由 home-healthhaven 
Today, approximately 1 in 100 babies are born with the help of assistive treatments like in-vitro fertilization (IVF). Once the baby arrives, the hurdles faced during IVF may seem small in comparison. However, the journey can be a tough one that many potential mothers worry about. Here’s a simple breakdown of what to expect.
**Hormonal Changes**
A lot of women are nervous about starting IVF because of the fertility drugs used to stimulate egg production. These drugs can sometimes cause uncomfortable side effects, but not everyone experiences them.
The side effects, such as bloating and weight gain due to water retention, are often similar to what you might feel during a menstrual cycle. These symptoms usually disappear after the treatment phase is over. Mood swings, hot flashes, and anxiety may also occur but will also fade in time.
In rare cases, some women develop a condition called ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHS). This is usually mild and not life-threatening but can cause abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and sudden weight gain.
Women undergoing IVF also have a slightly higher chance of experiencing miscarriages, ectopic pregnancies, multiple births, and postpartum depression. If you have concerns, discuss them with your doctor; they’re there to help you understand these risks before you start.
**Taking the Next Steps**
The idea of egg retrieval can be nerve-wracking, but it’s a quick outpatient procedure that lasts less than an hour. You’ll be sedated or fully asleep during the process. The doctor will use an ultrasound to locate the ovaries and egg-containing follicles, then extract the eggs with a needle. A specialist will check the extracted fluid right away to identify the eggs while you begin your recovery. You’ll go home the same day.
Next, the fertilized eggs will be prepared for the embryo transfer procedure. This is another short procedure where you’ll be fully awake. The doctor will insert a speculum and then a catheter through the cervix, using an ultrasound to place the embryos in the best spot for implantation.
Just like with egg retrieval, you can go home the same day, but avoid any activities that might jolt your uterus while waiting to see if you’re pregnant. You’ll take a test within 9-11 days. If you’re pregnant, the clinic might want to monitor you for the first two to three months.
In the end, most worries are about the unknown. Fertility clinics are experts in this field, and the process has greatly improved over the years. Staying informed and positive will make the journey more manageable and help you maintain realistic expectations.