Experts warn women not to have IVF treatment during coronavirus outbreak

We are in the midst of a global health crisis.

And it is affecting all of us, in so many different ways. If you have been in the process of getting ready for IVF, or have explored in vitro as an option when it comes to starting or growing your family, you should be aware that the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology have advised against IVF right now. The reason? Experts fear the virus could potentially cause women to go into labour prematurely. In a statement, the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology says: "As a precautionary measure - and in line with the position of other scientific societies in reproductive medicine - we advise that all fertility patients considering or planning treatment, even if they do not meet the diagnostic criteria for Covid-19 infection, should avoid becoming pregnant at this time."

It also advised those who are already having IVF to consider freezing their eggs or the embryos they have created for a pregnancy until the pandemic is halted.

In fact, they also went as far as saying all those considering or planning treatment to have a baby should put it on hold as a 'precautionary measure' and explain that the advice comes following reports of women infected with coronavirus giving birth to premature babies in China.

The problem? For so many women and couples undergoing IVF and other fertility treatments, time of the essence, and they might have little or, indeed, no time to delay. It is important to note, however, that the reports from China are, according to the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology, based on limited data with 'no strong evidence'.

Earlier this week, the NHS in the UK revealed they would send pregnant staff to lower risk hospitals in areas with few cases of the virus as the crisis escalates over fears for their safety, and are strongly urging expectant mums to follow social distancing measures - such as avoiding public transport, socialising in groups or going to the cinema or restaurants.