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IVF Pregnancy Week by Week: Symptoms and Safety for a Healthy Journey
This is a milestone that brings great excitement and joy and lots of new questions about what to expect in pregnancy through IVF. IVF pregnancies are not so much babies as they are growing babies — meaning they frequently require heightened monitoring and a handful of other steps for things to move along as they should.
IVF Pregnancy Week by Week with Nex IVF: Explore each stage of your journey, understand symptoms, and receive expert tips for a healthy, confident pregnancy experience. In the process of sharing with you this week-by-week guide on typical symptoms, safety tips and the most important care guidelines to help you stay informed as well as ease your mind, we want to draw your attention to the following.
Weeks 1-4: Imperatore and Settlage point out that issues with early pregnancy and implantation are most commonly cited as contributing to infertility on their list. The first weeks in which the embryo implants and grows are critical after the embryo transfer. For many women,with subtler symptoms or even none at all, it’s best to just stay calm and be positive.
Symptoms:
Implantation bleeding (or mild cramping)
Fatigue and light-headedness
Mild mood swings and bloating
Safety Tips:
Follow ordered medication schedules, most notably progesterone support.
Don’t do heavy lifting and high-intensity exercise.
Hydration, balanced nutrition and rest as it relates to embryo implantation.
Weeks 5-6: With Ultrasound, Make Confirmation of Pregnancy
In fact around week 5 or 6, your doctor will perform an ultrasound to see the embryo and if the heartbeat can be heard within the embryo. When this stage arrives, you will feel reassured, and you will have officially begun tracking how your baby is growing.
Symptoms:
Nausea or morning sickness
Sore or tender breasts
Sensitivity to smells is increased and there may be mild food aversions.
Safety Tips:
Do not eat overly spicy or greasy food to prevent nausea.
Stay on top of hydration, especially if you feel nauseous, and chase those fluids with electrolyte-rich fluids.
Gentle, low-impact exercises such as walking, or stretching should continue.
Weeks 7-8: Hormonal Modifications and Emotional Readjustments
Weeks 7-8: can cause a surge in levels of hormones with stronger symptoms and emotional changes. At this point, most women are very aware of the changes in their bodies regarding pregnancy.
Symptoms:
Increased risk of heightened nausea and maybe even vomiting
Mood swings and sensitivity
Mild cramping and increased fatigue
Safety Tips:
Stay consistent with small, frequent meals that can help better manage nausea for you.
Rest a lot and make time for relaxation to keep emotional peaks and lows under control.
Seek advice from your doctor if the symptoms are severe and consult on safe anti-nausea options.
Weeks 9-12: First Trimester Milestones
Most IVF pregnancies will become more stable by about the 10th week. And you’ll still probably have hormonal symptoms, but you may also find your level of energy and mood changes.
Symptoms:
Some reduction in nausea and some lingering symptoms in others.
Food cravings or aversions
Week 12 a boost in energy and mood
Safety Tips:
To put your energy and baby’s growth at a healthy level, focus on nutrient-rich meals.
Don’t bring home too many cans of paint with you; listen to your body’s needs.
Keep regular checkups as planned to keep an eye on the baby’s growth.
Weeks 13-16: Entering the Second Trimester
The second trimester is referred to as the “honeymoon period” of pregnancy since many early symptoms start to fade. For IVF pregnancies regular monitoring continues to make sure everything is going alright.
Symptoms:
Decreased nausea increases appetite
No more fatigue and more stable energy levels
The uterus expands causing mild abdominal stretching or discomfort.
Safety Tips:
Do not take alcohol, smoking, or other illegal substances.
Keep healthy with light exercise such as walking, yoga or swimming.
As you start changing the body shape wear comfortable clothing.
Weeks 17-20: Development Tracking and Changes Preparation
By weeks 17 through 20, you will likely be able to see some of the baby’s more obvious physical changes. An anatomy scan early mid-way through this phase will give you very detailed information about your baby’s health and development.
Symptoms:
The body adjusts to extra weight and light backaches.
Bump that is noticeable and possibly quickening (feeling baby’s movements)
Mild heartburn and increased appetite
Safety Tips:
Backache in sleep can be eased with the help of a supporting body pillow.
Increase hunger? Nutrient-dense snacks.
Make sure you schedule and attend all ultrasounds and tests, as they are told.
Weeks 21-28: Specifically, we focus on topics related to Fetal Growth and Comfort.
In weeks 21-28, the baby moves more often and you may see certain kicks. Now is the time to do your best to stay comfortable and get enough nutrition.
Symptoms:
Frequent baby movements
Mild swelling in the feet or ankles
Heartburn or indigestion from time to time
Safety Tips:
Comfortable shoes and raised feet to minimize swelling help.
Spicy or acidic foods can also trigger heartburn so, avoid these.
Make sure to focus on prenatal vitamins and iron-rich foods so that both you and your baby have what they need to grow well.
Weeks 29-34: Getting Ready for the Final Stretch
The third trimester brings with it a new set of physical adjustments with only a few weeks to go. Your body is geared for delivery and you’re nearly ready for your baby’s arrival.
Symptoms:
Practice (Braxton hicks) contractions
And shortness of breath due to the baby’s growth.
Mild sleep disruptions and frequent urination
Safety Tips:
Breathe exercises also help with breathing problems and get ready for labour.
Manage pressure on your bladder by sleeping in comfortable positions.
And regular doctor checkups to keep an eye on the baby’s position and health.
Weeks 35-40: The Home Stretch, and the Final Preparations.
These are the final weeks of your pregnancy and it is the last time you can prepare for your baby’s arrival. But physical symptoms can be hard – they also indicate you’re nearly ready to meet your little one.
Symptoms:
Baby ‘drops’ lower in the abdomen resulting in pelvic pressure.
The contractions becoming regular but occur more frequently
A high level of anticipation/ nesting urges
Safety Tips:
Last minute arrangements and pack your hospital bag.
Talk to your doctor about what labour signs to look for and when to go to the hospital.
Prepare for labour and delivery while keeping rest, hydration, and comfort.
Why is it that you should choose Nex IVF for your pregnancy journey?
We, at Nex IVF understand the special IVF pregnancy experience and we are here to provide the experts in providing care and support. We know the business inside out and have experience placing thousands of adverts for mature, independent couples travelling the world. We guide you through every step, from conception to delivery, giving you the confidence and knowledge about when to expect each stage.
As every IVF pregnancy is like taking on a journey that isn’t at normal speed and has its very own milestones and needs, every one of them is precious. Following this week-by-week guide and focusing on caring for your horse properly, you’ve laid the foundation for having a healthy and fun time! Nex IVF will trust you to know and is there to provide the expertise and support that you need every step of the way.