Do IVF babies have lower immune systems??

[Lilly123]

Hi there

I have a 7 month old IVF baby who unfortunately has been constantly ill since starting daycare.. and I mean constantly like for the last 2 months.. every week she picks up a new bug...

Some people have commented to me that they heard IVF babies have lower immune systems... anyone else hear or experience this? I have not mentioned to paedetrician that she is an IVF baby but maybe I should.... any experiences would be welcome - am really worried about her always being ill..xxx

[MamaBoo]

There is a lot of misinformation out there about IVF babies. My son who was born 11 mos ago thanks to IVF has always been very healthy. However, when he started daycare he came down with the bug of the week. However, one dr told DH and I that by having him in daycare we are "investing in his immune system early". According to all dr's I've talked to, most children in daycare get sick often especially starting out. However, kids who don't go to daycare tend to get sick often when they start school because they have not been exposed to the germs that daycare kids have. Therefore, daycare kids probably won't miss as much school when they are older.

You've got to remember all infants have brand new immune systems. They don't have any experience with illness. You typically don't become immune to something until exposed to it by either vaccination or getting the bug.

[Warren Dew]

Day care means that your child has a chance to catch every bug that goes around, which is probably what's happening. Also, unless you are pumping, day care means the babies lose the benefits of the antivirals in breast milk, which increases the chance they'll catch those bugs.

[geckogirl]

IVF babies don't have weaker immune systems than any other babies. Daycare centers are FULL of all kinds of bugs from colds and pink eye, to stomach bugs and flu. My older child has been in daycare since he was 4 mos old and is pretty much sick all the time. At least a cold per month. My 6 month old just started 3 months ago and it's been the same with him. It's just the way it is. DH and I are also getting the bugs the kids get and get even more sick than the kids! And we aren't IVF babies. I've heard it gets better. Hang in there!

[TammyS]

I dont believe so...no. Zach was 5 weeks early and unfortunately due to my health problems, I had to quit breastfeeding after only 4 weeks, and yet he has almost never been sick. He is not in daycare.

A friend of mine had a baby, 1 day before Zach (not IVF), full term, and was breastfed 18 months and is sick almost every week....year round. He is in daycare.

I'm on a local mommy's board of over 100 girls...this question came up several times among both IVF moms and non-IVF moms...breastfed and non-breastfed....and the general consensus is that daycare childen get sicker more often, period.

This isnt a bad thing. By being in daycare...your child is building up a terrific immune system...and will do great when it comes time for school. My kid will be the one who will always be sick come school time. I set up playgroups at germy places on purpose all the time to instill both socialization with other children and also to build his immunity...and knock on wood...he still stays healthy. lol Go figure.

[brit1612]

I agree with the other mom's. My almost 8 month old did not go to daycare until he was five months old. He never had a cough, runny nose anything the first five months of his life. Since starting daycare, he has not been well at all! I think babies just have to get adjusted to being around all the germs. Hopefully it gets better as they get older!

[axine123]

There is no relation of bad immune system with IVF baby because I've 2 live examples in front of my eyes. Both mums are very happy and there babies are fine. Never had an issue like continuous illness or something. Weaker immune system does not relate in any senses with IVF. You must consult your doc before making any conclusion.

[karthick]

Thanks for sharing

[Zventa]

It's not true. Everything will be fine with your chil. Only trust!

[Cathy9250]

Pre-school is one of the most testing times for your babies immune system. As already mentioned, your baby will be exposed to almost every bug there is. But this is a good thing. Yes, your baby will get sick but in the process, it will develop immunity to most of these diseases.
Some babies react more than others. We just have to care for them until they recover and prepare for the next bug that is going to affect them.
IVF does not affect their immune system so please do not get too stressed out by this.

[NatHAnAnDy]

According to all dr's I've talked to, most children in daycare get sick often especially starting out. However, kids who don't go to daycare tend to get sick often when they start school because they have not been exposed to the germs that daycare kids have. Therefore, daycare kids probably won't miss as much school when they are older.

[Marytta]

Hi there

I have a 7 month old IVF baby who unfortunately has been constantly ill since starting daycare.. and I mean constantly like for the last 2 months.. every week she picks up a new bug...

Some people have commented to me that they heard IVF babies have lower immune systems... anyone else hear or experience this? I have not mentioned to paedetrician that she is an IVF baby but maybe I should.... any experiences would be welcome - am really worried about her always being ill..xxx

It's not true. Ivf or not - it's only individually for your baby. Good health to you!!!

[hahaha]

Pre-school is one of the most testing times for your babies immune system. As already mentioned, your baby will be exposed to almost every bug there is. But this is a good thing. Yes, your baby will get sick but in the process, it will develop immunity to most of these diseases.???

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[rahulkumar123]

No IVF babies have not lower immune systems.

[sjsivfcare]

No that is not true, every IVF Baby is normal, these are just hearsay. actually baby catch illness easily, so, this can be reason maybe