In vitro fertilization is a technique in which the eggs are fertilized outside the mother’s body and then they are implanted back into the woman’s uterus. If a woman has undergone IVF, she needs to take certain precautions to increaseher chances of being successful. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is an effective way to treat infertility problems. IVF has helped many couples to fulfill their desire to become parents.
How IVF Works
Before the procedure begins, fertility specialists administer a set of medicines to the prospective mother in order to stimulate egg development. The prospective father’s sperm is taken, which is then frozen and stored. The mother's eggs are surgically extracted and frozen.
An egg and sperm outside of the body are combined in a sterile incubation environment. Once the eggs divide successfully, an embryo is created. Surgeons transplant the nascent foetus into the uterus of the prospective mother between 1 and 6 days after fertilization. A healthy egg, healthy sperm and a healthy uterus are requisites to create a baby through this process.
After an embryo implant, the woman is given hormones during the next two weeks to aid in the implantation of the egg(s). When the eggs get attached to the uterine wall then the pregnancy is confirmed.
Safety and Precautions
Once a woman has undergone IVF, it is necessary to follow the doctor's advice. The precautions advised are:
- Avoid sexual intercourse
- Avoid lifting heavy objects during the two-week procedure
- Avoid strenuous exercises
- Avoid caffeine, alcohol, drugs and smoking
The primary risk involved with in vitro fertilization is multiple births. More likely than natural pregnancies, in vitro fertilization can result in twins, triplets or more. Multiple births can result in more complications for mothers and for babies too (such as more birth defects).
The Bottom Line
The process of IVF is prescribed to the infertile couples looking for help to conceive. The technique is safe and effective. To make it successful, you need to understand the procedure and prepare months in advance. This can increase your chances of successful IVF.
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