You might think that after the arduous process of becoming pregnant by IVF, you’d be relieved and ecstatic! The reality is that it takes its toll. If you’re not on cloud nine, there’s nothing wrong with you, and we’ll explain why.
Early pregnancy is always accompanied by fatigue [1], but expectant mamas who have undergone IVF may feel it twice as intensely, particularly if you’ve had a long road to pregnancy. The side effects of hormonal drugs and the restrictions you’ve endured are exhausting. You reach the goal — pregnancy! — as tired and taxed as if you’d just been pregnant [2].
There is an upside: by now, you know your body very well. You know what it can and cannot do, how it responds to stress, and how it reacts to different medical interventions. You also know that feeling of lack of control, a reality we all deal with sooner or later in pregnancy. IVF brings understanding that’s invaluable during pregnancy [2].
Medical anxiety
On the negative side, going through IVF is likely to make you more anxious during pregnancy. Studies show that those who conceive after IVF are most worried about the health of their baby. Screening for genetic abnormalities is of particular concern [3].
The physical, emotional, and financial resources poured into IVF naturally make you feel like this is your only chance to have a baby. This only breeds anxiety. It can lead to insomnia and nightmares. Some expectant mothers find themselves obsessively checking for vaginal bleeding, fearing the worst [4].
You’re likely to pay inordinate attention to any little change in your body, including your weight and little aches and pains. You may become a militant expert on nutrition, childbirth, and post-birth recovery [3].
All things considered, it’s understandable if you’re having a tough time just feeling joyful about your pregnancy. Remember what’s coming; you’ll soon have a baby in your arms, and you’ll breathe easy.
Fears about parenting a child conceived through IVF
There are expectant mamas who can leave the conception experience behind as soon as they learn they are pregnant. This doesn’t mean they are worry-free.
Some are confused by what IVF means for their baby. IVF babies are no different from those conceived the traditional way, but some parents feel embarrassment, confusion, and anxiety related to the process. It doesn’t help that a lot of uninformed conversations and myths surround IVF. Learning more about it from legitimate sources can be helpful.
If a donor egg was used, the mother may feel anxious about the lack of genetic connection to her baby. The father may feel the same in the instance of donor sperm [2]. These concerns are common, but it’s worth remembering that traditional conception and genetic connection don’t guarantee much. Plenty of children don’t look or act like their parents. No one can be sure they’ll pass on their eye color or mathematical abilities [2].
Biological ties do not determine family. Care, attention, mutual affection and love do.
