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Frozen Embryos Make Bigger Babies

Study finds no negative effects compared with fresh

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 9, 2008 1:57 PM CDT

(Newser) – When it comes to in vitro fertilization, frozen might be better than fresh, a new study shows. Infants born after being implanted in mothers' wombs as frozen embryos were no more likely than those from fresh stock to be born with congenital defects, the BBC reports; but they were also significantly heavier, and less likely to be born prematurely.

 “We think the reason for the differences is probably positive selection of the embryos for frozen embryo replacement,” the study’s lead researcher said. “Only the very top quality embryos survive the freezing and thawing process.”

A microscopic view of an embryo, surrounded by sperm.
A microscopic view of an embryo, surrounded by sperm.   (KRT Photos)
A vat of liquid nitrogen used in the freezing process.
A vat of liquid nitrogen used in the freezing process.   (KRT Photos)
Frozen embryos.
Frozen embryos.   (KRT Photos)
A doctor checks a cannister of frozen embryos.
A doctor checks a cannister of frozen embryos.   (KRT Photos)
A child born with the help of IVF.
A child born with the help of IVF.   (AP Photo)
A scientific researcher handles frozen embryonic stem cells.
A scientific researcher handles frozen embryonic stem cells.   (Getty Images)
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