Why Can’t I Carry a Baby? [5 Causes of Infertility]

KEY POINTS:

• Uterine abnormalities, hormonal imbalances, chronic conditions, weight and age can all impact your ability to carry a baby.
• If IVF or pregnancy isn’t successful, alternatives like egg or sperm donation, surrogacy or adoption may help you grow your family.
• Facing infertility and pregnancy loss is difficult, but there are coping strategies that can make your journey easier.

Infertility, in vitro fertilization (IVF) failures and pregnancy loss can feel overwhelming and isolating. If you’re struggling to carry a baby, you might be facing complex emotions like frustration, guilt or grief.

Even after pursuing infertility treatments like IVF, it’s possible that pregnancy may not happen — or it may not last.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the reasons you might be unable to carry a baby, discuss what to do after failed IVF and provide strategies to help you cope with the emotional challenges of infertility. If you’re ready to explore your next steps, reach out to us for support and guidance. We’re here to help on your family-building journey.

Why Can’t I Carry a Baby? [Causes of Infertility]

There are many reasons why getting pregnant or staying pregnant can be difficult. Each person’s fertility journey is unique, and understanding the underlying causes can help you take the next steps toward building your family.

Here are four of the most common factors that can impact your ability to carry a baby:

Uterine Abnormalities

Structural issues in the uterus can make it difficult for an embryo to implant or for a pregnancy to develop properly. There are several conditions that fall under this category:

• Endometriosis: When tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, it can cause inflammation, pain and complications with implantation.
• Fibroids: These non-cancerous growths can block the fallopian tubes or distort the uterus, interfering with pregnancy.
• Scarring: Uterine scarring from previous surgeries or infections can disrupt the uterine lining, making implantation difficult.
• Tilted uterus: While not always problematic, a uterus that tilts backward or forward can sometimes create issues with implantation or the progression of a pregnancy.

Hormonal Imbalances

Hormonal regulation is essential for ovulation and pregnancy. Even small disruptions can have a significant impact on fertility.

• Ovary issues: Polycystic ovary syndrome or irregular ovulation can make it difficult to conceive.
• Thyroid issues: Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can interfere with ovulation and the ability to maintain pregnancy.

Chronic Conditions

Chronic health conditions can increase the risk of miscarriage or make it harder to sustain a pregnancy.

• Diabetes: High and low blood sugar levels can harm reproductive health and lead to pregnancy complications.
• Autoimmune disorders: Conditions like lupus or antiphospholipid syndrome may cause the body to attack a developing embryo or lead to miscarriage.

Weight

Being underweight or overweight can affect your fertility. Underweight individuals may struggle with irregular ovulation, while excess weight can disrupt hormone levels and increase the risk of miscarriage. Working with a healthcare provider to manage your weight can help improve your chances of conceiving and carrying a baby.

Age

Age is a key factor in fertility. As you get older, both the quantity and quality of your eggs decline. This can make it harder to get pregnant and increases the chances of miscarriage or complications during pregnancy. For instance, if you’re over 40, you only have a 5% chance to conceive naturally.

Learn more about your fertility options.

Why Am I Not Getting Pregnant With IVF?

If you’ve seen friends or family achieve pregnancy through IVF, you might be asking, “Why isn’t IVF working for me?” Unfortunately, not every fertility challenge can be resolved through IVF. Some factors that may affect IVF success include:

• Age-related egg quality or quantity issues
• Severe chronic health conditions
• Severe uterine conditions

Why Can I Get Pregnant but Can’t Carry?

Getting pregnant but not being able to carry a pregnancy to term is a heartbreaking experience. This can happen for several reasons, including structural issues in the uterus, hormonal imbalances or chronic health conditions that increase the risk of miscarriage. Even when everything seems to go right initially, these underlying challenges can make it difficult for a pregnancy to progress.

Why Can’t I Get Pregnant Again? [Secondary Infertility]

Secondary infertility occurs when you’ve had at least one successful pregnancy but struggle to conceive again. If you already have a child, you might be wondering why you’re not getting pregnant a second time. Unfortunately, fertility factors can change over time; age, chronic conditions or new reproductive issues may emerge between pregnancies.

The emotions tied to secondary infertility can be complex. You may feel grateful for your first child but heartbroken that your family-building journey isn’t going as planned. It’s important to remember that your feelings are valid and there are still many ways to expand your family.

What Can I Do if I’m Still Not Pregnant?

If you’re still not getting pregnant, here’s what to do next:

1. Talk With Your Fertility Specialist

Start by speaking with your fertility specialist to understand why IVF may not be working. They can provide insights into what’s happening and guide you through other potential family-building options.

2. Discuss Next Steps With Your Partner

If you have a partner, it’s essential to communicate openly about your next steps. Being on the same page regarding your family-building goals can strengthen your relationship and ensure you’re aligned moving forward.

3. Explore Gestational Surrogacy

Gestational surrogacy can be an effective alternative if you’re experiencing uterine issues, recurrent miscarriages or health risks. Surrogates provide a safe environment for your embryo to develop. Because surrogates are thoroughly screened for physical and reproductive health, your chances of a successful pregnancy significantly increase.

4. Consider Egg or Sperm Donation

Donor eggs or sperm can help overcome issues with one or both partners’ gametes. This option may allow you to carry the pregnancy or maintain a biological connection. However, it might not be the best option if you can’t carry a baby to term.

5. Consider Embryo Donation

Embryo donation lets you receive embryos from couples who have completed their family-building journey and want to give others the same chance at parenthood. Embryo donation can be especially meaningful because it allows you to bypass many of the steps involved in traditional IVF, saving time, energy and money.

How to Cope With Not Getting Pregnant

Facing infertility and pregnancy loss can be emotionally draining. Here are some strategies to help you cope:

1. Acknowledge Your Feelings

It’s okay to feel grief, anger or disappointment. Give yourself space to process these emotions without judgment.

2. Seek Professional Support

Speaking with a therapist specializing in fertility challenges can help you better manage your journey.

3. Join a Support Group

Connecting with others who are going through similar struggles can help you feel less alone and offer valuable advice.

4. Focus on Self-Care

Prioritize activities that bring you joy and relaxation, whether that’s exercise, meditation or time with loved ones.

5. Keep Communication Open

If you have a partner, maintain open and honest communication throughout your journey. Lean on each other as you navigate difficult decisions.

What to Do if You’re Not Pregnant After IVF Transfers

Not being able to carry a baby can feel like an overwhelming loss, but it’s important to remember that you have options. Give yourself time to process your feelings and decide on the next steps that feel right for you. When you’re ready, we’re here to support you. Fill out our online form for more information about your family-building options.