Having a first pregnancy scan following IVF treatment

At Newlife IVF Greece, we understand how emotionally draining the IVF treatment process can be for our patients. Every phase of IVF comes with a mixture of feelings, including anticipation, hope, anxiety, and fear. For instance, the first ultrasound in which the patient gets to see the fetus for the first time is a very emotional moment. To women who conceive naturally, having an ultrasound is not such a big deal. However, for those who undergo fertility treatments, the ultrasound is the real deal. Although the pregnancy tests performed after the embryo transfer may confirm pregnancy, the ultrasound seeks to determine whether it is established and developing as required.

For many women, the days between the last pregnancy test and the ultrasound can fill like years. We can't impart how nerve-wracking the experience is on the due date. However, it is hard to put in words how joyful and happy patients feel when they finally learn that their pregnancy is developing as required. Our fertility specialists at Newlife IVF Greece will discuss with patients about some of the things to expect during initial consultations. There are no guarantees for IVF treatments. However, with Newlife, you can be sure to be treated with compassion and the highest level of professionalism at our IVF clinic.

How is The IVF Ultrasound Timeline?

When Should It Happen?

Usually, the first ultrasound is scheduled between the fifth and seventh week. The main reason why the ultrasound is done from the fifth to seventh week is that during this time, sonographers and doctors can detect a fetal heartbeat. Additionally, this is the time when doctors will be able to parse whether the fetus is developing according to the outlined medical guidelines. However, an exception can be made for the ultrasound to be done earlier if doctors suspect that you have an ectopic pregnancy.

Others things that doctors at Newlife Greece will look for include:

• The number of babies: The first ultrasound provides you and the doctors with a glimpse of how many babies you are carrying. Sonographers will be able to know how many fetuses are in your uterus at this time based on the number of gestational sacs.
• Abnormalities: Although it is still early, doctors can always check for defects by examining the yolk sac, gestational sac, and fetal poles.
• Ectopic pregnancy: While ectopic pregnancies are rare in IVF treatment, they are still possible, and thus are among the things checked during the fifth- to seventh-week ultrasound.
• Growth: An ultrasound is the best way to determine whether the embryo is progressing as it should. Even though you remember the transfer date or your ovulation date, doctors will use the ultrasound to rate growth and determine your due date.

What You Should Expect During the Ultrasound

The first ultrasound during the IVF pregnancy in most cases is performed vaginally. This because at this stage of pregnancy, the gestational sac is relatively small and picking up a heartbeat can be quite challenging. During the vaginal ultrasound, a thin wand that is covered with a protective shield is lubricated and then inserted into your vagina. Although this type of examination is uncomfortable, it is not painful at all. In fact, when you see the fetus from the screen, all the anxiety and discomfort may go away.

In some few cases, doctors can decide to use external ultrasound, as long as the gestational sac is visible. However, in this method, you will be required to come to the clinic with a full bladder to help the sonographers differentiate between the internal organs.

Regardless of the technique used, an image of the fetus will be displayed on a screen, and doctors will take a few measurements to assess and date your pregnancy accurately. If the ultrasound shows the desired results, our skilled IVF treatment specialist will schedule another ultrasound after a few months to track the progress. It is also crucial to understand that vaginal ultrasounds provide the most precise and most accurate images. Also, they are safe and won’t harm the fetus in any way.

The first ultrasound is a critical part of the IVF fertility treatment process, as it helps the doctors to detect any problem early enough. With the challenges you have gone through to get IVF treatment abroad, it would be prudent to keep up with all routine processes. And while we may not know how anxious and worried you are when walking into the clinic for the ultrasound; you can trust that our doctors and specialists are professionals, and they will help you navigate this process with less discomfort. Although you may get into the doctor’s room feeling anxious, confused, and scared, it will be exciting to take a glimpse of the little fetus inside your uterus.