You're finally pregnant! So everything is sunshine and rainbows now...right?
Of course it's wonderful news. But being pregnant doesn't erase everything it took to get here. As fertility patients, we put so much focus on the getting (and staying) pregnant piece of the puzzle, we don’t often let ourselves wonder about what comes next - for fear that it might never come.
So, what IS next? What can you expect when leaving your fertility clinic and transitioning to a new healthcare provider like an OB/GYN or midwife? It's only natural to have lots of questions popping up in your head right now. Thankfully, we’re here to answer them.
Skip to a specific question:
- How long will I stay with my fertility clinic after I get pregnant?
- When should I make my first appointment with my OB/GYN or midwife?
- Do I need a high-risk doctor?
- Is it weird that I don’t want to leave my fertility clinic?
- How do I say goodbye to my fertility clinic?
- I was labeled as having a “Geriatric Pregnancy" - what is that?!
- How much of my fertility journey should I share with my OB/GYN or midwife?
- What differences can I expect between my fertility clinic and OB/GYN or midwife?
- Will I ever be a “normal" pregnant person?
- How do I transition from fertility patient to parent?
- Will I be a good parent?
- What if I don't feel as happy as I thought I would?
- Will I ever be able to conceive on my own in the future?
- Advice from former fertility patients
Fertility Clinic to OB/GYN FAQs
After talking about fertility and pregnancy with thousands of people over the past thirty years, I can safely say - I've heard it all!
Here are the most frequently asked questions I hear in our support groups and in my one-on-one conversations with patients about this exciting (but emotional) transition from the fertility clinic to OB/GYN or midwifery care.
Note: The terms OB/GYN and midwife will both be used throughout this article, but all advice applies to both - regardless of the type of provider you choose for your pregnancy care.
Want to know what to expect now that you're pregnant? Just keep reading!
How long will I stay with my fertility clinic after I get pregnant?
Most fertility clinics “release” you to your obstetrician/gynecologist (OB/GYN) or midwife between 7-10 weeks of pregnancy. Typically, your fertility practice will have checked your blood HCG levels at least twice.
What is HCG? Put simply, HCG (short for human chorionic gonadotropin) is the hormone that indicates pregnancy.
At least one ultrasound is also typically done at your fertility clinic, checking to see if there’s a gestational sac and/or a heartbeat. Keep in mind, all fertility clinics have different criteria and standards, so your experience may vary.
➡️ Related: 10 Expert Tips for Picking a Prenatal Vitamin
When should I make my first appointment with my OB/GYN or midwife?
Obstetricians and midwives often book pretty far out, but they are also practices designed to frequently accommodate new patients (like you!) who are pregnant. Even though they are used to welcoming newly pregnant patients at different points during pregnancy, it's recommended that you call them and find out when they want to see you.
Some OB/GYNs or midwives want to see you earlier than is traditionally recommended, especially if you have undergone fertility treatment. Also, if you call earlier, you are more likely to get an appointment that suits you best.
Pro tip: Call and make your first appointment with an OB/GYN or midwife after you have had an ultrasound confirming the blood test results showing that you are pregnant.
Do I need a high-risk doctor?
The answer to this will depend on your personal medical history.
To determine whether you need to transition to the care of a high-risk doctor, you and your OB/GYN and/or your fertility doctor will assess your needs and have a conversation. If you’ve spent a long time trying to achieve a successful pregnancy and have had to undergo fertility treatment, you may assume that you need a high-risk doctor. You may be pleasantly surprised to find out that you likely don’t need one!
While getting pregnant might have been difficult, try to keep in mind that that was due to fertility struggles. Being pregnant may be a very different experience for you in comparison to your fertility journey.
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If you've experienced pregnancy losses or any bleeding (with this or other pregnancies), then you may be considered high risk. However, if you haven't, you'll likely be considered a typical pregnant patient after leaving your fertility clinic.
After trying so hard to conceive, it may be a bit of a strange adjustment, even if it’s a welcome one. Moving away from having something “wrong” (infertility) to having everything be "normal" can feel very strange - even anxiety-inducing. If you're feeling this way, know you're not alone!
What is a high-risk doctor? A high-risk doctor is a physician that specializes in taking care of patients who are experiencing complications with their pregnancy or baby. One type of high-risk doctor is called a maternal fetal medicine doctor (MFM for short).
Is it weird that I don’t want to leave my fertility clinic?
Nope.
Even though you never wanted to need a fertility doctor to become pregnant, there is a high likelihood that you have grown attached to your Reproductive Endocrinologist and Care Team.
Fertility treatment cycles are so demanding of your time - you probably saw the fertility treatment team, including front desk staff, medical assistants, nurses, mental health professionals, and of course, the doctors...a lot. You may have even seen these team members several times a week at certain points during treatment.
You’ve grown attached to them (and believe me, they've grown attached to you too). You know their first names, they know yours. It’s hard to leave, even when getting pregnant and moving on was the goal of fertility treatment. So, know that you are in good company if you feel sad or strange about leaving your fertility clinic.
One question fertility doctors get asked a lot is “Can you deliver my baby?” Technically, yes! A board certified Reproductive Endocrinologist (REI) is also board certified in Obstetrics/Gynecology. But unfortunately, the answer is no. Your fertility doctor sticks to helping people get pregnant, not delivering babies.
How do I say goodbye to my fertility clinic?
The answer to this varies from patient to patient. There is no perfect way to do it!
- Some patients leave their fertility clinic and never look back
- Some people bring or bake goodies as a thank you
- Some write a card
- Some send birth announcements when their baby is born
- Some give gifts to special fertility treatment team members
We get a lot of holiday cards with updates, which we absolutely LOVE...just sayin'. And many patients just express their love and appreciation directly. However you choose to say goodbye during this transition, know that we get just as attached to you as you do to us!
➡️ Related: 3 Tips to Maintaining Relationships During Fertility Treatment Stress
I was labeled as having a “Geriatric Pregnancy" - what is that?!
Only in the field of reproductive health could anyone be called "geriatric" if they’re age 35 or over! The term feels insulting, no doubt, especially when our egos have taken so many hits with infertility already. Many of us have had to manage feelings of being “damaged” or “less than” when we couldn’t get pregnant on our own (you know, the old-fashioned way)!
So hearing we’re "geriatric" feels like adding insult to injury.
One very important thing to remember is that this is mainly a label. (Another term for this is “advanced maternal age.” Less offensive? Not too sure about that.)
Yes, there are a few things that will need to be done differently in your pregnancy because of some increased risks due to your age. Yes, there may be more monitoring than if you were under 35. But after all you’ve been through to get pregnant, you may actually appreciate the extra care!
How much of the emotional side of my fertility journey should I share with my OB/GYN?
When it comes to details about your medical and physical history, share everything with your OB/GYN or midwife. It’s the best way for them to full understand and provide the care you need during this pregnancy. By sharing your full history, you can even lower your risk of complications or surprise issues.
Note: Mental health history is also different than emotional health history and should always be shared. Be sure to tell your OB/GYN or midwife about any medications or extra support you need to help support your mental health.
Notice though, this question is about the emotional side of your fertility journey! So let's talk about that.
What do you need to share about your emotional history with infertility? Well, it's up to you. Some patients become very close with their OB/GYN or midwife and end up sharing quite a lot about what they experienced during the ups and downs of fertility treatment.
Some patients do not. Some feel quite nervous going to see their OB/GYN or midwife and need to express their concerns and get reassurance that everything is normal and okay. Some patients go through their pregnancies completely confident, without bringing the emotions of their infertility experience with them.
Expect that you will be somewhere on that spectrum and that your experience with your new provider may slide around a little. Some appointments you will feel confident and relaxed about. Some you may not.
Give yourself a break, and know that no matter how you're feeling, it's okay. Share if you want to share, and don’t share if you don’t feel comfortable.
Want support throughout your pregnancy? Join us:
*Note: This is a private, invitation-only Facebook group. Click button above to email me for an invite!
What differences can I expect between my fertility clinic and OB/GYN?
If you have a normal, non-high-risk pregnancy, you’ll typically see your OB/GYN or midwife on a schedule that looks something like this:
- Prenatal visit every 4 weeks until 28 weeks gestation
- Prenatal visit every 2-3 weeks from 28-36 weeks gestation
- Prenatal visit every week until delivery after 36 weeks gestation
The frequency of your appointments during pregnancy will of course depend on your individual situation, but this may help give you a sense of what to expect!
Will I ever be a “normal" pregnant person?
You will discover the answer likely fluctuates between yes and no and everything in between.
The most important thing is to notice how you feel. Resist the urge to shame yourself for not experiencing pregnancy the way you think you should.
Another thing to avoid? Comparison. Just because your brother's wife went through IVF and had the "perfect" pregnancy and seemed to love it 24/7 doesn't mean you should too. Each person and each pregnancy are unique.
Feelings are just feelings - not a reason to judge yourself. You’ll enjoy your pregnancy more fully if you simply avoid shaming yourself for not enjoying it more!
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How do I transition from fertility patient to parent?
For some, infertility disappears the moment the baby arrives, not to be thought of again, or at least not frequently. But for most of us, it sticks around and rears its ugly head at moments that we think should feel less tender because we’ve now had our own baby:
- Pregnancy and baby shower announcements
- Questions about when we’re going to have another baby
- Feeling the pain of knowing that there may not be another child
- Considering when to start treatment again to have another child
- Bumping into a pregnant friend
Switching identities from fertility patient to parent is, of course, a relief. You finally get to be a parent instead of someone standing on the sidelines looking on at all the fun.
That relief can also be delayed, as those nine months of pregnancy aren't always when we feel that role shift from patient to parent - that often doesn’t happen until baby arrives.
Some of us feel almost shocked when there’s an actual baby in our arms after so much time spent trying and waiting. Be patient with yourself and know it will eventually feel real (and joyous).
Will I be a good parent?
Having gone through infertility, you may think that you will have extra patience as a parent - and you’re right, you probably will! You will also likely discover that your baby has no idea what you’ve gone through to have them and will be just as much work as any other newborn.
Like any other parent, you will want to do things perfectly and then come to realize that there’s a whole range of what that looks like for each family. Some babies have a harder time adjusting to the outside world and will cry a lot, even when you are doing everything right. It's okay to feel frustrated and overwhelmed.
Remember: you are the best parent for your baby, and the tough moments will pass.
A good rule of thumb to follow throughout parenthood? Keep forgiving yourself. Perfect isn't necessary (or even possible), so don’t be hard on yourself. You will do this right enough.
➡️ Related: Surprise Twins After Infertility: Stephanie's Story
What if I don't feel as happy as I thought I would?
You will likely be navigating complex emotions as someone who has been through infertility and desperately wanted to be pregnant for so long. When it isn’t exactly what you thought it would be and you don’t feel the way you thought you would, it can feel jarring.
Here's the honest truth: Not everyone looks at their newborn baby and falls immediately in love. If it doesn't happen for you right away, rest assured that you are not alone. Infertility, pregnancy, labor and delivery each take their own toll on your emotional and physical self.
Be gentle with yourself. Most of us do fall in love with our babies soon enough. But you’ve been through a lot and now are faced with intense hormonal fluctuations that can leave you crying at a moment’s notice.
All those stories about how exhausting it is to be a new parent? They’re true! It is exhausting. It is sometimes lonely. It is confusing to try to interpret your baby’s needs.
Note: If you're struggling to connect with your baby during pregnancy or after birth and feel you may need some extra mental health support, never hesitate to reach out to a therapist or your doctor for additional resources.
Will I ever be able to conceive on my own in the future?
Depending on your circumstances (i.e. your diagnosis and other factors), you may be able to conceive on your own after having a child with the help of fertility treatment. If you have blocked fallopian tubes, low ovarian reserve or other functional challenges, you’re unlikely to conceive the next time on your own without fertility treatment.
Although around 17% of those who don’t succeed with IVF will conceive on their own within five years, the chances of that happening will depend on each individual situation. Also, keep in mind that five years is a long time in the world of fertility, so playing the "wait and see" game can diminish your chances should you need fertility treatment again.
Our advice? Go back to your fertility clinic for an evaluation if you think you want another child to be sure there aren't any major roadblocks in your way.
➡️ Related: Finding Hope After Failed IVF: Chris & Desiree's Story
Advice from Former Fertility Patients
You know who really "gets" how hard all of this can be? Former fertility patients. Here’s some solid advice from those who have made the big transition from fertility patient to finally pregnant.
“All my energy changed. I wouldn’t say that all my nervousness disappeared, but having new doctors made me feel like I had a new start. I saw myself as they saw me, an average pregnant woman!” - JW
“Best advice I could give? Pick an obstetrician that you really like, even if they are part of a large practice. You need to start this new experience with really liking and trusting someone.” - KV
“I wish I'd realized that my new healthcare provider already knew my history with infertility. My fertility practice sent them my history ahead of time. I spent more time than necessary telling them things they already knew because I was so nervous!” - BK
“Make use of the Pregnancy After Infertility [Facebook] group, even if you didn’t use the Ladies Night In group. Hold yourself gently and (try to) remember each moment is what you wanted and worked so freaking hard to get to experience.” - SL
“Advocate for yourself.” - GS
“If you need less medical intervention because you are tired of that and ready for your capable body to take over, just talk to your doctor about what things can be left out safely.” - AH
“The relationships that I made at my fertility practice—I still have them! I send them pictures and updates regularly. I’m excited to go back for Baby #2.” - PG
Read one patient's story of embracing pregnancy after infertility:
Remember: Be Gentle with Yourself
If you're feeling differently about being pregnant than you expected, give yourself a break. There was a lot of focus on getting pregnant. Now the focus has shifted to being pregnant.
I promise you’ll get there eventually and begin to embrace it. Even the people who have a hard time enjoying or accepting their pregnancy because of previous disappointments need to know that those feelings won’t create a bad outcome.
Another tip? Find an outlet! Here are some ideas:
- Writing
- Painting
- Dancing
- Walking
- Meditating
- Picking up an old hobby
And if you choose to meditate: while you’re doing it, talk to your baby (you can do this out loud or in your head). You can also use a mantra. This can be very comforting and help connect you to the pregnancy that you’ve been dreaming about for so long.
Lastly, be present with yourself, without judging. Throughout this fertility clinic to OB/GYN transition and your pregnancy journey, you’ll likely have moments of intense joy and moments of worry.
Just remember: you've worked so hard to get here, and however you're feeling right now is okay. You've got this. (And we're so excited for you!)
