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When Dreams Come True

Pregnancy After Infertility

By Gwen Morrison

At the age of 43, Langbacka was concerned about the health of her baby. "We waited five months before having an amniocentesis done, not wanting to risk a miscarriage by doing it any sooner," she says. "My husband and I called and called until finally after 13 days, the results came back. Our baby was perfectly healthy!"

Langbacka says that the switch from infertility patient to obstetric patient was emotional. "I was scared for most of my pregnancy," she says. "I think it was about in my 7th month when I finally started to relax. The fear of a premature birth was behind me."

Having lost twins in her 23rd week in 2001, Langbacka was understandably nervous about early labor and miscarriage. For women like Langbacka who have a history of pregnancy loss, it is even more difficult to make the transition from infertility to pregnancy. Some women guard themselves against disappointment by not investing too heavily in the pregnancy.

"It is not uncommon for husbands to seem less involved and somewhat detached from pregnancy," says Clapp. "This can be a safety mechanism that husbands use because they fear that the pregnancy might not work out and that they have to stay strong for their wife in case something does happen to the pregnancy."

Most couples who feel anxious and fearful in the first trimester overcome some of these feelings as the pregnancy progresses. Research indicates that many women who become pregnant following fertility treatment actually feel better emotionally than those who have not experienced infertility.

After those anxious early months are over, most couples are able to experience the joys that come with the miracle of new life.

Want to see more?

• Infertility FAQ: Common Questions Answered
• Are You or Aren't You? Common Signs of Pregnancy
• Baby's Early Days: First Trimester Growth
• Talk about it!