Looking to fulfill your dream of parenthood through an IVF procedure? You might be wondering about the IVF success rate apart from what to do post embryo transfer. Studies show that the success rate, as measured by live births, stands at about 60%-65% for genetically healthy embryos. The age of the mother and the egg plays a crucial role in maximizing chances of success. After the embryo transfer, monitor the positive signs of success. Here’s what you need to know.
Normal Symptoms After Embryo Transfer
After embryo transfer, day by day you will see some symptoms that indicate things are going according to plan, and you need not worry. Although some signs might concern you, remember they are all part of the normal process. Here’s what you can expect post embryo transfer:
Spotting or Light Bleeding
Such bleeding is normal and indicates that the embryo has successfully been implanted in the uterine lining. Sometimes, spotting can also occur as a side effect of the medications used for IVF treatment. If you experience heavy bleeding, contact your doctor immediately.
Mild Cramping or Bloating
Cramping is common during early pregnancy and one of the positive signs after embryo transfer. Progesterone given as part of the IVF treatments can also lead to mild cramping. Bloating is another side effect of the increased progesterone. However, if you experience extremely painful cramping, contact your physician immediately.
Breast Tenderness
Sore and painful breasts are another early sign of pregnancy, both natural and IVF. If your breasts are swollen, sore or tender, it could indicate a successful transfer. Again, the increased hormone levels from the IVF treatments could also lead to breast tenderness.
Fatigue
Since your body is undergoing significant changes due to pregnancy, feeling tired is normal. The increased progesterone levels also lead to fatigue.
Frequent Urination
This is also an early sign of pregnancy and can be the first sign that you are pregnant, even before a positive test. However, this symptom can occur later in pregnancy for some people.
Mood Swings
Mood swings are a common positive sign after embryo transfer. You could experience a range of emotions, from joy to anxiety due to the hormonal changes brought about by the fertility medications and pregnancy. The intensity of the mood swings tends to vary from person to person.
Symptoms That Require Medical Attention
The unfortunate reality of IVF is that the success rate cannot be guaranteed by even the best doctors in the world. Multiple factors play a role in successful pregnancy. If you see one or more of the following symptoms post embryo transfer, visit your doctor immediately:
Severe Cramping or Heavy Bleeding
Light bleeding or spotting, mild cramping and bloating are positive signs that the transfer has been successful. However, if the cramping turns into extreme pain or if you experience heavy bleeding that does not stop in a few days, you need immediate medical attention.
Fever and Vomiting
Fever or vomiting are usually seen as signs of an unsuccessful transfer. Severe nausea could be a sign of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, which can be a side effect of the IVF treatment but can also occur after embryo transfer. Sometimes, the fever could be a sign of infection rather than unsuccessful embryo implantation. This is why consulting your fertility specialist as soon as possible is recommended.
Shortness of Breath
This is another sign of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and consulting your physician is the best course of action. Early intervention could help arrest the problem before it impacts on the pregnancy. Also, make sure you follow the dos and don’ts after embryo transfer, as recommended by your fertility specialist.
Managing Normal Symptoms Post Embryo Transfer
To maximize the chances of success, there are some essential dos and don’ts you should follow after embryo transfer. Here’s a look.
Rest and Relaxation
Bed rest is advised post embryo transfer to give yourself the best chance of ensuring successful implantation. Implantation occurs between 1 and 5 days after the transfer. So, taking a week off from work and everyday duties can help. This is also when you should avoid strenuous physical activity, such as vigorous exercise. You can, however, resume light or moderate physical activities, such as walking, cooking, driving, etc., after consulting your doctor.
Healthy Diet
Follow the diet recommended for pregnant women, which includes limiting sugar intake, avoiding processed foods, ensuring sufficient intake of proteins and carbohydrates and including healthy fats in your diet. You can also ask your doctor about vitamin and folic acid supplements.
Hydration
Staying hydrated is very important for a healthy pregnancy because it supports various bodily functions, such as adequate blood volume and circulation, maintaining the quality and thickness of the uterine lining, facilitating digestion and preventing constipation.
Emotional Support
Pregnancy can be an emotional roller coaster. Of course, it is the most joyous time of your life, but it is also a time of anxiety. Mood swings are normal. Emotional support from your near and dear ones helps to cope with all the different emotions as well as the joy of successful implantation or the devastation of failed IVF.
When to Contact Your Doctor
Apart from the symptoms mentioned earlier that require immediate medical attention, you will need to make regular visits to your doctor so that they can monitor your progress. They will use sonograms, ultrasounds and other tests to track the pregnancy. Most importantly, follow all the post embryo transfer dos and don’ts, and don’t hesitate to contact your fertility specialist with any questions you may have.
FAQs
Q: How to know if an embryo transfer is successful?
A: A successful embryo transfer is often indicated by certain positive signs. Common symptoms that suggest successful implantation include light spotting or bleeding, mild cramping, breast tenderness, fatigue, and frequent urination. These symptoms arise due to hormonal changes and the body’s natural response to early pregnancy. However, the most definitive way to confirm a successful transfer is through a blood test measuring the levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hcg) about 10-14 days after the transfer.
Q: What are normal symptoms after embryo transfer?
A: After an embryo transfer, experiencing certain symptoms is normal and generally not a cause for concern. These include:
- Spotting or Light Bleeding: Indicates potential implantation.
- Mild Cramping or Bloating: Common due to early pregnancy or progesterone used in IVF treatments.
- Breast Tenderness: Sore or swollen breasts due to hormonal changes.
- Fatigue: Normal due to significant bodily changes.
- Frequent Urination: Early sign of pregnancy.
- Mood Swings: Hormonal changes causing emotional fluctuations.
Q: What are the symptoms of an unsuccessful embryo transfer?
A: While some symptoms might overlap with those of a successful transfer, there are certain signs that may indicate an unsuccessful embryo transfer severe cramping or heavy bleeding, fever, vomiting and shortness of breath. Always consult with your healthcare provider if you experience any severe or unusual symptoms post-embryo transfer.