by Pregnancy is a very special and delicate stage in a woman’s life. Throughout this journey, a woman faces many ups and downs, physical changes, and intense emotions, both positive and negative. In general, it is a journey to bring a new life into the world. She gives you the opportunity to have children and be a father. But even a small mistake can lead to pregnancy loss, and suffering a miscarriage can be devastating. In fact, it can even affect her ability to get pregnant again. To get pregnant again, most experts suggest in vitro fertilization (IVF) after a miscarriage.
Pregnancy after a miscarriage
Pregnancy after a miscarriage can be a difficult decision to make. Women are often concerned or perplexed about the cause of their miscarriage, as well as worried about future pregnancies. The phase between trying to conceive again and seeking infertility treatments is what bothers them.
Symptoms of a miscarriage
The type of miscarriage a woman endures varies for everyone. Vaginal bleeding is one of the most common symptoms of a miscarriage. A miscarriage is of three types: complete, incomplete, and threatened. In a complete miscarriage, the embryo and other products of conception leave the body through the uterus. The cervix becomes dilated during incomplete miscarriages, causing excessive bleeding and abdominal cramping.
Threatened miscarriages are caused by incorrect implantation, followed by cramping and bleeding. During a miscarriage, pinkish-white mucus and blood clots leave the body. Women should seek medical attention immediately to prevent bleeding and infection.
Health Shots contacted Dr. Parul Gupta, Infertility Specialist at Rajouri Garden, Nova IVF Fertility, to understand how IVF can help a woman get pregnant again after a miscarriage.
When should you consider IVF after a miscarriage?
IVF treatment is not the only option available after a miscarriage. But if you are having difficulty conceiving again, you may want to consider IVF treatment.
Dr. Gupta says: “Miscarriage is common in the first few months, with 50 percent of miscarriages occurring during the first three months of pregnancy, according to the National Library of Medicine. It is important to note that a single miscarriage does not mean that a woman cannot have a pregnancy again. However, from the initial 20 percent, the risk of another miscarriage increases to about 28 percent after two consecutive miscarriages, and after three or more consecutive miscarriages, the risk increases to about 43 percent. Therefore, couples who experience recurrent pregnancy loss should opt for fertility solutions such as IVF treatments.”
What is in vitro fertilization treatment?
In vitro fertilization or IVF is a procedure in which doctors remove mature eggs from the uterus and fertilize them with sperm samples. After fertilization, the embryos are transferred back to the uterus.
Dr. Gupta explains: “The procedure follows steps that include ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, and fertilization. During ovarian stimulation, drugs such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) are given to stimulate the ovaries to produce eggs. Using ultrasound, a thin needle is inserted into the ovaries to extract the eggs from each follicle. The fertilization stage consists of fertilizing the eggs with the help of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
As part of IVF, fertility specialists provide preimplantation genetic testing (PGT). The method allows medical professionals to check for chromosomal and genetic problems that could cause an embryo to miscarry. Genetic diseases such as cystic fibrosis and other ailments are also tested for, adds Dr. Gupta.
Also read: Expert answers 12 questions you should ask yourself before starting IVF treatment
IVF is a safe procedure. However, the success rate of IVF depends on several factors, such as age, the cause of miscarriage, the cause of infertility, and biological and hormonal conditions.
Tips to prepare for IVF treatment
Follow these 5 tips to prepare your body for IVF treatment, according to Dr. Gupta:
1. Have a well-balanced diet and a good sleep routine: A healthy pregnancy requires lifestyle changes. A well-balanced diet rich in leafy vegetables, legumes, fruits, and iron-rich foods provides the body with the nutrients it needs. Also, it is important to ensure a healthy sleep routine of 7-9 hours.
2. Avoid substance use: Avoid smoking, drinking, or taking medications that can negatively affect your fertility process. Limit your caffeine intake as well.
3. Exercise: Incorporate light to moderate exercise like walking, yoga, or jogging into your daily routine. However, keep in mind to avoid excessive training. Too much exercise can affect your ability to release.
4. Go to a medical check-up: Get a full-body health assessment to determine if you have any health problems before starting an IVF cycle because issues like endometriosis and fibroids can hinder the success of your IVF treatment.
5. Reduce stress: Make a conscious effort to reduce your stress. IVF can be stressful for couples, and with the recent pregnancy loss thrown into the mix, anxiety is sure to increase. As a result, a strong support system is essential. Join support groups, connect with other parents undergoing fertility treatment, and seek help from friends and family in times of need. Use stress-reducing techniques such as meditation, yoga, and evening walks.
To conclude, IVF gives couples the opportunity to achieve parenthood. So if you are having trouble conceiving, consider trying this treatment.
