Your Journey Post Conception
Becoming pregnant after fertility treatments is an exciting and joyful experience. As couples and individuals cherish the start of this beautiful phase of their lives, there are often concerns about how to have a healthy and safe pregnancy.
Pregnancy care or prenatal care following fertility treatments like IUI and IVF is largely the same as the care taken for pregnancies following natural conception.
At Birla Fertility & IVF, we encourage singleton pregnancy (with single embryo transfer) to minimise the risks associated with multiple pregnancy for the couple. However, for high order pregnancies embryo reduction may be recommended to make the pregnancy safer for mother and child. Important aspects of prenatal care include:
Booking an Appointment with an Obstetrician
Finding a good and reliable obstetrician is paramount for a healthy pregnancy. Consulting an obstetrician experienced in high-risk pregnancy care is recommended if you are expecting multiple babies like twins or triplets.
Take Prenatal Vitamins
Prenatal vitamins are vitamin supplements aimed to fill any nutritional gaps in the expectant mother’s diet. Vitamins like folic acid are essential for fetal development during pregnancy and helps in protecting the baby from developing congenital complications like spina bifida.
Quit Smoking
Smoking is to be avoided by both partners during any type of fertility treatment. After pregnancy, the expectant mother must refrain from smoking or consumption of tobacco in any form as it is associated with an increased risk of several pregnancy complications including preterm labour, low birth weight and preeclampsia.
Limit Caffeine Intake
Excessive consumption of caffeine has been associated with an increased risk of miscarriage. Swapping caffeinated beverages like coffee and tea for healthier drinks like green tea and fruit juices, is recommended during pregnancy
Follow a Healthy Diet
A diet rich in green leafy vegetables, fresh fruit, lean protein, unsaturated fats, and whole grains is advised. Processed sugar, red meat, trans-fats, unpasteurised dairy products, raw fish or undercooked meat, fish with high mercury content, liver and certain cheeses must be avoided during pregnancy.
Avoid Alcohol and Consumption of Illicit Drugs
Alcohol and illicit substance consumption during pregnancy has been linked to several birth defects, miscarriage, and other pregnancy complications. Medical help is recommended in case of addictions.
Exercise
Pregnancy is associated with weight gain. However, it is important to prevent excessive weight gain even during pregnancy as it can increase the risk of pregnancy complications like gestational diabetes and preterm labour. Mild to moderate pregnancy safe exercises can help manage weight gain, regulate mood, and have a healthier pregnancy
Learn the Danger Signs
Many pregnancy complications can be treated effectively if diagnosed on time. Learning danger signs and symptoms of pregnancy complications can help you get timely medical intervention, especially if you have a high-risk pregnancy
