London, June 15 (IANS) Babies born through IVF treatment are at two-fold risk of developing major birth defects, a study has found.

The findings revealed that more than four percent of babies born using the technology suffered from heart, kidney or bladder problems compared to two or three percent in natural conceptions.

However, researchers said more work should be done on the role of inherited disease, but couples considering IVF (In vitro fertilisation) must to be told of the risks.

Lead researcher Dr Geraldine Viot, of the Maternité Port Royal Hospital in Paris looked at data on 15,162 children born in France after fertility treatment between 2003 and 2007.

Viot found that overall, 4.24 per cent suffered from "major congenital malformations", particularly heart disease and urogenital problems in boys.

A spokesman of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority said: "The risks are still very small. It is important that patients are informed about this, but not alarmed by it."