Trends in Live Birth Rates Attributable to Assisted Reproductive Technology in British Columbia

Perinatal Services BC maintains a current database on live births, antepartum, intrapartum and postpartum outcomes; including details of ART if used to conceive. Live birth rate, for the purposes of this study, will be defined as the birth of at least one live born baby, with the birth of twins or higher order multiples considered as one live birth. The birth rate for ART will be taken as a proportion for birth rate from ART over total birth rate for given calendar year and the overall period of analysis. Data from April 1 2008 to March 31 2018 on autologous ART treatment cycles and outcomes will be extracted from this database, with approval. Overall proportion of ART contributing to live birth rate will be analyzed as well as sub categorical analysis based on age (younger than 30, 30-34 years, 35-39 years, 40-44 years, and 45 years and older). Only nulliparous women will be included in this study. Moreover, data will be analyzed by calendar year in which baby from ART delivered to evaluate overall trends in ART outcomes. The total live birth rate for all of BC will serve as the denominator. Although the data will be reviewed and rules interpreted by the principal investigator of this study, a biostatistician will be hired to carry out the necessary statistical analysis.