In vitro fertilization consists of several stages, the main of which is the fertilization of an egg outside the mother's body with the formation of an embryo and its cultivation. The last stage is the transfer of the developing embryo into the uterine cavity. It is from this moment that the agonizing wait for the result begins; and it is at this time that the expectant mother begins to look for symptoms of pregnancy after IVF. Let's try to understand whether it is possible to understand whether pregnancy has occurred after IVF - and, if possible, what are the signs of pregnancy during IVF before taking a blood test for hCG.
Correct behavior before embryo transfer
Embryo transfer is the final and most important part of the IVF protocol, requiring proper preparation of the patient and high skill of the attending physician. Before the transfer, the patient should avoid physical activity, prefer foods that do not cause gas formation, and follow the instructions of the attending physician (usually progesterone, folic acid, and some individually selected medications are prescribed).
In the process of monitoring the development of the embryo, the attending physician is in constant contact with the embryologist and the future parents, discussing with them the prospects of transfer on a daily basis. Depending on the number of embryos and their quality, the transfer is carried out either on the third or fifth day of embryo life. If there are few embryos or they develop with a delay, a decision is made to transfer on the 3rd day, and it is preferable to transfer 2 embryos at once. If the quantity and quality of embryos allows, they continue to be observed until the 5th day, until the formation of the so-called. blastocysts. The procedure is performed with a full bladder. The most important thing is a positive attitude, trust in your doctor and clinic, maximum peace of mind and confidence in success!
Embryo transfer during IVF
– a technically complex procedure. In our clinic, it is carried out with constant ultrasound control, and both the doctor and the expectant mother can see on the screen everything that happens in the uterus, right down to the place where the embryo is placed. The transfer is carried out using an ultra-thin catheter with a special coating that does not damage the embryo. The entire procedure usually lasts no more than 5 minutes and is absolutely painless. The “gold standard” is the transfer of one healthy embryo to prevent multiple pregnancies, which is considered a complication of IVF. The option of twin pregnancy must be discussed with patients before the transfer, regardless of how many embryos are transferred, because Even with the transfer of one embryo, twins are possible.
What not to do when delayed
Delays do not indicate the development of pathology or hidden pregnancy, so there is no need to worry or rush things. Many women at this time experience premenstrual syndrome, which in its symptoms is very similar to the manifestation of toxicosis in the first weeks of pregnancy. Some ladies decide that a miracle has happened to them and begin to make mistakes. The most dangerous of them is the use of hormonal drugs just in case. Such self-medication associated with hormonal therapy can end sadly for a woman. Hormones that are introduced into the body without good reason at the moment when it is trying to start the independent production of its own, disrupt the functioning of the endocrine system for a long time. A woman’s rash actions provoke complications, which she then attributes to complications of the IVF protocol. If after IVF (unsuccessful) there are no periods, there is no need to reassure yourself with the dream of a secret pregnancy. They will begin the moment everything returns to normal.
Correct behavior after embryo transfer
After completing the procedure for transferring the embryo into the uterus, the patient remains under observation in the clinic’s day hospital for one and a half to two hours. Upon discharge, it is recommended to remain in bed for up to 3-4 days; progesterone preparations, folic acid and a number of drugs selected individually are prescribed. The patient should refrain from overheating, physical activity, and abstain from sexual activity until taking a pregnancy test (hCG). The test is taken on the 12th day after the transfer and the result is discussed with the attending physician.
Discharge during embryo implantation
Approximately 30% of women suffer from slight bleeding during embryo transfer. Occurs from 6 to 12 after fertilization. The process can be identified by its characteristic features, namely:
| Sign | Peculiarities |
| Definition | Initially it appears as beige, pale pink, then it can become dark cream, brown discharge. |
| Form of manifestation | Not much, somewhat thick, smearing |
| Size | From a few drops to a 2-3 cm spot. |
| Duration of manifestation | Occurs within 6-12 days. Appears within 2-3 hours to a couple of days. |
| Additional features | Sometimes accompanied by various kinds of abdominal pain and swelling of the mammary gland. Without smell |
A doctor can independently determine the norm or pathology of the discharge that has arisen. If complications are suspected, it is recommended to consult a gynecologist.
First symptoms of pregnancy after IVF
The first symptoms of pregnancy after IVF can be difficult to differentiate before taking hCG.
The fact is that many reactions to the administration of progesterone, which is included in the standard “support” after transfer as part of IVF, coincide with the symptoms of pregnancy. This may include an increase in body temperature to 37.5 C (doctors always warn about this, this is normal for pregnancy), a feeling of bloating, pain in the mammary glands against the background of their swelling, and finally, many feel nagging pain in the lower abdomen. Unfortunately, there is no 100% connection between the appearance of these symptoms and pregnancy. Numerous “graphs” circulating on the Internet of the appearance of pregnancy symptoms by day after embryo transfer do not have any scientific or any other basis. Just as after natural conception, pregnancy after IVF can be (and often is) asymptomatic, and can manifest itself a few days after implantation (which, as we remember, occurs 1-3 days after embryo transfer).
Normally there should be no bleeding; When implantation is supported with micronized (vaginal) progesterone, the discharge is usually mixed with the drug in a white color, against which the blood is clearly visible. The appearance of such discharge is a reason to immediately let your doctor know about it so that he can adjust the intake and dosage of medications!
You can understand women who begin to conduct a urine pregnancy test almost from the first day. We just found out that this is pointless: it won’t show anything. Standard - you need to take a blood test for hCG on the 12-14th day after the transfer; if the blastocyst (embryo of the 5th day of development) was transferred, it can be donated on the 9-10th day, the analysis is highly likely to show reliable numbers. An earlier test is fraught with the risk that the obtained numbers will not allow for an unambiguous interpretation: if the hCG result is negative, pregnancy is not excluded, and a low result cannot be regarded as a pregnancy. Both of these only confuse and bring negative emotions.
Just as there are no absolute early signs of intrauterine pregnancy after IVF, there are no signs of a terrible complication - an ectopic pregnancy. Any newly appeared sensations should not confuse or arouse suspicion; In the early stages, it is impossible to establish this diagnosis, and its frequency after IVF is extremely low, although the possibility exists. It is necessary to mention pregnancy with twins. A direct connection between the subsequent multiple pregnancy and the value of hCG taken on the 12-14th day after the transfer has not been established. Therefore, even receiving high hCG numbers should not deceive: everything will become clear during the first ultrasound - it is usually done on the 23-25th day after the transfer. In the same way, there is no connection between the appearance of early (before hCG) signs of pregnancy and twin pregnancy: they do not appear more often and do not differ from those in a singleton pregnancy.
The waiting period after embryo transfer and before the hCG test is responsible. It is during this period that implantation occurs and the outcome of the entire IVF protocol is determined. During this period, it is extremely important to stay in touch with your fertility specialist and follow all his instructions exactly. Do not hesitate to ask questions to your doctor: this will help you not to miss anything important on the way to your main goal!
Changes in the nature of menstruation after an unsuccessful protocol
The next stage is that menstruation has finally arrived after IVF. In some cases, it may differ from the usual, which, as a rule, is a variant of the norm. Menstrual bleeding can vary in profuseness, pain, duration, women often describe seeing pieces of tissue and even seeing something in them. In fact, while taking hormones, the endometrium often reacts to these drugs: it grows more intensely and, as a result, the nature of menstruation changes. And the described “pieces” are nothing more than rejected endometrium. If we talk theoretically, it is simply impossible to notice the embryo (the size of which in the early stages fluctuates around 1-2 mm and which has an indefinite shape).
The body is in an unusual situation for it and can react in the same way to new circumstances. You need to understand this and treat your feelings calmly. As a rule, in the subsequent cycle the regularity and stability of menstruation improves, but if changes remain, you should definitely bring this to the attention of your doctor.
Another factor affecting menstrual function is the condition of the ovaries. In the IVF program, the ovaries work more actively, increase in size, often luteal cysts form in them (which in general is not a significant problem), as a result, in some cases, 1-2 menstrual cycles may be required to restore the ovaries after unsuccessful IVF.
That is why it is recommended to take a break between attempts until complete recovery after unsuccessful IVF.
All these changes are not reasons to think that something is wrong with the body and are logical, taking into account the changes that occur in the body under the influence of hormonal drugs.
Discharge after puncture
Follicular puncture is a minimally invasive operation in which several eggs are taken from the ovaries. As a result, the body receives minor trauma. Women may feel various effects that last no more than a day. Symptoms include: discharge, cramping pain.
Bloody discharge after IVF occurs due to damage to blood vessels and organs by the puncture needle. The procedure requires a lot of experience in performing otherwise there is a high risk of infection. By contacting the Center for Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, you can be confident in the quality of the puncture. Thanks to the extensive experience of doctors, the operation is performed under a safe dose of anesthesia without the risk of inflammation of the ovaries or injuries to internal organs.
How you feel by day of pregnancy
The presence of certain clinical symptoms of pregnancy is determined by day. Each period is characterized by its own manifestations.
Feelings after embryo transfer on days 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 of pregnancy
| Pregnancy Day | Symptoms |
| 3 | At the 3rd stage of embryo development, the process of penetration of the blastocyst into the uterine mucosa begins. Clinical signs during this period are not specific. A woman may experience headache, weakness, and fatigue. |
| 4 | The embryo completes its immersion into the endometrium. Characteristic symptoms for 4 DPP are drowsiness, emotional lability, and headache. |
| 5 | The fetus begins to receive nutrients from the mother's bloodstream. Clinical symptoms include discomfort in the lower abdomen and possible bloody discharge from the genitals. |
| 6 | Thanks to the enzymes produced, the embryo penetrates deep into the uterus. This is accompanied by an increase in basal temperature and periodic aching pain in the lower abdomen. |
| 7 | A week after embryo transfer, the formation of the placenta begins. Characteristic symptoms for this period are discomfort in the lower abdomen, weakness, and increased basal temperature. |
| 8 | HCG begins to be produced. The symptom complex does not differ from previous days. |
