After the embryo transfer we will give you a date to do a home pregnancy test. If the pregnancy test is positive we will arrange a scan in 3 weeks to ensure that the pregnancy is continuing. You do not need to continue to use your pessaries.
If the pregnancy test is negative you should stop all the medications. Your period should start within a few days. We will arrange an appointment for you to discuss your future options.
Pregnancy Scan
We will offer to do a pregnancy scan about 3 weeks after a positive pregnancy test. On occasions we may arrange a slightly earlier scan.
A vaginal scan will be undertaken and we would expect to see a growing pregnancy with a small fetus and evidence of fetal heart activity, in other words a baby measuring about 1-1.5 cm and a heart beat. We are able to diagnose a multiple pregnancy at this scan also.
Unfortunately occasionally we pick up pregnancies that haven’t grown to this stage which may be miscarriages waiting to happen or may not even be visible on ultrasound scan. In those cases we need time sometimes to confirm a diagnosis, including occasionally of an ectopic pregnancy (one which is growing outside the womb).
This further assessment may require more scans and blood tests and sometimes specific treatment. This will be discussed with you on an individual basis but because of this possibility we would advise that you make no firm plans to be away from home until we have had the opportunity to confirm that all is well with your pregnancy or undertake any necessary treatment if not.
This can be a very anxiety provoking appointment however, you can bring someone with you. If you do attend alone, our staff will explain everything that they see and instructions on what to do next.
What do we do if treatment fails?
You will be sent an appointment to come back to the clinic to see a nurse or doctor to review your treatment. Unfortunately most treatment cycles will not be successful in achieving a pregnancy. The estimated success rate is discussed in detail prior to the start of treatment.
We are aware of the great disappointment you may feel if your treatment fails. People cope with this in different ways.
If you wish to talk to us, please phone at any time and we would be happy to see you. A counselling service is available if necessary.
