How is Pregnancy After IVF? Week-by-Week Symptoms & Care Guide

Being a parent is a joyful experience as well as a journey filled with confusion, particularly for parents who have long struggled with the issue of miscarriage or infertility. Many couples face the question of what the symptoms are, how it is done, and how it is different from a normal pregnancy.

Well, Pregnancy after IVF is similar to normal pregnancy; however, the symptoms might differ from couple to couple. This blog is for couples looking for a week-by-week guide for IVF pregnancy. No matter what stage of your IVF pregnancy you are in, this week-by-week guide is designed to help you.

Pregnancy Timeline After Undergoing IVF Treatment

Being a mother is similar to going through the difficult experience of pregnancy. Maybe that's why mothers are regarded as gods who give birth to a new life. If you are a mother undergoing IVF, you will begin to notice changes in yourself as the pregnancy goes on.

The changes will be both mental and physical, such as mood swings, appetite loss, strong headaches, vomiting, and flatulence. From conception to delivery, the process is the happiest and full of challenges. The pregnancy timeline after IVF is similar to a normal pregnancy of 9 months, however, the weeks can differ from one to another.

IVF Pregnancy Week by Week

Here is a detailed guide to pregnancy and changes women might observe in their bodies:

0 to 4 Weeks: Transfer and Fertilisation of Embryos

In this stage, the embryo developed in the laboratory is implanted into the uterus. The fertilised egg then begins implanting itself in the uterine lining during the crucial first four weeks of pregnancy. During this period, women might experience a moderate discomfort and implantation bleeding.

5–8 Weeks: Growth of the Foetus

The embryo has now been placed in the uterus and is progressively growing its organs and systems. Women experience a wide range of symptoms during this time, including mood swings, breast soreness, morning sickness, and exhaustion. Hormonal changes are the cause of these symptoms.

9–12 Weeks: The First Quarter

The embryo's growth transforms into a foetus throughout the first trimester or the first months of pregnancy. From this point on, the umbilical cord's function is to supply the foetus with vital nutrients. You can experience strong emotions and more morning sickness than normal around this period.

Also Read: After How Many Weeks IVF Pregnancy Is Considered Safe

13–16 Weeks: Comfort of the Mother

Things start to become a little easier as you approach the thirteenth week of pregnancy. Some ladies no longer have the symptoms that were present during the initial weeks. On the other hand, some women experience new issues like breathing difficulties and heartburn.

17–20 Weeks: Movement of Baby

As you approach the midway point of your pregnancy, you're thrilled about the prospect of seeing your unborn child on ultrasound. You can feel your unborn child's movement in the womb at this point, and the desire to be a parent begins to take hold. This guarantees your child's healthy development. However, you can be experiencing stomach pain and back pain during this time.

21–24 Weeks: Preparation and Viability

Your baby's chances of surviving outside the womb rise as your pregnancy progresses. You may experience increased weight gain and changes to your skin as the fetus's organs continue to develop.

25–28 Weeks: The Third Quarter

The countdown to the birth of your child has begun as you enter the third trimester of your pregnancy. You must now monitor the fetus's movements to get all the important information on the state of your child's delivery. You could have to deal with pain and oedema at this period.

29–32 Weeks: Nearing the Finish Line

Excitement doubled as the moment approached. At this point, the parents begin preparing for the birth of the kid. The baby's health can be confirmed by keeping an eye on the foetal movements and the number of kicks.

33–36 Weeks: Last-minute Arrangements

You will soon be in the final stages of giving birth to your child. You should be excited because you're finally going to meet your baby. You will need to monitor your blood pressure and preeclampsia because the foetus is also developing.

37–40 Weeks: Welcome Your Baby

Your enthusiasm and eagerness are probably at their highest as your due date draws near. If you haven't already, now is the perfect time to complete your birth plan and make sure everything you'll need for your baby's arrival is ready.

IVF Pregnancy Symptoms Week by Week

Every woman's body is different, and hence, the symptoms while undergoing IVF procedure can be different. Here are some general symptoms that most mothers can experience from the start of the IVF procedure to the delivery of the baby.

• 4 Weeks IVF pregnancy symptoms: mild cramping and spotting of blood.
• 6 Weeks IVF pregnancy symptoms: fatigue, nausea, breast tenderness, hormonal shift
• 8 Weeks IVF pregnancy symptoms: morning sickness, fatigue, mood swings
• 14 Weeks IVF pregnancy symptoms: visible baby bump, increased appetite.
• 18 Weeks IVF pregnancy symptoms: baby movement, body ache, fatigue
• 22 Weeks IVF pregnancy symptoms: glucose screening, skin texture changes
• 28 Weeks IVF pregnancy symptoms: frequent urinationation, shortness of breath
• 32 Weeks IVF pregnancy symptoms: back pain, discomfort
• 36-38 Weeks IVF pregnancy symptoms: labour signs, pelvic discomfort

Summing it Up

Following IVF treatment, the path to pregnancy is fraught with challenges. From the transfer of the embryo to its implantation and the preparation of the delivery to the child's eventual arrival. You face unique problems and new experiences every week. But what you need to do is keep an eye out for any changes in your symptoms and see your doctor frequently if you want a healthy pregnancy.

Even though IVF pregnancy symptoms might not show up right away, they are still signs of a healthy pregnancy. Every pregnancy is unique, therefore, you must look after both yourself and your unborn child during this wonderful journey. The best IVF Centre in Delhi offers IVF treatment if you are also having trouble becoming pregnant. If you face any difficulty, you can book appointments and discuss your queries with doctors.

Also Read: How To Lose Extra Kilos After an IVF Pregnancy?