Any IVF mamas here?

Question

I just had my 32 week midwife appt and was told it’d be induced at 39 weeks because it’s an IVF pregnancy. Apparently there’s been some studies that show women who got pregnant with IVF tend to go overdue and they want to avoid complications that come with that and stillbirths 😳 (it was great hearing that word in the same sentence as IVF). That’s something I wasn’t aware of, and since I was hoping for a natural unmedicated birth, the thought of being induced for no medical reason and forcing my body and my baby to do something they’re not ready for doesn’t sit well with me. Any of you IVF mamas have been told the same thing? I wonder if it’s only the case in the UK. Obviously I want what’s best for my baby and I’d rather be safe than sorry, it’s just not something I was expecting or even gave any thought to before. If you could share your experience with induction that’d be great too! Just no horror stories please, I’m already on edge about this 😅

Answer

I’m 37 and have an IVF pregnancy. I was told I would have the OPTION to be induced between 39 and 41 weeks, but it was not required. I’m in Washington DC. The midwife mentioned both my age and IVF as factors for why they want me to have the baby before 41 weeks, but I understood age to be the main factor. I’m planning to eat all the dates and all the spicy foods to try and avoid an induction. I’m hoping to have an unmedicated birth.

Answer

We got pregnant through IVF. We had unexplained infertility and I’m only 22. My doctor is inducing me at 39 weeks because of IVF conception, but I didn’t ask why. I think it’s so strange they treat IVF pregnancies different after you’re pregnant but I’m sure they know best! Good luck ❤️

Answer

My friend had her baby through ivf and was induced at 41 weeks. Labor and birth went great and she had a healthy chunky girl. I have always wondered if babies actually gestate longer than what they say is average; I knew EXACTLY when I ovulated all of my pregnancies because I’m an ultrasound tech but I never went into labor until after 41 weeks. 
That being said, I don’t think your dr is giving enough evidence that would keep you from going at least until your due date.

Answer

I had 2 kids through IVF. My first water broke at 35wk6d and they have to induced me. She came out at 36wks exactly. 
My son born at exactly 39 wks. My doctor never asked about induce. She said the baby come when he wants to come. 
But my kids are 5 and 7. So maybe back then is different. 
This one, is natural. She will comes whenever she will.

Answer

I recently moved from WA to Alabama. My doctor in Washington said he would induce me at 39 weeks because this is an IVF pregnancy. When I brought it up to my new doctor he said he wouldn’t and that he would treat it like a normal pregnancy 🤷🏻‍♀️ I think it’s just doctor preference!

Answer

Interesting. I’m an IVF pregnancy as well- 30 weeks and haven’t heard this. I had planned on talking to my doctor at next weeks appointment to see when I’d be induced, as I’m 42 and there are studies that show a higher stillbirth rate for women over 40. I’ll ask about the IVF part now too!

Answer

No experience, but if you search on the Evidence Based Birth website, they may have some studies relating that would help

Any IVF mamas here?

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