Knocked Up: All About Fertility and Women's Health

A positive pregnancy test after IVF can bring enormous joy, but it can also open the door to an entirely new set of questions and anxieties.Is every IVF pregnancy considered high risk? Will you need additional monitoring? Does conceiving through assisted reproduction affect how or when you give birth? And how can you manage the fear that often follows infertility or pregnancy loss?In this episode of Knocked Up, fertility specialist Dr Raelia Lew speaks with Melbourne obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Scott Shemer about what happens after the long-awaited positive pregnancy test.Together, they explore the transition from fertility treatment to obstetric care and explain why pregnancy after IVF should never be approached with a one-size-fits-all label. Dr Shemer discusses the factors that may influence pregnancy risk, including maternal age, existing medical conditions, multiple pregnancy and the reason IVF was required.They also unpack birth choices after IVF, including induction, planned caesarean section and spontaneous labour, and why there is no single “right” way to give birth.The conversation also covers twin pregnancies, miscarriage, recurrent pregnancy loss and the heightened anxiety that can accompany pregnancy after infertility. Dr Shemer explains the very real experience of “scanxiety”, when reassurance after an ultrasound gradually gives way to fear before the next appointment, and how personalised monitoring and mental health support can help.In this episode:Is an IVF pregnancy automatically considered high risk?The factors that may increase pregnancy complications after IVFMoving from a fertility specialist to an obstetricianWhy preconception care with an obstetrician can be valuablePrivate and public maternity care optionsPrivate health insurance and pregnancy coverInduction, caesarean section and vaginal birth after IVFTwin pregnancies following single or double embryo transferHow different types of twins affect pregnancy monitoringPregnancy loss and recurrent miscarriage investigationsWhen it may be physically and emotionally appropriate to try againManaging pregnancy after miscarriage“Scanxiety” and the need for additional reassuranceWhy home Doppler monitoring can provide false reassurancePerinatal anxiety, depression and mental health supportThe importance of personalised, compassionate pregnancy careDr Scott Shemer is a specialist obstetrician and gynaecologist based at Epworth Freemasons Hospital in Melbourne. His practice provides evidence-based, inclusive and highly personalised care from preconception through pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. Dr Shemer also brings a personal understanding of the fertility journey, having experienced IVF with his own family.Connect with Dr Scott ShemerDr Scott Shemer’s websiteDr Scott Shemer on InstagramEpworth Freemasons HospitalConnect with Dr Raelia Lew and Women’s Health MelbourneWomen’s Health MelbourneDr Raelia LewWomen’s Health Melbourne on InstagramDr Raelia Lew on InstagramMelbourne IVFEmail: [email protected] Up Producer: Jess Clark @clark_collective_Episode sponsor:This episode is sponsored by Ellechemy, an Australian-made, gynaecologist-designed intimate lubricant and skincare range co-founded by Dr Raelia Lew.Discover EllechemyEllechemy on InstagramFollow Knocked Up on Instagram and subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube for more evidence-based conversations about fertility, IVF, pregnancy and women’s health.This podcast is intended for general education only and does not replace personalised medical advice. Speak with your healthcare professional about your individual circumstances.

How does a breast cancer diagnosis affect fertility, pregnancy and future family planning? And does IVF increase your risk of developing breast cancer?In this important episode of Knocked Up, fertility specialist Dr Raelia Lew is joined by specialist breast cancer surgeon Dr Chantel Thornton and filmmaker Sue Collins, producer and director of the documentary Conquering Breast Cancer.Dr Thornton explains the latest thinking around breast cancer risk, screening and early detection, including the signs and changes women should never ignore. She also discusses BRCA gene mutations, preventative breast surgery, breast reconstruction and the role of lifestyle factors such as exercise, alcohol, smoking and maintaining a healthy weight.Later, filmmaker Sue Collins joins the conversation to share the decade-long journey behind Conquering Breast Cancer. Sue reflects on the women featured in the documentary, the psychological impact of diagnosis and recurrence anxiety, and why personal stories can provide hope to people experiencing their darkest moments.Why breast cancer diagnoses are increasingBreast cancer risk factors and the importance of early detectionBreast changes and symptoms that should be investigatedHow breast density can affect screening and individual riskBRCA gene mutations and genetic testingUsing IVF and embryo testing to avoid passing on a genetic mutationWhether IVF or egg freezing increases breast cancer riskHow chemotherapy can affect ovarian function and fertilityUrgent egg and embryo freezing before cancer treatmentFertility preservation for younger women with breast cancerTamoxifen, pregnancy timing and future family planningPreventative mastectomy and modern breast reconstructionExercise, alcohol, smoking, weight and breast cancer riskThe emotional and psychological impact of a cancer diagnosisWhy bringing a support person to appointments can helpThe stories behind the documentary Conquering Breast CancerFinding hope, support and the right medical teamThis episode of Knocked Up is proudly sponsored by Breast Imaging Victoria. When it comes to breast cancer screening and diagnosis, having access to high‑quality imaging - and clinicians who specialise in breast health - makes all the difference. Breast Imaging Victoria provides expert mammography, ultrasound, and contrast mammograms, stereotactic biopsy and us guided core biopsies and FNA’s biopsies,delivered by a team who understand how important clarity, accuracy, and compassion are during what can be an anxious time.Their radiologists and breast imaging specialists work closely with referring doctors to ensure women receive timely results and personalised follow‑up. Whether you’re attending routine screening or investigating a new breast change, Breast Imaging Victoria offers evidence‑based care in a supportive environment.To learn more or to book an appointment, visit breastimagingvictoria.com.au This podcast provides general information and does not replace individual medical advice. If you notice a new lump, nipple discharge, skin or nipple changes, unusual pain, or a change in the size, shape or appearance of your breast, speak with your GP or healthcare professional.Women’s Health MelbourneLearn more about Dr Raelia Lew and fertility careRequest an appointment with Women’s Health MelbourneKnocked Up on Apple PodcastsFollow Knocked Up on InstagramDr Chantel Thornton’s official websiteFollow Dr Chantel Thornton on InstagramWatch or learn more about Conquering Breast CancerLearn more about filmmaker Sue CollinsBreast Imaging VictoriaFollow Breast Imaging Victoria on InstagramBook a breast screen with Breast Imaging VictoriaSelf Breast Check GuideBreast Cancer Network AustraliaCancer Council Australia: breast cancer screening informationHave a question about fertility or women’s health? Email [email protected]. All submissions are treated anonymously.

What can a fertility ultrasound actually tell you about your chances of becoming pregnant?In this episode of Knocked Up, Dr Raelia Lew speaks with a specialist obstetric and gynaecological ultrasound doctor to uncover what expert fertility scans can reveal about your reproductive health.They explore how ultrasounds can identify endometriosis, adenomyosis, blocked fallopian tubes, fibroids and other conditions that may affect fertility. They also explain the difference between a standard pelvic ultrasound and a specialist gynaecological scan, including why the person performing and interpreting your scan matters.You’ll learn what an antral follicle count really measures, why a low egg count does not automatically mean infertility, and how flushing the fallopian tubes may improve the chance of spontaneous conception for some couples.The conversation also covers what doctors look for during a six-week pregnancy scan, including the location of the pregnancy, the number of embryos and early signs of viability. Importantly, they explain why an inconclusive first scan does not necessarily mean that a pregnancy will be unsuccessful.In this episode:The difference between a general and specialist gynaecological ultrasoundHow endometriosis can appear on an ultrasoundThe subtle signs of superficial endometriosisHow doctors assess whether the fallopian tubes are openWhether a tubal flush can improve natural conceptionWhat adenomyosis is and how it may affect fertilityTransvaginal, abdominal and transrectal ultrasound optionsWhat your antral follicle count says about ovarian reserveWhy a low egg count does not equal infertilityWhat doctors look for during an early pregnancy scanWhy pregnancy dating and viability can sometimes remain uncertainEpisode chapters00:46 What does a specialist ultrasound doctor do? 01:44 Specialist versus general gynaecological ultrasound 05:54 The anatomy required for natural conception 07:08 Detecting endometriosis on an ultrasound 09:03 How blocked fallopian tubes affect fertility 10:05 What happens during a tubal patency test? 12:02 Poppy seed oil versus foam tubal flushing 13:27 Can flushing your tubes improve conception? 14:41 Understanding adenomyosis 18:20 The subtle ultrasound signs of endometriosis 21:15 Pelvic pain, tenderness and organ mobility 24:01 Alternatives to transvaginal ultrasound 28:41 What is an antral follicle count? 30:23 Do you lose eggs during IVF or egg freezing? 32:08 Why low egg count does not mean infertility 32:38 What happens during a six-week pregnancy scan? 33:59 When early pregnancy viability is uncertainABOUT WOMEN’S HEALTH MELBOURNEWomen’s Health Melbourne is an innovative fertility and women’s health practice led by Dr Raelia Lew. Its specialist team provides evidence-based care across fertility, IVF, egg freezing and women’s health.Learn more or book an appointment  womenshealthmelbourne.com.au.This podcast provides general information and should not replace personalised medical advice from your healthcare professional.Host: CREI Fertility Specialist, Dr Raelia LewGuest: Dr Lufee Wong www.wum.com.au Knocked Up Producer: Jess Clark  Follow us on Instagram ⁠⁠@knockeduppodcast ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠@drraelia lew⁠⁠ ⁠⁠@womenshealthmelbourne⁠⁠⁠⁠www.youtube.com/@knockeduppodcast⁠⁠Women’s Health Melbourne is an innovative fertility and women’s health practice led by Dr Raelia Lew. Its specialist team provides evidence-based care across fertility, IVF, egg freezing and women’s health.Learn more or book an appointment through Women’s Health Melbourne.This podcast provides general information and should not replace personalised medical advice from your healthcare professional.Embryo donation, egg donation Australia, donor conception, donor-conceived children, IVF journey, IVF failure, infertility support, fertility trauma, miscarriage support, pregnancy loss,

After 10 rounds of IVF using her own eggs without creating a single embryo, Fiona O’Neil and her husband faced an incredibly difficult question: were they willing to let go of genetic parenthood to experience life as parents?Their journey included undiagnosed stage four endometriosis, an ectopic pregnancy, pregnancy loss, known egg donation, two trips to South Africa for anonymous donor eggs and, ultimately, becoming parents through embryo donation.In this deeply personal episode of Knocked Up, Fiona joins fertility specialist Dr Raelia Lew to share the emotional reality of transitioning from IVF with your own eggs to donor conception.Fiona speaks honestly about grieving the child she initially imagined, worrying whether she would bond with a donor-conceived baby and the fear that her child might one day reject her. She also shares why those concerns disappeared when her son arrived.Now the founder of The Fertility Framework, Fiona uses her lived experience to support individuals navigating fertility treatment and help workplaces become more informed, compassionate and fertility aware.The Fertility Framework: Instagram: @fertilityframeworkFertility coaching and workplace support: Learn more through The Fertility FrameworkHost: CREI Fertility Specialist, Dr Raelia LewGuest: Fiona Oneil Knocked Up Producer: Jess Clark  Follow us on Instagram ⁠⁠@knockeduppodcast ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠@drraelia lew⁠⁠ ⁠⁠@womenshealthmelbourne⁠⁠⁠⁠www.youtube.com/@knockeduppodcast⁠⁠ABOUT WOMEN’S HEALTH MELBOURNEWomen’s Health Melbourne is an innovative fertility and women’s health practice led by Dr Raelia Lew. Its specialist team provides evidence-based care across fertility, IVF, egg freezing and women’s health.Learn more or book an appointment through Women’s Health Melbourne.This podcast provides general information and should not replace personalised medical advice from your healthcare professional.Embryo donation, egg donation Australia, donor conception, donor-conceived children, IVF journey, IVF failure, infertility support, fertility trauma, miscarriage support, pregnancy loss, fertility in the workplace, reproductive leave, workplace fertility support, stage four endometriosis, fertility specialist, genetic parenthood, anonymous egg donation, known egg donor and fertility podcast.

What happens to your eggs, sperm and embryos once they enter an IVF laboratory?In this episode of Knocked Up, Dr Raelia Lew speaks with senior embryologist Alex about the science, precision and human care behind every stage of embryo development.Alex explains how embryologists care for eggs and embryos from collection through to transfer, freezing and genetic testing. They discuss the strict identification systems used to prevent embryo mix-ups, including double witnessing, barcodes and electronic RFID tracking.The conversation also explores embryo grading, what grades such as 4AA or 5BB can and cannot tell us, and why even a beautiful-looking embryo may not result in pregnancy.Raelia and Alex unpack ICSI, sperm-selection techniques, embryo freezing and warming, and the difference between an embryo’s appearance and its chromosomal health. They also look at how artificial intelligence is helping embryologists assess embryos and identify sperm, without replacing human expertise.It’s a fascinating look behind the laboratory door at the people, technology and safeguards supporting every IVF journey.In this episode:What an embryologist does during IVFHow embryo biopsies are performedHow IVF clinics prevent embryo mix-upsWhat egg and sperm quality can revealHow AI is being used to rank embryosWhat IVF embryo grades actually meanWhether lower-grade embryos can become healthy babiesHow safely embryos survive freezing and warmingHow ICSI works and when it may be recommendedSex selection, ethics and “designer babies”Why a good-quality embryo may fail to implantHow IVF success rates are measuredEpisode chapters:00:38 Meet embryologist Alex 02:09 Training as an embryologist 03:08 How embryo biopsies work 04:01 Preventing embryo mix-ups 06:56 The human side of embryology 09:21 Learning from embryo development 10:04 Egg and sperm-selection techniques 12:20 Artificial intelligence in IVF 15:52 Understanding embryo grading 17:55 Can a poor-grade embryo become a baby? 20:04 Embryo freezing and survival rates 22:19 How ICSI works 25:46 Using AI to identify sperm 27:07 Sex selection and designer babies 28:39 Automation in IVF laboratories 31:33 Understanding IVF success rates 33:25 Why a good-looking embryo may not implantAbout Knocked UpKnocked Up is hosted by CREI fertility specialist Dr Raelia Lew and features honest, evidence-based conversations about fertility, IVF, reproductive health and pregnancy.This episode is sponsored by Women’s Health Melbourne, providing expert fertility assessment, IVF, egg freezing, endometriosis management and personalised preconception care.Learn more or book an appointment at womenshealthmelbourne.com.au.This podcast provides general information and does not replace personalised medical advice. Please speak with a qualified healthcare professional about your circumstances.Resources and supportLearn more about fertility treatment, IVF and egg freezing through:Host: CREI Fertility Specialist, Dr Raelia LewGuest: Alex Davenport Knocked Up Producer: Jess Clark  Follow us on Instagram ⁠⁠@knockeduppodcast ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠@drraelia lew⁠⁠ ⁠⁠@womenshealthmelbourne⁠⁠⁠⁠www.youtube.com/@knockeduppodcast⁠⁠This episode of Knocked Up is brought to you by Women’s Health Melbourne. To book an appointment visit www.womenshealthmelbourne.com.au The information shared in this podcast is general in nature and should not replace personalised medical advice.Subscribe to Knocked Up and leave a review to help more people access informed, compassionate conversations about fertility and women’s health.IVF nurse, IVF nursing, fertility nurse, fertility treatment, IVF treatment Australia, IVF emotional support, two-week wait IVF, embryo transfer pregnancy test, negative pregnancy test IVF, positive pregnancy blood test, HCG levels pregnancy, fertility preservation children, paediatric fertility preservation, egg freezing, embryo banking, donor eggs,