Staying Pregnant after IVF

When IVF treatment has been successful, you want to feel healthy and relaxed to ensure your stay pregnant

When couples enter into the process of IVF there is often so much emphasis on getting pregnant that once they get over the joy of successful conception, they are left with the feeling, 'What now?'

Pregnancy after IVF
Once you are pregnant, unless there are specific medical complications already identified, your pregnancy should continue as any normal one would do. For an overview, go to Pregnancy after IVF.
After the pressure of IVF treatment, it's understandable if you are a little nervous about the risk of miscarriage. But your fears are similar to those of many other women who get pregnant naturally, without any form of assisted conception.
Try not to worry too much as early miscarriage is almost always beyond the mother's control, but if you want to feel more 'briefed' for your own peace of mind, check out signs of miscarriage.
In the first three months of your pregnancy, the emphasis is on looking after yourself and getting familiar with the tests and checks ahead.

Taking it easy and being good to yourself
It is important in any pregnancy to get yourself into good condition in terms of diet and nutrition.
Thinking is still a little blurred on caffeine and alcohol during pregnancy, but ideally it is good to err on the side of caution and get into better drinking habits now, by cutting these out.

If you see signs of bleeding in early pregnancy do not immediately panic. Some small bleeding episodes may occur, though do consult your doctor or midwife if you are concerned.
Usually, the advice you will get is to 'rest, rest, rest' and this is no bad thing. Whilst miscarriage is only very rarely caused by a fall or other physical accident suffered by the woman, taking it easy is important in the first three months. Don't feel the pressure to become a superwoman!
If, due to work or other commitments, you need to travel, think carefully about long haul flights and discuss these with a doctor or midwife who is aware of your condition and medical history.

Some practitioners believe that sex in pregnancy is not advisable in the early weeks after getting pregnant by IVF. If you are concerned, consult the clinic who treated you, or your midwife.
If you want to be especially cautious, you can wait until your first antenatal scan – seeing your baby's heartbeat and going through this first proper medical check is the best way of putting your mind at rest.
If you do avoid intercourse during this time, do bear in mind that intimacy in pregnancy is important for you and your partner, even without sex.

Most importantly, if you do take it easy and stay healthy, try to enjoy this special time. You've worked hard to get here!