Staying pregnant after IVF: How to protect your pregnancy, according to doctors

But here’s an important truth: those fears are incredibly common, no matter how you conceived. And while it’s easier said than done, try not to let the anxiety take over. Most early miscarriages are out of your control—and certainly not your fault.

“It is so important to understand that often the cause of a miscarriage is not known and, if you have one, you may not have been able to prevent it. It isn’t your fault; you are not to blame.”

In the first three months of your pregnancy (especially), try to put your emphasis instead on taking it easy, being kind to yourself, practicing self-care and trying not to stress.

Probably easier said than done! So here are some things you can do to make sure you’re giving your IVF pregnancy the best chance possible…

What is the risk of miscarriage after successful IVF treatment?

The Human Fertilisation & Embryology Authority (HFEA) who regulate fertility clinics and the fertility treatment process in the UK, do acknowledge there is slightly higher incidence of miscarriage in pregnancies from assisted conception.

However, this doesn't mean there's a higher 'risk'. In fact, they believe this is mostly down to the fact that a woman who is confirmed pregnant from this method is more likely to be aware of the pregnancy much earlier than a woman who has not been treated.

Other factors that make this incidence higher is that many women who go through IVF are older (the current average age of a patient starting IVF for the first time is over 35 compared to 29, which is the average age of a woman giving birth for the first time in England and Wales) and often have other underlying fertility issues, both of which are known factors for miscarriage.

Miscarriage is most common in early pregnancy and therefore it is possible that other women are experiencing early miscarriage but do not realise. After 12 weeks the risk of miscarriage goes down dramatically.

The main risks may come from the condition which stopped you from conceiving naturally in the first place. For example, if you have blocked or damaged fallopian tubes, this can cause an ectopic pregnancy.

If you're concerned about anything, speak to your IVF team, midwife or GP. Also, an early ultrasound scan can put your mind at rest.

Does being monitored after IVF increase the risk of miscarriage?

If you have a history of miscarriage or stillbirth, then you may be seen more regularly by a specialist during your pregnancy. This is the same for any pregnancy with the same history.

If you are expecting twins or more, you will probably be monitored more closely than in a regular pregnancy.

If you went through assisted conception treatment because you were trying for a baby and are over 35, you may be more closely monitored for your own health (blood pressure, gestational diabetes etc) and for the health of the foetus.

There is nothing to unduly worry about, but regular monitoring is a sensible move, just to be on the safe side.

If your general health has been compromised by your treatment in any way (very rare) or you have an ongoing condition which originally led you to take the assisted conception route, you may be required to see a doctor or specialist a little more regularly than a woman going through a regular pregnancy.

Again, you can rest assured that this is usually a precaution for most women and is nothing to panic over.

How can you look after yourself in the early weeks of IVF pregnancy?

The best thing to do during the early stages of your pregnancy is simply to take care of yourself as best you can, by:

• Choosing a healthy lifestyle. It's important in any pregnancy to get yourself into good condition in terms of diet and nutrition. “There are some factors which may reduce your risk of miscarriage,” says Dr Philippa. “Not smoking or using recreational drugs, not drinking alcohol, trying to maintain a healthy weight and eating a balanced diet.

• Making sure you’re up to date with immunisations. “Some infections, such as rubella (German measles), can increase the risk of miscarriage, so if you are not already immunised or haven’t been exposed you can consider having the MMR vaccination before you get pregnant,” says Dr Philippa. “If testing during pregnancy, (often at your booking appointment) shows that you are not immune to rubella, you will be advised to have the MMR vaccine AFTER the baby is delivered as the MMR vaccine cannot be used in pregnancy.”

• Speak to your specialist medical team about your specific needs. “If there is a known cause of previous a miscarriage, for example a condition where the blood clots more commonly, such as antiphospholipid syndrome then treating with medications to prevent clots such as aspirin may help reduce the risk of miscarriage,” says Dr Philippa. “In some people, a late miscarriage, or premature delivery may be due to a weakened cervix, for example after surgery to the cervix, and treatment may be offered.”

• Pay attention to your body. Take it easy and pay attention to your body. If you feel tired, have a rest or take a nap. Early pregnancy can be exhausting.

• Travelling? Check you’re OK to beforehand. If you're working and have to travel, check with your midwife that she's happy for you to do so.

• Don’t be afraid to contact your GP. If you see signs of bleeding in early pregnancy, don't panic. Some small bleeding episodes are common. Still, don’t worry about checking in with your midwife or GP just for a little reassurance.

• Reach out to those in the same boat. If you're finding it tough to enjoy your pregnancy, or are really struggling generally, make use of the counselling services available via your fertility clinic, or join an IVF support group to seek support from other women (or men) who know just how you feel.

Should you wait before having sex after IVF?

Some practitioners believe that sex is not advisable in the early weeks after getting pregnant by IVF.

As a general rule of thumb, most fertility clinics advise that you should wait 2-3 weeks after your embryo transfer before being intimate with your partner, but you should ask your fertility specialist for advice based on your individual situation.

Sex isn’t advised straight after IVF because there’s a small risk that the female orgasm, which causes contractions in your uterus, could affect the embryo implanting. Sex could also increase the chance of contracting an infection.

If you’re concerned, consult the clinic that treated you, or speak to your midwife. If you want to be especially cautious, you can wait until you’ve seen your positive pregnancy test before getting intimate again.

Some people choose to wait until the 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.

Please note: this advice is not personalised or meant to replace individual advice given to you about your pregnancy by your doctor or medical team. As always, if you are concerned about your health then please seek medical advice.

References:

[1] The Human Fertilisation & Embryology Authority (HFEA), Key facts and statistics, https://www.hfea.gov.uk/about-us/media-centre/key-facts-and-statistics/