Women who are not able to conceive naturally have been given the hope of getting pregnant. With the help of an assisted reproductive technology known as in vitro fertilization (IVF) couples can undertake this method as an option to achieve pregnancy.
IVF and pregnancy at the early stages require special care and attention. IVF and pregnancy success rates differ depending on several factors such as the woman's age, individual attributes of each embryo, certain hormone levels and the condition of the eggs and the capability of the IVF clinic or lab. Women who are younger have more chances of having a live birth than older women.
IVF and Pregnancy: Follow up tests
During the process of in vitro fertilization several steps are performed to have a successful pregnancy. One of the most important steps for a successful IVF and pregnancy is follow-up testing to observe if the egg was implanted successfully.
There is uncertainty for many women with regards to what to look for in IVF and pregnancy symptoms. When the egg is implanted into the woman's uterus signs of advanced pregnancy can be observed when there are hormones being generated from the woman's body. To confirm pregnancy, a patient will show signs of amenorrhea, dizziness, abdominal pains, craving for certain foods, tenderness of breasts and fatigue. With the appearance of symptoms of early IVF and pregnancy, the doctor will perform a urine analysis to confirm the pregnancy. Some of the best methods to prove the pregnancy are through ultrasound and home pregnancy test. If the IVF pregnancy is past the eighth week, the patient will be given the same care as that of a normal pregnancy. The doctor will keep monitoring the pregnancy. About ten weeks after fertilization, sounds of the heartbeat can be heard on a sonogram. If multiple eggs were implanted, the patient may be offered to decide whether to reduce the pregnancy or not. If a woman opts not to there is a probability for multiple pregnancies.
Keeping a pregnancy journal can guide a patient through the process of IVF and pregnancy. Taking notes from the day when the eggs were implanted in the uterus and each signs or symptoms during the stage of pregnancy.
IVF and Pregnancy: Problems
For IVF and pregnancy, common problems similar to normal pregnancy may happen. One common problem is miscarriage. Patients should also be closely monitored during the early weeks of pregnancy for any signs of complications. The woman's HCG level will be checked and if there is low HCG level in their bodies progesterone may be given.
There are other risks that can be associated with IVF and pregnancy. There is a greater possibility for multiple births to occur. In addition, if the procedure was not carried out successfully during the IVF treatment especially during the ovarian stimulation, a woman can get ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) which causes painful and swollen ovaries. Bleeding and infection may occur during transvaginal ultrasound aspiration. Sometimes damage to the bowel and bladder surrounding structures may be incurred.
In IVF pregnancy, women generally have normal pregnancies. The success rate, rate of miscarriages and rate of ectopic pregnancies for IVF pregnancies are similar to natural pregnancies.