While the road to getting pregnant may have been a bit different, your journey to delivery usually doesn’t involve any specific “detours” from any other delivery.
That being said, there are some things to consider. Statistically, there is a slightly higher risk for preterm delivery, according to a study published by the NIH. Preterm birth occurs before 37 weeks. Rapid development of the brain and lungs wraps up around this time.
With IVF babies, doctors closely monitor the development and tend toward early and safe delivery. Most IVF babies enter the world around 38 weeks of gestation. From embryo transfer, doctors monitor these precious little individuals throughout pregnancy, so delivery induced at or around 38 weeks is safe for them and for you. Let’s have a look at what else you should expect during birth week, the process, and health tips for recovery.
Does IVF Alone Determine Delivery?
IVF alone does not determine your method of delivering your baby. And vaginal birth is still possible with IVF, as long as you and your doctor agree that it’s safe for both you and your baby. There may be underlying reasons why a vaginal delivery may not be your best option. But the potential risks and complications are pretty much the same for IVF moms-to-be as they are for non-IVF moms-to-be. The difference is that the IVF mom is more closely monitored from embryo transfer to delivery.
Here are some of the factors that determine your delivery method:
- Health of the Mother: Your overall health, well-being, age, and any pre-existing conditions determine how your baby enters the world. Your doctor may determine a C-section as the safest way to deliver, or induction with a vaginal birth, or you may go into labor naturally and deliver vaginally.
- Health of the Baby: From embryo transfer on, the health and development of your baby is your doctor’s primary concern. If there are any reasons why a C-section is best, including your baby’s position in your uterus, your doctor will advise a C-section.
- Obstetric History: Depending on the condition of your uterus, if you’ve delivered via C-section before, you may require that method again. Your doctor determines the safety of and potential for complications regarding a vaginal birth after cesarean (V-BAC).
- Pregnancy Complications: Just as with a non-IVF pregnancy, certain pregnancy-related complications, such as preeclampsia, placental issues, gestational diabetes, and certain medical conditions, may increase your odds for a C-section delivery. The safety and well-being of you and your baby is priority one.
Depending on certain factors, the odds for a C-section delivery may be greater for your IVF pregnancy. That doesn’t mean C-section delivery is a foregone conclusion. But keep in mind, as a team, our main goal is a healthy baby and a healthy mother.
What is The Process for a C-section
If you and your doctor determine a C-section is best, there are a few different ways it may go. You and your doctor may plan a C-section and decide on the delivery date, just as with any planned surgery. You show up at the hospital at a designated time, and you’re prepped for a surgical birth.
You may end up delivering via C-section if your doctor determines any complications, and this may be your only option for a safe birth. In this case, you may have an emergency C-section. That can be scary, as you’ll be whisked off to the operating room immediately, and there is an urgency to the entire process. However, please keep in mind that your doctor determines the very best delivery method to bring your baby safely into the world and keep you healthy while doing so.
In most cases, you’ll remain awake during the surgery, and your birth partner will be there too, if you like. You won’t feel anything beyond a bit of pressure and tugging, but absolutely no pain. That’s because you’re numb from your chest to your feet thanks to a spinal anesthesia called an epidural.
Once you’re numb, your doctor makes a horizontal incision just above your pubic area. They remove the amniotic sac and deliver the baby. As you and your partner marvel over ten perfect fingers and toes and get some cuddle time in, the doctor finishes your c-section and stitches you up. The entire procedure takes just about an hour. You’ll go on to recovery, and your baby goes to the nursery. Once you both receive a clean bill of health, you’ll share a room in the mother-baby area of the hospital. The staff monitors you for any complications over the next 72 hours. Then it’s home to start your wonderful journey together.
In some instances, complications may arise, and your C-section experience may differ. There’s always a potential for general anesthesia, and usually, in that case, your partner won’t be with you. You’ll require extra time in the hospital to fully recover.
Tips for Staying Healthy for Mom
Recovery from giving birth, whether a C-section or vaginal delivery, begins with getting as much rest as possible. Bed rest and taking it easy are the best ways for your incision to heal. Please follow your doctor’s directions for tending to your incision at home. Take pain meds as needed, but alert your doctor if you are breastfeeding. Here are some healthy ways to help your recovery.
- Process your emotions as you did throughout your fertility journey. Talk with trusted family and friends and follow up with your doctor’s office if you feel overwhelmed at any time. We can help you find a professional who specializes in the roller coaster of emotions you feel postpartum. If you suspect postpartum depression, please get help immediately.
- Take walks outdoors. Even a short walk up your driveway and back to start goes a long way toward recovering your strength. As you feel better, consider a walk around the neighborhood or a visit to a walking train with your partner, family, or catch up with friends. Walking is a great way to get those feel-good hormones flowing and prevent blood clots.
- While anesthesia and medication help prevent pain, they slow down your digestion. Weakened abdominal muscles and shifting hormones don’t help you when you can’t seem to get moving. Constipation is a very common and uncomfortable side effect of giving birth. Make sure you’re getting plenty of fresh fruits and veggies, whole-grain fiber, and drinking lots of water. If you’re concerned about your lack of a BM, ask your doctor to recommend a stool-softener.
Baby’s Healthy Start
Before the hospital releases you and your baby, they do a thorough assessment of your little one. Your pediatrician has examined your baby, and the hospital has thoroughly observed your tiniest family member beginning immediately after birth. You should feel confident taking your newborn home.
When you arrive home, continue skin-to-skin contact and encourage your partner to do the same. This is one of the best parts of bonding with your new baby. If you’re not experiencing much success with breastfeeding, contact the lactation consultant.
Your Partners on The Journey of A Lifetime
For more information on what you can expect as the birth of your IVF baby draws close, please contact LA IVF. We look forward to partnering with you on your journey of a lifetime.
