MEGAN McKenna has opened up about her rollercoaster fertility journey just weeks before her due date.
The TOWIE star, 32, is expecting her first child with footballer Oliver "Oli" Burke, 27, thanks to in vitro fertilisation (IVF).
As Megan was diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) as a teenager, she always knew falling pregnant wouldn’t be a straightforward journey for her.
PCOS can cause hormonal imbalances, irregular periods and cysts in the ovaries which, with a lack of ovulation, can make it difficult to become pregnant.
According to the World Health Organisation, it is the leading cause of infertility.
Megan and Oli, who froze embryos early on in their relationship, tried to naturally conceive for a while before visiting an IVF clinic.
“We did try naturally for a little while, but I just felt something wasn’t right,” Megan says.
“We decided to go and get checked at an IVF clinic and wow, it was the best decision we’ve ever made.
“We found out my womb lining was very thin, so it wasn’t holding our embryos in the implantation stage naturally.
“Always go with your gut.
“If we hadn’t gone to check, who knows how long we would have been trying, and it wouldn’t have happened naturally either way.”
The reality star turned country singer got candid in an interview with baby products brand, Silver Cross.
She bravely recalled “ months of medication, injections and suffering with over hyper stimulation of her ovaries”.
This led to her being hospitalised for a week and requiring even more injections until her womb lining “finally” got thicker.
“We lost a lot of embryos in the thawing process,” she says.
“We still don’t know why they didn’t survive but we had two high graded ones that did.
How to apply for IVF through the NHS
If you're having problems getting pregnant, see your GP.
Your doctor will look at your medical history and give you a physical examination.
You'll usually only be considered for infertility investigations and treatment if you've been trying for a baby for at least a year without becoming pregnant.
Your GP can refer you to a fertility specialist at an NHS hospital or fertility clinic for these investigations.
Once you see a specialist, they will ask about your fertility history and may carry out another physical examination.
Women may have tests to check the levels of hormones in their blood and how well their ovaries are working, as well as an ultrasound scan to see if there are any blockages or structural problems.
Men may be asked for a semen sample to test sperm quality.
If IVF is the best treatment for you, the specialist will refer you to an assisted conception unit.
“We were then able to use a frozen embryo for a transfer.”
Megan and Oli moved to Germany during her third trimester due to his football career.
The Scottish pro was on loan at Birmingham City over the last year, but is now back playing for his home club Werder Bremen.
Megan is now gearing up to give birth in a foreign country.
“I was nervous at first, but after meeting with our consultant, it put me at ease,” she shares.
“The maternity unit was amazing, and he showed us all around the hospital.
“My mum’s flying over so she can be there with me too.
“It’s so exciting.
“Not long now and the baby will be here with us all.”
