IVF is an exciting journey towards parenthood, and it feels like achieving pregnancy is all that matters. But what happens after the Big Fat Positive pregnancy test? I believe it’s vital to think beyond your odds of conceiving and check out IVF pregnancy: key points to consider. As a midwife I looked after hundreds of pregnant women after their IVF and helped birth their babies and I’ve seen what can happen!
The mission of my fertility coaching program now is to prepare my clients to have a better, safer pregnancy after successful IVF.
Remember to keep it as your goal is to have a healthy and complication-free pregnancy, to be aware of potential risks and obviate them.
1. Multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets, etc.) – resulting from two embryo being transferred – have higher risks for mother and baby. These include higher chances of developing preeclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy) and premature birth.
2. The risk of Post Natal Depression and mental health issues may be as high as 25% for women who have used IVF, according to a study in the Journal of Midwifery (https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1542-2011.2011.00033.x).
Prevention is a whole lot better than having to go through it when you should be able to enjoy your new motherhood.
So that’s why professional mental health support for postpartum mood disorders ideally starts well BEFORE your baby arrives! After spending so much time trying to conceive the uncertainty and grinding misery of failed or cancelled cycles, miscarriage or pregnancy loss – it’s time to look ahead new horizons and possibilities.
But first it makes sense to work through mood, emotions and anxiety.
Self-care means time to heal the traumas, grief and losses and ease the burden of infertility off your shoulders, and prepare for joy in your life. And with EMDR this is a rapid process of brief therapy.
3. Frozen embryos, compared to fresh ones, may have a slightly higher likelihood of causing preeclampsia and giving birth to larger-than-average babies, which can lead to childbirth complications.
4. Fresh embryos may increase the chances of preterm birth, while blastocyst-stage embryos (day 5 or day 6) may have a slightly higher risk of very preterm birth.
5. Singleton pregnancies from donor eggs have a slightly higher likelihood of causing preeclampsia, including severe cases.
6. Engage with your IVF medical team, so that you fully understand the rationale of your protocol. Ask questions, and seek clarification to ensure you (and your baby) receive the best care possible.
7. It’s crucial to have a strong support system of family, friends, and fellow IVF patients to provide emotional support and share experiences.
8. Self-care is essential during this journey, so prioritize your physical and emotional well-being.
8. Consider joining support groups or online communities (beware of anonymous ones!) to connect with others going through similar experiences.
9. Remember that every IVF pregnancy is unique, and your medical team can guide you based on your specific circumstances.
10. Be aware that different IVF protocols (medicated or natural cycle) may slightly impact the risks of preterm birth and preeclampsia.
11. Stay informed and advocate for yourself, as not all IVF practitioners may be aware of all the nuances and risks associated with IVF pregnancies.
12. Take comfort in knowing that you have embarked on a journey filled with hope, and with the right support and knowledge, you can navigate it with confidence.
Follow me over on Insta for updates and info.
Book your free 10-minute discovery call to find out more