Each IVF treatment's goal is to successfully conceive. Once this is achieved, a pregnant IVF woman still has some things to keep in mind even after attaining pregnancy to ensure a successful live birth.
What a Pregnant IVF woman should expect
Feeling happy and the same time scared
For IVF patients who have gone through several cycles of IVF, it's pretty normal to be concerned and be nervous. But don't let stressful thoughts get to you to prevent pregnant IVF problems from arising.
Continuation of progesterone support
Progesterone is an important hormone that helps keep the pregnant IVF woman stay pregnant. After a pregnancy is confirmed, the doctors might suggest for you to continue taking progesterone medications. You can discuss with your doctor the type of progesterone you want to use- injectable, suppository, or gel.
Blood test monitoring
Your doctor will continue to monitor your hormone levels via blood test for at least a few weeks. HCG levels are checked to ensure a healthy and safe pregnancy. When HCG hormone level is high this usually indicates a multiple pregnancy. Estrogen level should also be monitored to assure no ovarian hyper stimulation syndrome is developing. Progesterone levels are also checked.
Follow up ultrasound
Before the doctors release a pregnant IVF mother to a regular obstetrician, they will have follow up with at least two ultrasounds; mainly to check any chance of multiple pregnancies and to check for any signs of abnormalities in the development of the embryo inside the womb.
If ovarian hyper stimulation syndrome (OHSS) has developed, it will take time to feel better
When an IVF patient has develop an OHSS which is an effect of too much stimulating medicines, the pregnant woman should regularly see her doctor. Symptoms of OHSS are just mild but in case of an IVF pregnancy, symptoms are usually prolonged or may get worse. So a constant check with your doctor should always be maintained because OHSS can also be life threatening for you and the baby.
Release to a regular obstetrician
About 8 weeks after a confirmed pregnancy, your doctors would release you to a regular obstetrician. Some pregnant IVF patients might question the effectiveness of going to a regular obstetrician after the long and stressful process of an IVF procedure, but there's no need to worry. Talk to your doctor about your concerns.
Issues to be monitored in an IVF pregnancy
IVF birth defects
Babies from IVF pregnancy have higher risks of birth defects than those from normal pregnancy. A close monitor should be done to check for signs of any birth defects. Some birth defects are treatable after the baby is born but it is still best to avoid any incidents that can cause birth defects.
IVF chromosomal abnormalities
Most of the time, older women are the ones who go through IVF. As age increases, the greater the risk for babies to develop chromosomal abnormalities. Series of screens should be done to detect any early abnormalities.
Pregnant IVF women should be responsible enough in taking care of their health. Taking multi vitamins, avoiding stress, eating healthy food, and having lots of rest are the key to prevent any future complications.