Patient: Dr. Gulati, why do some IVF pregnancies end in miscarriage?
Dr. Gulati: That’s a great question. When a couple finally gets pregnant after IVF, it’s an incredibly joyful moment. Everyone is filled with excitement — the couple, and us as doctors too. After the embryo is implanted and pregnancy begins, we closely monitor the HCG hormone levels.
Patient: And the HCG levels rise, right?
Dr. Gulati: Yes, at first they do. But sometimes, during an ultrasound, we discover there’s no heartbeat. Or the patient might start bleeding around 6 weeks, which can lead to a miscarriage. It’s heartbreaking after all the effort of IVF. The emotional toll is huge — one moment, you think you’re about to have a baby, and the next, it’s gone. It’s really hard to process.
Patient: That sounds devastating. How do couples usually handle such a loss?
Dr. Gulati: It’s extremely challenging. Many infertile couples already struggle with self-esteem. They feel frustration, anger, and sadness because they haven’t been able to conceive naturally. When they do get pregnant through IVF and then miscarry, they often blame themselves. They think, “I couldn’t get pregnant naturally, and now I’ve lost the pregnancy even with IVF.” It just adds to their emotional burden.
Patient: I can only imagine how difficult that must be. Is there anything that can be done to prevent miscarriages in IVF pregnancies?
Dr. Gulati: While we can’t prevent all miscarriages, we do take steps to reduce the risk. This includes thorough pre-treatment evaluations, improving the woman’s health before starting IVF, and closely monitoring the pregnancy. But it’s important to understand that some miscarriages are beyond our control, and there are various reasons why they can happen.
Patient: It must feel like an emotional rollercoaster. How do you support your patients through these challenges?
Dr. Gulati: Emotional support is essential. We offer counseling and encourage patients to talk openly about their feelings and fears. Understanding the reasons behind the miscarriage and discussing next steps helps couples feel more in control. This helps them stay hopeful for the future.
Patient: Thank you, Dr. Gulati.
Dr. Gulati: You’re welcome. If you’d like a second opinion, feel free to fill out the form on our website with your reports, and I’ll give you a free consultation. You can also book a consultation at www.eggdonors4all.com for direct advice. This could help guide your next steps and potentially save you a lot of costs in the long run.
