Being pregnant after struggling to conceive can be a challenging and anxious time for many.
Often it can almost be a double-edged sword. On one hand you are elated to be expecting a child, but on the other you will no doubt be anxious and concerned about the pregnancy itself.
When you have had a long and difficult journey to pregnancy it’s entirely natural for you to feel this way and to wonder how you will survive the coming months without going completely mad. The shock of finally crossing the threshold from fertility patient to parent-to-be can take some time to get used to.
The NHS Choices website is full of helpful information to guide you through your pregnancy:
- what to eat and which supplements to take
- help giving up smoking or drinking
- your baby’s development week by week
- coping with common pregnancy ailments like morning sickness, tiredness and headaches
- information on ultrasound scans, and the various tests and checks you will be offered during your pregnancy.
- vaccinations recommended for pregnant women
- advice on labour and birth
- where do you want to have your baby – at home, in hospital or in a midwife-led unit?
- pain relief options available during labour
Whether you are pregnant following IVF, ICSI or IUI, with your own eggs and sperm or using donor gametes, we are here to provide support every step of the way. If you are worried, would like advice or reassurance then please call our Support Line and talk to us.
If you have had antenatal screening, and are awaiting the results, you may be feeling anxious. Deciding to have these tests, and waiting for the results can cause a great deal of anxiety and uncertainty for the parents and their families. The vast majority of parents will ultimately be reassured that the pregnancy is progressing as expected.
Antenatal Results and Choices (ARC) is the only national charity helping parents through antenatal screening and its consequences. They offer non-directive information and support to parents before, during and after antenatal screening.