Big Miracles

Episode 1

The episode begins with a heart-warming reunion with the couples from Season 1, showcasing the adorable miracles born through IVF. However, the focus quickly shifts to new couples, Emily and John, and Maddie and Nathan, each navigating their unique challenges in the quest for a family. Emily and John, a couple from Newcastle, share their journey as they confront the reality of double fertility issues. Despite the odds stacked against them, including low ovarian reserve and "relaxed sperm," the couple embarks on the IVF process. The episode humorously highlights John's experience making a crucial deposit, shedding light on the often-overlooked challenges faced by men in fertility issues. On the Gold Coast, Maddie and Nathan, self-proclaimed "geeks" and teachers, are surprised to find themselves on an IVF journey due to Maddie's Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. The couple shares the emotional turmoil of failed attempts and the ongoing uncertainty surrounding their infertility. Just when the atmosphere seems filled with despair, the episode takes a turn with Sam and Jason, a couple from Season 1. Sam, 33 weeks pregnant, faces the challenge of delivering a baby with a head already measuring larger than her firstborn's record-breaking head. The episode captures the tension and anticipation as Sam undergoes a challenging labour.

Episode 2

The spotlight first falls on Maddie and Nathan, school teachers facing the devastating reality of yet another failed embryo transfer. With no apparent explanation for their repeated disappointments, specialist Dr Andrew Cary discovers a polyp on Maddie's uterine lining, sparking newfound hope for the couple. The removal of the polyp paves the way for a fifth round of IVF, and viewers are left anxiously awaiting the results of this latest attempt. The narrative then shifts to Sheila and Tyson, a couple still deeply in love despite the challenges posed by their late entry into parenthood. Sheila's frozen eggs from her 30s offer a glimmer of hope, but a failed implantation forces them to consider using a donor egg. The emotional turmoil of this decision is palpable as they navigate the complexities of egg donation, ultimately opting for an overseas choice. The episode concludes with a mix of anticipation and heartbreak as Sheila faces unexpected challenges in her journey to conceive. Emily and John's story, a beacon of hope, unfolds joyously as they learn that their dream of having a child is finally coming true. The couple, seemingly in perpetual happiness, gathers with family for a gender reveal. The episode also introduces Rachel and Heather, a couple whose IVF journey took a tragic turn with the premature loss of their baby, Eden. Despite facing the emotional scars of their past, they embark on a new IVF cycle, with Rachel bravely confronting the added challenge of low egg reserve. The retrieval procedure brings both nerves and hope, leading to an unexpected positive home pregnancy test that reignites the couple's optimism for the future.

Episode 3 

In the latest episode of Big Miracles, the emotional rollercoaster of parenthood unfolds through the stories of three resilient couples. Sheila and Tyson, who discovered love later in life, open up about the unforeseen challenges they face in their quest for parenthood. Turning to IVF and a donor egg from America, Sheila grapples with a rollercoaster of emotions as her estrogen levels fluctuate, leading to a change in their approach. The couple's determination and hope shine through as they embrace a new plan with Dr Raewyn Teirney, setting a strict Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) timetable. Heather and Rachel, coping with the heartbreaking loss of their first child, embark on a renewed journey towards parenthood. The episode captures their vulnerability and excitement as they navigate the ups and downs of Rachel's hormonal journey, anxiously anticipating an ultrasound to check the baby's development. The couple shares their emotional revelation with family in a heartwarming scene, highlighting the complex emotions that come with expecting after a tragic loss. Emily and John's seven-month-long IVF journey is showcased, revealing the couple's perseverance despite facing numerous obstacles. As they witness the growth of their baby girl during an ultrasound, John expresses both excitement and nerves about the impending birth. The couple heads to the hospital for a caesarean section.

Episode 4

Episode 4 of Big Miracles unfolds the diverse journeys of four families navigating the complexities of pregnancy, each bound by the common thread of hope. We meet Perry and Christie, who are facing unexplained infertility as they embark on their third embryo transfer with anticipation. Despite a setback in thawing, their final embryo survives and is transferred. Rachel and Heather, navigating the loss of their first child, deal with the anxieties in Rachel's third trimester of pregnancy, fearing a recurrence of pre-eclampsia. A reassuring ultrasound alleviates their concerns, and they head into the hospital for a planned c-section. Emily and John celebrate their baby, Honey, overcoming initial complications and bringing joy to their home. Single mum Sarah, at 39, bravely ventures into IVF for a chance to expand her family. Facing financial constraints, Sarah undergoes a unique, painful egg collection without general anaesthesia, obtaining three eggs and achieving two viable embryos. The episode captures the emotional turbulence, resilience, and unforeseen challenges that accompany the pursuit of parenthood.

Episode 5

In this episode of Big Miracles, viewers witness the struggles and triumphs of three couples as they navigate the complexities of infertility and pregnancy complications.

Christie and Perry, grappling with unexplained infertility, face a daunting journey towards parenthood. Christie undergoes surgery to determine if endometriosis is present, which reveals an unusually high level of natural killer cells in her uterus. Under the care of Dr Kokum, Christie receives treatment, and the couple undergo an embryo transfer, followed by a nerve-wracking pregnancy test.

Meanwhile, Sarah experiences heartbreak as she endures a miscarriage. Grieving, she takes a much-needed break before summoning the courage to try again with her final embryo.

Lastly, Ilina and Nick undergo comprehensive fertility tests after enduring seven rounds of failed IVF, compounded by low egg count and severe endometriosis. Their journey is fraught with uncertainty and disappointment, yet they cling to hope as they receive relatively normal test results, albeit with a slightly lower than average AMH. Dr Gavin Sacks provides guidance as they navigate their next steps in pursuit of their dream of parenthood.

Episode 6

In the season finale of Big Miracles, viewers are taken on an emotional journey as the cast face both joyous moments and heart-wrenching challenges in their pursuit of parenthood.

Ilina and Nick's journey reaches a critical juncture as they prepare for their eighth IVF cycle. However, they encounter delays as they wait for Ilina to ovulate naturally. Ilina receives treatment to regulate her cycle, marking a pivotal step forward in their quest for a baby.

As Sarah revels in the anticipation of her baby's arrival, surrounded by the warmth of loved ones during a heartwarming baby shower, fate takes an unexpected turn. Sarah's joy is swiftly replaced by concern as she goes into premature labour, necessitating immediate action.

We connect back with Sheila and Tyson as they share a moment of pure happiness during a gender reveal celebration with their closest friends and family.

Maddie and Nathan prepare for the arrival of their baby as they head to the hospital for an induction to kickstart labour. With nerves and excitement running high, they eagerly await the moment they'll finally meet their little one.

The show wraps up by providing glimpses into where each cast member stands in their pursuit of parenthood, offering a ray of hope for the future. And amidst the trials and triumphs, the season finale introduces adorable new additions to the cast, reminding us that even in the face of adversity, miracles are always possible.

Episode 1

Courtney and husband Woody live in Sydney’s Gymea Bay. While they have been trying to conceive for the last two years, Courtney has irregular periods and fails to ovulate. The couple are trying a less invasive type of fertility treatment called ‘ovulation induction’.  

Amelia and husband Andrew have been together for ten years and trying for kids for five years. However, after around five years of constant disappointment, they are desperate for answers and seek the help of reproductive endocrinologist, Dr. Manny Mangat.

We also meet Aimee and husband Ryan, who live in Walgett, central NSW. Aimee suffers from low egg count. On average, most women her age produce around 8-15 eggs per month, however Aimee produces around 3-6. Their treatment is made much harder because of the lack of fertility treatment services in country NSW.

Episode 2

In the second episode of Big Miracles, we continue to follow the journeys of Courtney and Woody as they try to fall pregnant through ovulation induction. Amelia and Andrew go through an IVF cycle, and Aimee and Ryan come that much closer to becoming a family.

A new and exciting journey enters the mix. Tennis champion and Paralympian Dylan Alcott and partner Chantelle Otten, an empowering sexologist, turn to egg freezing to preserve their future family plans.

Episode 3

This episode, we meet Sheila and Tyson. Having gotten engaged after only four months together, at the outset of their fertility journey, they’re faced with the most difficult fertility challenge, Sheila’s biological clock. Now 45, Sheila has 11 frozen eggs from when she was 38 years old. This instils the couple with optimism for their road ahead.

Continue to share in the emotional road to parenthood for couples Amelia and Andrew, plus Courtney and Woody face a rare diagnosis that impacts Courtney.

Episode 4

Samantha and Jason are from Western Sydney, and they’re longing to give their 7-month old daughter, Georgia, a sibling. Their IVF journey is time critical. Sam recently had surgery to reduce the effects of severe endometriosis, but the relief is temporary. Her optimum window of opportunity to fall pregnant is short – so they’re doing all they can, with the help of Dr Raewyn Teirney, to fall pregnant quickly.

Continue to follow the heartwarming and quirky couple, Courtney and Woody, as they come closer to their dream of parenthood. Sheila and Tyson face a new round of IVF and endeavour to stay positive as they grapple with the difficult realities of fertility treatment.

Episode 5

This episode, we meet Angus and Adam, who have been together for 19 years. As a same sex couple, they’re desperate to start a family through surrogacy. It’s a team effort - donor eggs from Adam’s sister, combined with Angus’ sperm, as well as surrogate Kate. Watch the emotional journey, as everyone comes together to help them achieve their dream.

Cancer survivor Katrina and her husband, Steve, are doing everything they can to have a baby – with the help of a revolutionary surgical procedure called an ‘ovarian tissue graft’. Incredibly, this new fertility method has revived Katrina’s ability to produce eggs following intensive chemotherapy.

Episode 6

Last week, we met Katrina and Steve. Doctors froze Katrina’s ovarian tissue prior to intensive chemotherapy, and now, with the help of A/Prof Kate Stern and IVF technology, Katrina can once again produce eggs. This episode, Katrina and Steve await news of their latest IVF cycle after an embryo has been transferred.

Angus and Adam are getting closer to starting their family, with the help of surrogate Kate. Kate and husband Daniel are no strangers to pregnancy and children, with five teenagers of their own. The two families come together as they approach the end – or beginning – of their journey.

Sheila and Tyson consider their options, while Samantha and Jason face a heartbreaking revelation on their journey to growing their family.

Episode 7

It’s the final episode in Season 1 of Big Miracles, which has followed eight brave and determined Australian couples and singles on their heartwarming, and often heartbreaking, journey to becoming parents.

Sam and Jason’s journey continues, as they turn to IVF in the hopes of having a second child. Katrina and Steve prepare to become parents, alongside intensive monitoring. It’s been a long and difficult journey, having gone through many IVF cycles and a revolutionary surgical procedure to recover her ability to produce eggs after chemotherapy.

Plus, catch up with the other couples on the show who have now started their new chapter of parenthood.

Catch up on the episodes here.

IVF success rates vary from couple to couple, and many factors can affect the success rate of IVF, including the woman's age and fertility status, the quality of the eggs and the quality of sperm. With our world-class science and continual investment in research and innovation, we’re proud of the success rates we achieve.

Our IVF success rates here.

While IVFAustralia is proud of our success rates, the IVF process can be difficult emotionally, physically and even financially for patients. As such, it's important to have transparent pre-consultations outlining the costs of treatment, as well as experienced, supportive, and reliable fertility doctors to guide patients through the process. At IVFAustralia, we have teams of knowledgeable nurses, counsellors and scientists to provide patient support throughout every step.

What is Channel 9 Big Miracles?

Channel 9 Big Miracles is a documentary series showcasing the IVF journey of real Australian couples. The show was filmed at Virtus Health fertility clinics and includes expert opinions from IVF doctors, specialists, and nurses.

What is the Channel 9 show about IVF?

Big Miracles is a docuseries about IVF currently airing on Channel 9. It captures the real experience of Australian couples on their journey to conceive.

What is the new show about IVF?

Big Miracle is the new show about IVF airing on Channel 9. Produced by Ronde Media at Virtus Health fertility clinics, this new show captures the reality of the IVF process for couples all over Australia.

Where can you watch Big Miracles Season 2?

You can watch the first episode of Big Miracles on 5th Feb 2024 as it airs on Channel 9, or catch up anytime on 9Now.