Knocked Up: All About Fertility and Women's Health

Women's Health Melbourne
  • 4.6 (9)
  • Alternative Health
  • Updated Biweekly

Knocked Up is your go‑to podcast for clear, evidence based conversations on fertility, pregnancy and women’s health. Hosted by Dr Raelia Lew, CREI accredited fertility specialist and founder of Women's Health Melbourne.  Find us on Instagram @knockeduppodcast. Follow Women’s Health Melbourne (@womenshealthmelbourne) and Dr Raelia Lew (@drraelialew).  Knocked Up is produced by Jess Clark (@clark_collective_) Have a question? Email podcast@womenshealthmelbourne.com.au — all submissions are anonymous.

  1. Aug 16

    What Really Happens to Your Embryos in an IVF Lab?

    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 IVF How embryo biopsies are performed How IVF clinics prevent embryo mix-ups What egg and sperm quality can reveal How AI is being used to rank embryos What IVF embryo grades actually mean Whether lower-grade embryos can become healthy babies How safely embryos survive freezing and warming How ICSI works and when it may be recommended Sex selection, ethics and “designer babies” Why a good-quality embryo may fail to implant How IVF success rates are measured Episode 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 implant About Knocked Up Knocked 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 support Learn more about fertility treatment, IVF and egg freezing through: Host: CREI Fertility Specialist, Dr Raelia Lew Guest: Alex Davenport  Knocked Up Producer: Jess Clark   Follow us on Instagram ⁠⁠@knockeduppodcast ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠@drraelia lew⁠⁠ ⁠⁠@womenshealthmelbourne⁠⁠ ⁠⁠www.youtube.com/@knockeduppodcast⁠⁠ This 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,

  2. Aug 2

    IVF Without Two Weeks of Injections? Inside IVM

    What if eggs could be collected before they mature and developed outside the body, potentially reducing the medications, time and physical burden involved in conventional IVF? In this episode of Knocked Up, fertility specialist Dr Raelia Lew is joined by CREI fertility specialist Dr Violet Kieu to explore in vitro maturation, known as IVM. Unlike conventional IVF, where hormone injections are used to mature eggs inside the ovaries before collection, IVM involves retrieving immature eggs and completing part of the maturation process in the laboratory. Raelia and Violet take listeners inside the Melbourne IVF CAPA-IVM study, explaining how the procedure works, who may be suited to it and why researchers are particularly interested in its potential for patients with high egg numbers. In this episode What in vitro maturation is and how it differs from IVF Why conventional IVF commonly involves hormone injections How immature eggs can be matured outside the body Who may be eligible for the Melbourne IVF CAPA-IVM study Why patients with high egg counts may benefit from IVM IVM for people with PMOS  Reducing the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome How an IVM egg collection differs from a conventional IVF collection The step-by-step process of maturing an egg in the laboratory Why embryos created through IVM are frozen before transfer The potential role of IVM in fertility preservation before chemotherapy What international IVM research has shown so far The limitations and unanswered questions surrounding IVM Why age remains important when considering egg quality The future of IVM and elective egg freezing How fertility technologies move from scientific research into patient care Episode timestamps 00:00 Could eggs be matured outside the human body? 02:23 Who may be a suitable candidate for IVM? 03:36 How an IVM egg collection works 07:54 IVM for patients with PMOS, PCOS or high egg numbers 12:50 Why IVM embryos must be frozen 16:37 Melbourne IVF message 19:11 What researchers hope to learn from the Melbourne study 24:02 Dr Violet Kieu’s journey into fertility medicine2 28:16 Could IVM change when people freeze their eggs? About Dr Violet Kieu Dr Violet Kieu is a fertility specialist at Melbourne IVF with specialist training in reproductive endocrinology and infertility. She is involved in the Melbourne IVF CAPA-IVM study and has trained with international teams working in IVM research and clinical practice. In this conversation, Violet explains both the scientific possibilities of IVM and the importance of carefully evaluating its safety, feasibility and effectiveness. Resources and support Learn more about fertility treatment, IVF and egg freezing through: Host: CREI Fertility Specialist, Dr Raelia Lew Guest: Dr Violet Kieu  Knocked Up Producer: Jess Clark   Follow us on Instagram @knockeduppodcast  @drraelia lew @womenshealthmelbourne www.youtube.com/@knockeduppodcast This episode of Knocked Up is proudly brought to you by Melbourne IVF - where world‑class science meets personalised fertility support.” For more information or to book an appointment visit www.mivf.com.au  The information discussed in this episode is general in nature and does not replace personalised medical advice. Eligibility for IVM, IVF or a clinical study depends on individual circumstances and must be discussed with a qualified fertility specialist. Subscribe to Knocked Up and leave a review to help more people discover evidence-based conversations about fertility, reproductive medicine and women’s health.

  3. Jul 20

    What IVF Nurses Wish Every Patient Knew

    What happens behind the scenes during an IVF cycle, and who supports patients through the uncertainty, injections, scans and pregnancy-test results? In this episode of Knocked Up, fertility specialist Dr Raelia Lew sits down with IVF nurse Lucy Elam to explore the essential role fertility nurses play throughout IVF treatment. Lucy shares her journey from paediatric nursing into reproductive medicine, including her experience supporting children and families through fertility preservation before chemotherapy and other gonadotoxic treatments. Together, Raelia and Lucy discuss the emotions patients commonly experience when beginning IVF, why information overload can make treatment feel overwhelming and how fertility nurses help break the process into manageable steps. They also explore one of the hardest realities of IVF: not being able to control every outcome. From the uncertainty of ovarian stimulation to the emotional two-week wait following an embryo transfer, Lucy explains how patients can maintain some normality while staying connected with their clinical team. In this episode How Lucy transitioned from paediatric nursing into IVF nursing Fertility preservation for children undergoing cancer treatment What an IVF nurse does throughout a treatment cycle Why IVF can feel overwhelming for new patients Managing injections, scans, procedures and medical anxiety The loss of control patients can experience during fertility treatment Coping with the two-week wait after an embryo transfer or IUI Why clinics recommend waiting for a pregnancy blood test Understanding low or unclear HCG pregnancy results Delivering negative and positive pregnancy news How fertility nurses manage the emotional weight of their work Egg freezing after a relationship breakdown Planning ahead for future children through embryo banking Age-related changes in egg quality and fertility The emotional and practical considerations surrounding donor eggs Why teamwork between doctors, nurses and embryologists matters Episode timestamps 00:48 Meet IVF nurse Lucy Elam 02:13 Fertility preservation for children undergoing cancer treatment 05:29 The science behind IVF and fertility preservation 06:14 How fertility nurses support patients from beginning to end 07:22 Common emotions patients experience before starting IVF 10:06 Personality traits, organisation and managing information overload 12:13 Patient vulnerabilities during fertility treatment 14:37 Coping with the loss of control during IVF 15:53 Managing the two-week wait after embryo transfer or IUI 18:04 Making positive and negative pregnancy calls 21:13 The emotional impact of finally receiving a positive result 23:54 Understanding unclear or borderline pregnancy blood tests 26:40 How fertility nurses carry the emotional weight of patient care 29:13 Memorable patient stories from Lucy’s IVF career 30:33 Returning to IVF to grow a family 32:30 Why fertility planning should consider future children 33:31 Knowing when to consider donor eggs 38:27 How Raelia and Lucy work together as an IVF team About the guests Dr Raelia Lew is a CREI-certified fertility specialist, gynaecologist, Founder of Women’s Health Melbourne and Medical Director of Melbourne IVF. Lucy Elam is an experienced IVF nurse who has worked across adult fertility treatment and paediatric fertility preservation. Resources and support Learn more about fertility treatment, IVF and egg freezing through: Host: CREI Fertility Specialist, Dr Raelia Lew Guest: Lucy Elam  Knocked Up Producer: Jess Clark   Follow us on Instagram ⁠⁠@knockeduppodcast ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠@drraelia lew⁠⁠ ⁠⁠@womenshealthmelbourne⁠⁠ ⁠⁠www.youtube.com/@knockeduppodcast⁠⁠ If you are considering IVF, egg freezing or exploring your fertility options, speak with an appropriately qualified fertility specialist about your individual circumstances. The information shared in this podcast is general in nature and should not replace personalised medical advice.

  4. Mar 29

    Beyond Fertility...

    In this episode we explore the often unspoken final chapter of fertility, the moment when individuals or couples begin to consider moving on. Dr Raelila explains that whilst so much focus is placed on creating embryos, freezing eggs and preserving future options, the decision to close that chapter can feel far more complex and confronting. For many, frozen eggs or embryos represent possibility and hope, which can make letting go even harder than the initial decision to preserve them. The conversation highlights how common it is to hold onto these options for years, often until a natural or regulatory milestone prompts reflection, and acknowledges the emotional weight, grief and uncertainty that can come with deciding whether a family feels complete. The episode also offers a thoughtful and practical look at what comes next, from understanding storage timelines and legal considerations to exploring the options of extending storage, discarding or donating. Donation, in particular, is discussed as a deeply personal yet potentially transformative choice, offering the chance to help others build their families. Ultimately, this is a nuanced conversation about identity, timing and acceptance, reminding listeners that there is no single “right” decision, only the one that aligns with your circumstances, values and readiness to move forward. And there's an announcement about what's next for Knocked Up.  Find us on Instagram - @knockeduppodcast Join our community! Follow Women's Health Melbourne on Facebook and Instagram (@womenshealthmelbourne), and follow Dr Raelia Lew on Instagram (@drraelialew). Have a question about women's health? Is there a specific topic you'd like us to cover? Email podcast@womenshealthmelbourne.com.au. We keep all requests anonymous. Women's Health Melbourne is a holistic care precinct, for more information about the work we do click here. This episode is brought to you by Ellechemy - Lubricants and intimate care to meet your needs created by women's health authority and Gynaecologist Dr Raelia LewDiscount Code for 10% off and free shipping: KNOCKEDUPWebsite: ellechemy.com.au/Instagram: @ellechemy.com.au Hosts: Dr Raelia Lew and Jordi Morrison See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Beyond Fertility...

  5. Mar 15

    The Many Paths to Parenthood

    What happens when the path to parenthood looks different from what you imagined? In this episode of Knocked Up, CREI fertility specialist Dr Raelia Lew explains donor conception and the extraordinary ways families can be created through donor sperm, donor eggs or donor embryos. We discuss who might consider donor conception, the emotional and legal considerations in Australia, and the careful screening and counselling that supports families along the way. Most importantly, we talk about what many hopeful parents worry about most: connection. As Dr Raelia explains, the bond between parent and child goes far beyond genetics, and for many families, donor conception becomes the beginning of a deeply loved and meaningful story. Find us on Instagram - @knockeduppodcast Join our community! Follow Women's Health Melbourne on Facebook and Instagram (@womenshealthmelbourne), and follow Dr Raelia Lew on Instagram (@drraelialew). Have a question about women's health? Is there a specific topic you'd like us to cover? Email podcast@womenshealthmelbourne.com.au. We keep all requests anonymous. Women's Health Melbourne is a holistic care precinct, for more information about the work we do click here. This episode is brought to you by Ellechemy - Lubricants and intimate care to meet your needs created by women's health authority and Gynaecologist Dr Raelia LewDiscount Code for 10% off and free shipping: KNOCKEDUPWebsite: ellechemy.com.au/Instagram: @ellechemy.com.au Hosts: Dr Raelia Lew and Jordi Morrison See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Many Paths to Parenthood

  6. Mar 1

    Understanding the Difference Between OI and IUI

    If you’re not ovulating regularly, or you’ve been trying without success, ovulation induction (OI) and intrauterine insemination (IUI) are often the first treatments discussed before IVF. In this episode, we unpack what ovulation actually is, why some women don’t ovulate reliably and how medication can safely recreate the hormonal sequence needed to release an egg. Dr Raelia also explains where intrauterine insemination fits in, who it’s right for and why it’s not simply “the turkey baster method”. From success rates to risks, monitoring and when to move on, this conversation will help you understand your options and what might be the right next step for you. Find us on Instagram - @knockeduppodcast Join our community! Follow Women's Health Melbourne on Facebook and Instagram (@womenshealthmelbourne), and follow Dr Raelia Lew on Instagram (@drraelialew). Have a question about women's health? Is there a specific topic you'd like us to cover? Email podcast@womenshealthmelbourne.com.au. We keep all requests anonymous. Women's Health Melbourne is a holistic care precinct, for more information about the work we do click here. This episode is brought to you by Ellechemy - Lubricants and intimate care to meet your needs created by women's health authority and Gynaecologist Dr Raelia LewDiscount Code for 10% off and free shipping: KNOCKEDUPWebsite: ellechemy.com.au/Instagram: @ellechemy.com.au Hosts: Dr Raelia Lew and Jordi Morrison See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Understanding the Difference Between OI and IUI

  7. Feb 15

    BV, the Vaginal Microbiome and Fertility

    Bacterial vaginosis, or BV, is one of the most common vaginal conditions in women of reproductive age, yet many women are unsure how it may affect fertility. In this episode of Knocked Up, CREI fertility specialist Dr Raelia Lew explains what BV actually is, how it differs from thrush, and why the balance of healthy lactobacillus bacteria and vaginal pH matters when you are trying to conceive. Choosing a pH balanced lubricant that supports healthy vaginal flora, like those from Ellechemy, can help maintain the natural environment lactobacilli need to thrive, which is especially important when you are trying to conceive. Find us on Instagram - @knockeduppodcast Join our community! Follow Women's Health Melbourne on Facebook and Instagram (@womenshealthmelbourne), and follow Dr Raelia Lew on Instagram (@drraelialew). Have a question about women's health? Is there a specific topic you'd like us to cover? Email podcast@womenshealthmelbourne.com.au. We keep all requests anonymous. Women's Health Melbourne is a holistic care precinct, for more information about the work we do click here. This episode is brought to you by Ellechemy - Lubricants and intimate care to meet your needs created by women's health authority and Gynaecologist Dr Raelia LewDiscount Code for 10% off and free shipping: KNOCKEDUPWebsite: ellechemy.com.au/Instagram: @ellechemy.com.au Hosts: Dr Raelia Lew and Jordi Morrison See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    BV, the Vaginal Microbiome and Fertility

  8. Feb 1

    Progesterone: The Pro-Pregnancy Hormone

    Progesterone is often called the “pregnancy hormone”, but what does that actually mean for your body and your fertility? In this episode of Knocked Up, CREI fertility specialist Dr Raelia Lew unpacks how progesterone works, why timing is everything, and how this hormone helps prepare the uterus for implantation and early pregnancy. We discuss what “low progesterone” really means (and what it often does not), how levels differ in natural cycles versus IVF, and why cycle length can tell us more than a single blood test. Find us on Instagram - @knockeduppodcast Join our community! Follow Women's Health Melbourne on Facebook and Instagram (@womenshealthmelbourne), and follow Dr Raelia Lew on Instagram (@drraelialew). Have a question about women's health? Is there a specific topic you'd like us to cover? Email podcast@womenshealthmelbourne.com.au. We keep all requests anonymous. Women's Health Melbourne is a holistic care precinct, for more information about the work we do click here. This episode is brought to you by Ellechemy - Lubricants and intimate care to meet your needs created by women's health authority and Gynaecologist Dr Raelia LewDiscount Code for 10% off and free shipping: KNOCKEDUPWebsite: ellechemy.com.au/Instagram: @ellechemy.com.au Hosts: Dr Raelia Lew and Jordi Morrison See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Progesterone: The Pro-Pregnancy Hormone
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Ratings & Reviews

4.6
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Knocked Up is your go‑to podcast for clear, evidence based conversations on fertility, pregnancy and women’s health. Hosted by Dr Raelia Lew, CREI accredited fertility specialist and founder of Women's Health Melbourne.  Find us on Instagram @knockeduppodcast. Follow Women’s Health Melbourne (@womenshealthmelbourne) and Dr Raelia Lew (@drraelialew).  Knocked Up is produced by Jess Clark (@clark_collective_) Have a question? Email podcast@womenshealthmelbourne.com.au — all submissions are anonymous.

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