Washington (SmartAboutHealth) - Researchers have linked babies conceived through fertility techniques such as assisted reproductive technology (ART) to a higher risk of birth defects.

Researchers carried out the study by comparing babies born through fertility treatment and babies that were conceived naturally.

According to the study, 2.4% of women who went through fertility treatment ended up with a baby who had birth defects.

The risk of birth defects was found to be two to four times higher for babies that were not conceived naturally.

The risk increased further for multiple births, such as twins.

The most common birth defects seen included heart wall issues, cleft lip, cleft palate, as well as gastrointestinal problems.