Scientists claimed that women who get pregnant through in vitro fertilization (IVF) are four times more risk to have a stillborn baby than those who conceive naturally.

The study leader Kirsten Wisborg quoted, "The results from our study emphasize the need for continuous follow-up of the outcome of fertility treatments so that the information given to infertile couples seeking treatment she added can be differentiated to their individual circumstances".

A study also discovered that the ICSI technique - where sperm is injected straight into the egg - possess a greater risk of tots dying in the womb.

However, the scientists involved revealed that it was not yet clear whether the increased vulnerability was on account of the fertility treatment itself or due to unknown factors specific to couples who IVF or ICSI.

It is reported that the risk of stillbirth was still very less for IVF and ICSI pregnancies. The current figures reveal that the rate of stillbirth after IVF/ICSI to be 16.2 per thousand, compared to 3.7 per thousand in fertile couples who conceived without medical help.

The British Fertility Society urged couples not to panic. Secretary Alison McTavish said, "The majority of people who have IFV give birth to healthy babies".