IVF and Postpartum care: Life after giving birth

During pregnancy and after labour, a woman’s hormones are changing at light speed. “As pregnancy progresses, your body produces extraordinary amounts of estrogen and progesterone”, says Aumatma Shah, N.D., fertility specialist and naturopathic doctor. These hormones are responsible for secretion of dopamine and serotonin(the happy hormones).

But right after the birth, these hormones are not secreted at their speed and cause  very common postpartum depression. 

Ashley Margeson, a naturopathic doctor, says, "the first three months are a bit of a whirlwind of sleep loss and emotions as your system runs mostly on adrenaline to move you through the day."

Around the six-week mark, she says, postpartum depression symptoms may begin to show as those positive post-birth hormones continue to fade.

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In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a complex series of procedures used to help with fertility or prevent genetic problems and assist with the conception of a child. During IVF , mature eggs are collected (retrieved) from ovaries and fertilized by sperm in a lab.

IVF AND POSTPARTUM    

• Body changes after pregnancy and in post partum after IVF, it is not uncommon to gain weight. You feel bloated, although you start to shed this after your next period.
• Emotional imbalnce is also seen in women after. After fertility treatment, you may not secrete sufficient amount of progesterone and that causes a downfall in emotional cycle
• IVF and labour, both bring a handsome amount of changes in the body. Increased appetite is one of them. It is very likely for the mother to eat more after these processes. 
• Gastro changes are another very common afereffects. Feeling constipated or loose stool are popular complaints. 
• Postpartum bleeding differ in every woman. Some are found stating that they bled for 4-6 months with a day or two intervals, after IVF.
• As every body is different, results will very in most cases. Child birth already with a handful of surprises, however some other may accompany, like wanting to sleep more than usual, anxiety of leaving your baby alone etc.

Postpartum after IVF may differ a little from regular pregnancy, but there’s no need to panic. Yours is also more likely to be normal. However if you feel your body to be changing more than comes with issues which are always contents of solution. It’s important to address any discomfort and consult to a doctor for postpartum issues. Take Gytree’s “Postpartum wellness program” to get the right guidance from the experts.