Are IVF babies more intelligent than naturally conceived children? Science weighs in on cognitive development, genetics, and the truth behind the data.
With IVF becoming more common, a surprising question has emerged: are IVF babies more intelligent than those conceived naturally? You may have seen viral posts or heard speculation from friends — but what does the science really say?
Let’s cut through the myths and take a closer look at the evidence. Spoiler: it’s less about the lab and more about the parents.
What Is IVF and Why Would It Affect Intelligence?
IVF (in vitro fertilisation) is a reproductive technology where an egg and sperm are combined outside the body, then implanted into the uterus. Over 8 million babies worldwide have been born using IVF or related treatments.
Because IVF involves advanced medical processes, some people wonder if it creates “super babies” or has long-term effects on cognitive development. Researchers have been asking the same question for years — and they’ve come up with some solid answers.
Are IVF Babies Smarter Than Others?
In short: there’s no proof that IVF itself makes babies more intelligent. Intelligence is a complex trait shaped by thousands of genes and dozens of environmental factors — not the method of conception.
However, some studies have noticed small differences in test scores or developmental milestones. But here's the twist: those differences usually trace back to the parents.
Parental Factors Make a Big Difference
Most people who pursue IVF tend to be older, more financially stable, and highly educated. These parents often:
- Spend more time on early learning activities
- Invest in quality childcare and education
- Are more health-conscious during pregnancy
These advantages influence child development more than whether the embryo was fertilised in a dish or in the womb.
What Do Large Studies Show?
- A Swedish study of 280,000 children found IVF babies scored slightly higher at age 16 in school — but the difference disappeared when adjusting for parent income and education. (JAMA Pediatrics)
- A UK study followed IVF children into adulthood and found no meaningful difference in cognitive ability or mental health outcomes. (Nature, 2021)
- Another 2022 review confirmed that any cognitive edge in IVF babies is likely linked to socio-economic factors, not the IVF itself. (Frontiers in Psychology)
What About Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT)?
Some IVF procedures involve PGT — a test that checks embryos for genetic disorders. This has led to speculation about “designer babies” or IQ selection. But let’s be clear:
- PGT screens for diseases like cystic fibrosis or chromosomal issues, not intelligence.
- There is no current technology that can accurately predict IQ from a single embryo.
- Intelligence is polygenic — shaped by thousands of genes, each with tiny effects.
In other words, we’re nowhere near the point of choosing embryos for “smartness.” And even if we could — the ethical debates would be massive.
Is There a Difference in Development?
According to the CDC, around 2% of US births now involve IVF. Researchers have found that while IVF babies might be slightly more likely to be born preterm or underweight, they typically catch up by age 2–3. Most differences fade as kids enter school.
In fact, one study found that IVF children were more likely to be read to daily, placed in structured learning programs, and breastfed longer. Again — that’s parenting, not petri dishes.
FAQs
Q: Do IVF babies have a higher IQ?
A: No. Most studies show similar IQ levels between IVF and non-IVF children after adjusting for parental traits and background.
Q: Are IVF kids more advanced in school?
A: They may perform slightly better early on, but that’s usually due to the educational level and resources of the parents.
Q: Can IVF select for intelligence?
A: No. There is no approved method for choosing embryos based on intelligence. Genetic screening is for medical disorders only.
Q: Are IVF children healthier overall?
A: IVF babies are born slightly earlier on average, but they generally thrive and develop normally by toddlerhood.
Case Example: The Education Effect
Consider this: A 2021 UK study followed over 13,000 children born via IVF. They performed slightly better in reading and math at age 7. But the study also found their parents were more likely to be university graduates, have stable jobs, and live in two-parent homes. When those factors were controlled, the test score difference nearly vanished.
In short, IVF kids aren’t born “smarter.” They’re often raised in homes with more educational support — and that matters.
Real Stats to Know
- Over 8 million babies have been born via IVF worldwide.
- In the US, 1 in 50 babies is now conceived using ART (assisted reproductive technology).
- IVF parents are, on average, 4–5 years older than those who conceive naturally.
- PGT can test for 200+ genetic conditions but cannot measure or predict intelligence.
- IQ is 40–80% heritable — environment fills in the rest.
Interested in Other Fertility Facts?
Explore our guides on how IVF affects child development and what to know before choosing IVF.
Final Thought
So, are IVF babies more intelligent? Not because of how they were conceived. Intelligence is shaped by genes, parenting, environment, and opportunity — not petri dishes or test tubes. IVF might give parents more chances, but it doesn’t hand out extra IQ points.
Whether your child was conceived naturally or through IVF, what matters most is what happens after birth: love, support, learning, and guidance. That’s the real formula for intelligence.
Still curious about genetics and parenting? Check out our post on whether intelligence comes from the mother or father and how parenting affects brain development.