IVF pregnancy is unique and usually, many women feel happy, hopeful and at times anxious about the pregnancy. IVF is a physically and emotionally demanding procedure to conceive and therefore every stage is very crucial. Knowing what is expected of you in each of the trimesters can help you to plan and be confident. We at SCI IVF Hospital strive to support our patients throughout this journey giving them the best advice and treatment possible for a healthy pregnancy.
First Trimester: Establishing the Pregnancy
The first twelve weeks of pregnancy are termed the first trimester, during which the embryo becomes implanted in the uterus and starts to grow. This phase for IVF pregnancies is therefore closely monitored to confirm that the pregnancy is healthy. Hormonal assays like hCG are done to confirm pregnancy and monitor pregnancy progress. First scans are also done to confirm the location of the embryo and to see whether it has a heartbeat.
During this period, most women are known to have some symptoms such as nausea, fatigue and mood swings due to hormonal changes. Some patients also must take other medications for example progesterone or estrogen after the IVF treatment for the duration of the pregnancy. It is crucial to discuss your worries with your doctor to lay the groundwork for good health for the next months.
Second Trimester: Growth and Stability
The second trimester, which ranges from week 13 to week 26 is normally referred to as the second trimester or the ‘golden period’. During this time, many women are relieved from early symptoms and feel much more energetic. During this trimester, the baby experiences a lot of growth and at this time you will realize that you are pregnant by feeling the baby kicking.
Some of these are the anomaly scan where the baby’s body structure and growth are checked. In IVF pregnancies, further tests may be carried out to check whether the placenta is working well and whether the baby has enough fluid. This period is relatively free from complications and is the best time for parents to be planning for the arrival of their baby.
Third Trimester: Preparing for Delivery
The last phase of pregnancy is from week 27 to 40; the baby grows very fast, and the body gets ready for childbirth. Special attention should be paid to the control of such risks as preterm labour, gestational diabetes, or hypertension in IVF pregnancies.
Before the delivery date is due, there will be a debate on whether the mother will be required to undergo a normal delivery or a caesarean section. Individualized counselling is performed to minimize risks for both the woman and the newborn during this period.
Emotional Support During Pregnancy
Any pregnancy after IVF may be very emotionally charged because of the process that was gone through to achieve it. Anxiety can be caused by concerns about complications or past difficulties with infertility. These are normal emotional responses at SCI IVF Hospital we offer counselling to the couple and provide support groups to assist in handling them. It is crucial to have a positive environment that will help to stay as calm and positive as possible.