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Podcast Episode

Sam + Otis: IVF, Pregnancy Complications and a Premature Birth at 29 Weeks

Kiwi Birth Tales··5 May 2026·49 min

About this episode

This episode of Kiwi Birth Tales is proudly sponsored by Woolworths NZ in support of the Little Miracles Trust. In this episode of Kiwi Birth Tales, I speak to Samantha - we focus on her second pregnancy, which she conceived through IVF. Her pregnancy was not without challenges and they spent a lot of time in NICU as Otis was born just before 30 weeks. Some of the topics we cover: IVF journey and embryo transfer Early pregnancy after IVF Bleeding in early pregnancy (week 10) Subchorionic hematoma and pregnancy complications Heavy bleeding at 13 weeks Increased risk factors identified during pregnancy Amniocentesis and genetic testing Anatomy scan and ongoing monitoring Pregnancy anxiety after complications Hospital stays during pregnancy Premature labour at 28 weeks Emergency response and hospital admission Birth of a premature baby Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) experience Oxygen support and respiratory challenges in newborns Feeding challenges and NICU care Emotional impact of NICU on parents Transition from NICU to Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) Preparing to take baby home after NICU Life after NICU and early newborn period Long-term development and health outcomes Your Birth Project Online Hypnobirthing Course https://www.fertilityassociates.co.nz/book-a-free-nurse-consult Please seek support for any mental health concerns. Some helpful links are below: Mental Health in Pregnancy Perinatal Depression and Anxiety Aotearoa Plunket - Dads Mental Health Little Shadow - Private Counselling NZ Find me @kiwibirthtales and @yourbirthproject Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.