The experience of discovering that you are pregnant after a series of fertility tests and treatments can be like having your most wonderful dream come true. It is a time of strong emotions, full of joy, fear, hope, relief and excitement.

A positive pregnancy test is an extremely important event and an encouraging milestone on the way to reaching your ultimate goal. But, a number of examinations must still be carried out in early pregnancy before anything can be concluded about the nature of the pregnancy.

A positive pregnancy test actually only means that your body is producing pregnancy hormones. It says nothing about the nature of the pregnancy. In most cases, however, a positive pregnancy test will thankfully mean that a healthy pregnancy is developing.

It is nevertheless important to be aware that that the chance of a miscarriage after some fertility treatments is, as a general rule, slightly higher than with spontaneous pregnancies. In addition, there is still a chance that the pregnancy might be ectopic at this stage. An early pregnancy ultrasound can provide more clarity.

If you have a positive pregnancy test, then an appointment is generally made for an early pregnancy ultrasound in two weeks time.

At this stage, the pregnancy is still very early, but in general one (or more) embryo sac(s) should be visible. (A normal pregnancy consists of an embryo sac and an embryo.) The ultrasound should also allow diagnosis of an ectopic pregnancy, distinguish between single or multiple pregnancy and check the heartbeat (or lack of it) of the embryo. If things are not clear, then the ultrasound will be repeated at least a week later.

If, through an early ultrasound, an embryo with a beating heart (positive heart action) is confirmed, then you have taken a giant step in the right direction. You can take reassurance from the fact that your chance of an early miscarriage is now reduced. Your gynaecologist will discuss with you whether further pregnancy checks have to be carried out in the hospital, or whether you can be referred to an obstetrician for routine monitoring. Multiple pregnancy, however, must always be regularly monitored by a gynaecologist.

You are probably now experiencing an array of emotions. On the one hand, you are elated that you have reached this point; on the other, you may still be scared of losing the pregnancy. This fear is completely normal. Couples who have undergone the ordeal of fertility treatments often find it very difficult to escape this fear. You and your partner may not be able to celebrate the pregnancy in the same way that other couples do, but you must still do your best to enjoy this time together.

Despite the fact that no one can provide you with a guarantee that everything will end well, it is important to try to put your worries into perspective. A number of issues, for example, are under your control. A healthy lifestyle and diet undoubtedly contribute to a successful and healthy pregnancy. Plenty of rest and relaxation is also very important.

However, there may be complications over which you have no control. In general, although the chances of complications are not great, they can potentially strike anybody. Worries and fears are therefore pretty normal in every pregnancy. If you try to appreciate that worrying yourself about possible complications will in no way help prevent these complications, then it becomes slightly easier to relax and enjoy your pregnancy.