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IVF Pregnancy Monitoring

We have years of experience in managing IVF Pregnancies which often require a tailored monitoring approach

Fertility Clinics choose us to take care of your pregnancy!

Fertility clinics recommend London Pregnancy Clinic for ongoing pregnancy care due to our unrivalled expertise in Fetal Medicine and Obstetrics, specifically tailored for IVF pregnancies. Our team of specialists provides advanced, personalised early pregnancy assessments and anomaly scans, ensuring close monitoring and optimal care for complex IVF cases. Fertility clinics trust our high standards and focused knowledge in managing assisted conception pregnancies.

Beyond medical expertise, London Pregnancy Clinic stands out for its compassionate, patient-centred approach, enhanced by advanced technology. Our state-of-the-art ultrasound equipment and digital health platforms ensure a seamless, informed experience for patients. This unique combination of medical excellence, empathy, and innovation makes London Pregnancy Clinic the preferred choice for safe, supportive IVF pregnancy care.

London Pregnancy Clinic - Happy parents after IVF treatment

Our Experts can help with any questions arising about your IVF Pregnancy

What do we offer to IVF patients?

  • Early Viability Scans: Detailed ultrasound scans in the early weeks to confirm the pregnancy, detect heartbeat and assess implantation.

  • Advanced Hormone Monitoring: Regular blood tests to track key hormone levels such as progesterone and hCG.

  • Personalised Care Plans: Customised antenatal care plans tailored to the unique needs of each IVF pregnancy, ensuring comprehensive monitoring by our Obstetricians, Midwifes and Gynaecologists.

  • NIPT and Genetics: Genetic Counselling and the most advanced Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing in the UK.

  • Specialised Fetal Anomaly Scans: High-resolution ultrasound scans conducted by fetal medicine experts to identify any structural abnormalities.

  • Higher Risk IVF pregnancies: Gestational Diabetes, Placenta Previa, Pre-eclampsia and multiple pregnancy.

  • Your One-Stop-Clinic for IVF Pregnancies – 5* Rated, Open Evenings and 7 Days a Week. Central London Location.

My IVF Treatment was successful, now what?

Congratulations on your pregnancy!

Managing an IVF pregnancy can differ from a natural pregnancy in a few important ways, mainly due to the unique needs and slightly higher risks associated with IVF. IVF pregnancies often require more frequent monitoring, especially in the early stages, to ensure everything is progressing as expected. This includes early ultrasound scans to confirm the pregnancy, detect a heartbeat, and check for the proper implantation of the embryo. IVF pregnancies may also involve hormone monitoring through blood tests, as patients often need additional hormonal support in the first trimester to help maintain a stable pregnancy. These extra checks provide reassurance and allow doctors to respond quickly if any concerns arise.

In later stages, IVF pregnancies might involve additional assessments to monitor the baby’s growth and wellbeing. Since conditions like pre-eclampsia, placenta issues, and preterm birth can be slightly more common in IVF pregnancies, specialists may schedule extra scans and tests. This careful monitoring helps in detecting any complications early, allowing for proactive management to keep both mother and baby healthy. By providing tailored care with a focus on early intervention, London Pregnancy Clinic can help support a smoother pregnancy journey for IVF patients, ensuring you feel informed and supported throughout each stage.

Image showing what would an ultrasound show at 7 weeks of pregnancy. It shows an Ultrasound image by London Pregnancy Clinic that shows the gestational sac, fetal pole and yolk sac - for educational purpose.

7 Week Scan of an IVF Pregnancy – Viability Scan

Frequently Asked Questions

Some of the questions our specialists can help with…

What is the difference between an IVF pregnancy and a natural pregnancy?

An IVF pregnancy differs from a natural pregnancy in that the embryo is created outside the body using in vitro fertilisation techniques before being transferred to the uterus. Due to this process, IVF pregnancies are often more closely monitored, especially in the early stages, to ensure successful implantation and embryo development. Additional scans, blood tests, and sometimes hormonal support help manage the unique needs of an IVF pregnancy.

Throughout the pregnancy, there may also be extra monitoring for potential complications, as IVF pregnancies can have a slightly higher risk of issues like pre-eclampsia and placenta-related conditions. These additional measures ensure both mother and baby receive the necessary care and early intervention if needed, supporting a healthy pregnancy outcome.

Are IVF pregnancies considered high-risk?

While not all IVF pregnancies are high-risk, they do have a slightly increased risk of complications compared to natural pregnancies. These include conditions like pre-eclampsia, placenta previa, and gestational diabetes, which may occur more often in IVF pregnancies due to factors like multiple embryos and advanced maternal age. Close monitoring helps to manage these risks effectively.

Despite these increased risks, many IVF pregnancies progress smoothly with specialised care. Through regular scans and blood tests, doctors can quickly identify and manage any issues, allowing for early intervention when necessary. This approach enables many IVF pregnancies to proceed safely through to delivery.

Why is early pregnancy monitoring more frequent with IVF?

In IVF pregnancies, early monitoring is crucial to confirm successful implantation, check for a heartbeat, and ensure stable hormone levels. Since IVF involves external fertilisation, specialists monitor the embryo’s development closely to detect any issues early on. Early scans and blood tests are common to verify that the pregnancy is progressing well.

This frequent monitoring also provides reassurance to IVF patients, who may have gone through a lengthy fertility journey. Early check-ups help manage any potential risks from the start, giving both the mother and medical team confidence in the pregnancy’s progression.

Are multiple pregnancies (twins or triplets) more common with IVF?

Yes, multiple pregnancies are more common with IVF, especially when multiple embryos are transferred to increase the chances of success. Twins or triplets can increase the risks for both mother and babies, including preterm birth and complications like pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes. Many clinics now recommend single embryo transfer to reduce these risks.

For patients with multiple pregnancies, more frequent check-ups are usually required to monitor each baby’s development. Specialists track the growth and wellbeing of each fetus to identify any potential complications, ensuring all babies receive the best possible care from early pregnancy through to delivery.

Does IVF increase the chances of pre-eclampsia?

IVF pregnancies are slightly more likely to result in pre-eclampsia, a condition marked by high blood pressure that can impact the health of both mother and baby. The reasons aren’t fully understood but may relate to maternal age or factors involved in IVF treatment. Close monitoring helps detect early signs of pre-eclampsia, allowing for timely management to protect mother and baby.

Regular blood pressure checks and additional tests during pregnancy enable doctors to act quickly if pre-eclampsia symptoms arise. Managing pre-eclampsia early, often with medication and rest, can reduce complications and support a safer pregnancy outcome.

Is there a higher chance of miscarriage with IVF pregnancies?

IVF pregnancies have a similar miscarriage risk to natural pregnancies, but factors like maternal age or pre-existing health conditions can influence this. Since many IVF patients are older, there is a slight increase in miscarriage risk due to age-related factors rather than IVF itself. Early scans and monitoring help identify any potential issues that could impact pregnancy viability.

If a miscarriage occurs, clinics offer compassionate support and guidance on next steps, including options for further treatment if desired. Through close early monitoring, IVF pregnancies can receive prompt attention to help reduce risks where possible.

Do IVF pregnancies require extra scans and tests?

Yes, IVF pregnancies often involve extra scans and tests, particularly in the early stages, to confirm a healthy start and track the baby’s growth. Ultrasound scans and blood tests are common in the first trimester to ensure the embryo is developing well. As the pregnancy progresses, doctors may schedule additional growth and wellbeing scans to monitor for any complications.

These extra scans provide reassurance and allow for early detection of any issues, especially in cases of multiple pregnancies or if conditions like pre-eclampsia are a concern. Through regular check-ups, IVF pregnancies can be carefully managed to support both mother and baby throughout each stage.

Are there any dietary or lifestyle changes recommended for IVF pregnancies?

A healthy lifestyle is essential for all pregnancies, but in IVF pregnancies, doctors may offer additional guidance on nutrition and activity. Since IVF patients may have undergone intense treatment, focusing on a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and avoiding certain foods can support recovery and the baby’s development.

Maintaining a gentle exercise routine, avoiding alcohol and smoking, and reducing stress are also beneficial. IVF pregnancies benefit from extra attention to overall wellbeing, which can positively impact both mother and baby’s health, supporting a smoother pregnancy journey.

Is it safe to travel during an IVF pregnancy?

Travelling during an IVF pregnancy can be safe, especially in the early and middle trimesters, but it’s important to check with your healthcare provider first. IVF pregnancies can have unique needs, and travel should be carefully planned around medical appointments and any potential risks. For instance, long-haul flights may increase the risk of blood clots, so it’s advised to move around regularly and stay hydrated during travel.

Before making any travel plans, patients should discuss with their doctor, who can provide specific recommendations based on their health and pregnancy progression. With proper precautions, many IVF patients can travel safely, especially with advice from their medical team.

Does IVF affect the baby’s health or development?

IVF babies are generally as healthy as those conceived naturally, although some studies suggest a slightly higher risk of low birth weight and preterm birth, often due to multiple pregnancies. Single embryo transfers are now more common to reduce such risks, allowing for healthier outcomes.

IVF does not affect a baby’s long-term development, and most IVF-conceived children grow up healthy. Through additional monitoring and personalised care, any potential risks can be managed effectively to support the health and development of IVF babies from pregnancy through birth.

Is London Pregnancy Clinic a fertility clinic?

London Pregnancy Clinic is predominantly a pregnancy care centre aimed to cater for all of your needs during pregnancy:

We also specialise in diagnostics and offer a range of fertility diagnostic tests and scans: