Are you one of the women who have recently been treated by IVF cycles and the pregnancy test came out positive? After that, you should be filled with happiness and joy. However, there will be some part of you that will be concerned that the pregnancy will not come through and you might lose the pregnancy.
This is a very usual thing that many patients experience especially those undergoing IVF procedures. They will ask how many weeks they have to lie in wait and then feel confident that their process of IVF was successful.
In this article we have discussed and also provided you with some healthy tips for IVF pregnancy that you can use.
At What Point Is an IVF Pregnancy Considered Safe?
It’s a common belief among doctors that an IVF pregnancy is more secure after the first three months or twelve weeks of gestation since it is during this period when the child undergoes essential developmental phases and becomes stronger.
However, every pregnancy should be considered as its own case, and thus, regular visits to your physician during this amazing journey are crucial if everything is going to be alright.
When Is It Safe to Relax?
Many specialists feel that pregnancy through IVF treatment gets safer after 12 weeks. This happens because the risk of miscarriage goes down a lot. Here’s an easy way to understand it:
- Before 12 weeks, the pregnancy is still delicate. You should proceed with caution and follow the advise of your doctor.
- After 12 Weeks: The pregnancy is more secure. Most women start to feel surer and might even start telling their friends and family the good news.
Why Do the First 12 Weeks Matter?
The first 12 weeks are key for a few reasons:
- Miscarriage Risk: Pregnancy loss has the highest chance in the first trimester. This chance goes down after 12 weeks.
- Development: The baby’s key organs such as the heart and brain, begin to form during these weeks. Issues at this stage could affect the pregnancy.
- Hormonal Changes: The pregnant mother’s body adjusts, which might cause complications at times.
Understanding the Risks
Although IVF is a safe and successful method of becoming pregnant, it does have certain dangers. Here are some risks related to IVF pregnancies.
- Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS): IVF medicines might enlarge and damage the ovaries. This is called OHSS and must be treated immediately.
- Multiple Births: Doctors may put more than one embryo in the uterus. This can lead to twins or triplets. While exciting, it can raise the risk of problems.
- Ectopic Pregnancy: This happens when the embryo sticks outside the uterus. It can be risky. Early detection helps in treatment.
- Preterm Birth: IVF babies might arrive more often. This early arrival can cause health issues.
The Early Weeks of IVF Pregnancy
The initial weeks after doctors put an embryo in the womb matter a lot. Here’s what goes on during this time:
1. Weeks 1-2: Embryo Transfer
- At this crucial time, the embryo starts implanting into the uterus. The embryo has to adhere to the uterus during this essential period.
- During this time, medical experts often advise women to avoid heavy lifting and stress.
2.Weeks 3-4: Implantation and Confirmation
- The embryo begins to grow if it attaches well. We call this implantation.
- Doctors can verify the pregnancy with a test around the fourth week. This brings joy, but the pregnancy is still new.
The Growing Embryo: Weeks 5-11
As the embryo grows, the chance of problems like miscarriage drops. Here’s what happens:
1. Weeks 5-6: Heartbeat
The embryo’s heart begins to beat! This marks a key point because it shows that pregnancy has an impact on growth.
2. Weeks 7-8: Development
The embryo keeps growing and changing. It remains small, but it starts to look more like a baby.
3. Weeks 9-11: Getting Stronger
By now, the embryo has gained strength, and the risk of issues starts to go down.
Mid-Pregnancy: Weeks 12-20
At this point, the pregnancy becomes more stable, and the baby grows fast. Here’s what occurs during these weeks:
1. Weeks 12-16:
At this phase, the fetus’s organs are still developing, and you may start to feel movements from him/her.
2. Weeks 17-20:
The baby has grown big enough to show up on an ultrasound. Many parents learn if they’re having a boy or a girl at this stage.
This period requires regular check-ups with your fertility doctor to ensure the baby grows well and to check for any signs of problems.
Late Pregnancy: Weeks 21-40
The final part of pregnancy focuses on preparing for the baby’s arrival. Here’s what you can expect:
1. Weeks 21-28:
Your baby’s brain grows fast, and they gain more weight. You’ll feel the baby move a lot in this period.
2. Weeks 29-36:
Your baby’s lungs become more mature, and they get ready to live outside the womb. The baby also turns to a head-down position to prepare for birth.
3. Weeks 37-40+:
Your pregnancy reaches full-term, which means the baby has developed and is ready to be born. Now you start to wait!
Conclusion
IVF is a great help for pairs having trouble conceiving. Even though the initial trimester of conception is quite tenuous, the possibility of having a successful pregnancy increases immensely.
It’s important to speak with an expert about the risks or benefits if you or someone close to you plans on pursuing IVF (In Vitro Fertilization). After about three months into the pregnancy, eager expectant mothers should start gearing themselves up for their new journey!
