491 non-ART live births. Compared to SC births, mothers who underwent non-ART treatments were more likely to be white, have higher education and private insurance. They had a higher prevalence of co-morbidities and higher risk of developing complications of pregnancy and labor. Also, infants conceived with non-ART treatments were at higher risk of plurality, preterm birth, low birthweight, and other adverse outcomes, and were more likely to have died or been transferred at the time of birth certificate reporting.