Getting a positive result after an IVF cycle is an incredible milestone. It’s often the moment couples dream of and hold their breath for. And when that moment finally arrives, it brings a mix of joy, disbelief, relief, and yes, even anxiety. If you have just found out you are pregnant after IVF, congratulations. But now you might be wondering: what happens next? An IVF pregnancy can feel different from a natural one, especially in the early days. There’s a little more monitoring, a little more caution, and a lot more questions.
Even though IVF pregnancy can feel different, the risks of any congenital abnormalities in the baby are similar to those of a natural pregnancy. Here’s a simple breakdown of what to expect once that second line shows up on the test. If you’re just starting out or want to understand how it all leads to this moment, here is a comprehensive overview of the IVF process.
Understanding the Positive Test
Unlike natural conception, where most people use a home pregnancy test, IVF confirmation works a little differently. After your embryo transfer, pregnancy is confirmed with a blood test called the beta hCG test. This test checks for the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) — the one your body starts producing after implantation.
It’s not just the number that matters, but how that number rises. If all looks good, you might be called in for another test within 48 to 72 hours to make sure things are progressing.
Depending on your results, the clinic might ask you to come back for another test in a few days, or, if all looks good, they will schedule your first ultrasound.
The First Ultrasound Scan
Around 6 to 8 weeks into your IVF pregnancy, your clinic will schedule your first ultrasound. This scan checks for key early markers: the gestational sac, yolk sac, and ideally, the fetal heartbeat.
Hearing that first heartbeat is often the moment the pregnancy feels real for many IVF parents. But don’t panic if everything isn’t visible right away. Sometimes, especially with later implantation, doctors may ask you to return for a follow-up scan in a week. That wait can feel long, but remember — IVF pregnancies are carefully monitored for this exact reason.
Ongoing Hormone Support
Even though you are pregnant, you will likely continue with hormonal support, especially progesterone and possibly estrogen, for a few more weeks. These medications help maintain the uterine lining and support the early stages of pregnancy until the placenta is developed enough to take over hormone production, typically around 10 to 12 weeks.
It’s important to take your medications exactly as prescribed and not stop them abruptly without your doctor’s approval, even after a positive scan.
Transitioning to OB-GYN Care
Once your IVF clinic confirms that your pregnancy is progressing normally, usually around the 8 to 10-week mark, you will be transferred to a regular obstetrician or gynecologist. This transition can feel a bit nerve-wracking. You have built a relationship with your fertility team, and it might feel like you are leaving the safety net behind.
But rest assured, your obstetrician will be fully briefed on your IVF history and care. From here on, your IVF pregnancy is managed like any other, though sometimes with a bit of extra attention depending on your medical background.
Emotional Wellness During IVF Pregnancy
One thing that often goes unspoken is how emotional early IVF pregnancy can be. After months or years of trying, it’s common to feel scared of getting too excited, especially if you have experienced loss before. You might find yourself Googling every symptom or quietly counting the days until each scan.
It’s okay to feel all of this. Many IVF moms experience heightened anxiety, and there’s no shame in that. What helps? Talking to someone who understands. Whether it’s your partner, a counselor, or a support group, having a space to express your emotions makes a big difference. Journaling, meditation, or just unplugging from the constant research can also help ease the mental load.
If you are reading this after getting a positive result, take a deep breath. You are pregnant. And while it may have taken a bit more science and a lot more patience, your journey is just as valid and beautiful.
From now on, the focus shifts from procedures and protocols to nurturing the little life growing inside you. There may be more milestones, more scans, and more nerves, but there will also be more hope, more love, and the start of something incredibly special.
Need Support? We are Here for You
At London IVF Centre, we know that every IVF pregnancy is unique, and we are here to guide you at every step. Whether you are just starting your journey or navigating early pregnancy after IVF, our team is just a call away.
Have questions about your IVF pregnancy? Reach out to us today.
