Implantation Signs and Symptoms after Conceiving: How to Recognize Them

WHO reports, globally, around 17.5% of the adult population—that is, roughly 1 out of 6 people are affected by infertility. Infertility is defined as the failure of conception after 12 months of trying with unprotected sexual intercourse. As a result, experts suggest assisted reproductive techniques (ART) that are successful and give couples hope to achieve pregnancy. One of the fertility treatment methods in IVF is embryo transfer. 

In a nutshell, embryo transfer is the procedure of implanting a fresh or frozen embryo produced in the lab by fertilizing the eggs and sperm taken from the partners. Nevertheless, embryo implantation signs and symptoms can have both positive and negative effects on your chances of a successful pregnancy, just like any course of action.

This article will give an overview of implantation signs and symptoms after embryo transfer. Let’s begin by understanding the embryo transfer procedure first.

What is embryo implantation in IVF treatment?

A female partner would receive certain hormonal medications to promote ovulation during an ideal IVF procedure. After ovulation has been triggered, mature, healthy eggs are retrieved. At the same time, a semen sample from the male partner is also collected. The collected semen sample is then washed and concentrated for the further fertilization process. 

In a highly supervised setting at an IVF lab, the mature eggs and sperm are then combined and allowed to fertilize on a Petri dish. After fertilization, five to six days are given for the developing embryo to mature.

The final stage of an IVF cycle is embryo transfer. Your fertility specialist locates and picks a viable embryo and implants it in the uterine lining for conception.

Fresh embryo transfers and frozen embryo transfers are two different types. A frozen embryo transfer occurs when the embryo has already been developed and stored for future pregnancies.

Signs of Positive Embryo Implantation

A successful fertilization and subsequent embryo transfer signal that your pregnancy has begun. Because of this, the early pregnancy symptoms and the signals of a successful embryo transfer are somewhat similar. You might anticipate experiencing changes in your body when an embryo is put in your uterus and pregnancy is induced. Following are a few indicators that your embryo transfer was successful:

• Discomfort and pain in the pelvis: You will feel mild to moderate discomfort and cramps in your lower back, pelvis, and stomach. They are referred to as embryo implantation cramps. The intensity of pain and discomfort is similar to menstrual cramps.
• Soreness in the Breasts: Breasts that are sore and swollen – You can anticipate certain changes in the areola and nipple regions . Most women experience some breast discomfort and edema in breasts.
• Fatigue: After a week of embryo implantation,  it’s normal to feel worn out and sleepy. However, the hormonal changes brought on by an embryo transfer may cause you to feel more exhausted than usual.
• Morning sickness: During the later phases of an embryo transfer, you may feel a little queasy or even start to throw up. These symptoms, also referred to as morning sickness, are typically present in the first few weeks of pregnancy.
• Food intolerances: Following a successful embryo transfer, it’s common to develop intolerances to particular foods and odours. Though its normal and may vary from individual to individual.
• Changes in vaginal discharge: Due to changes in hormone levels, a successful embryo transfer can result in an increased vaginal discharge. The extra vaginal discharge keeps the endometrium in the best possible condition for further embryo development.
• Spotting or light bleeding: On occasion, around 7 days into the two-week period, you can also notice minor spotting. It’s referred to as an implantation haemorrhage  or implantation bleeding.
• Frequent Urination: hCG pregnancy hormones are injected during the IVF cycle, causing pressure on the lower pelvic region and an increased urge to urinate. 
• Missed menstruation: Missing your period after an embryo transfer indicates that the pregnancy has begun and is an indication of successful implantation.

Apart from the above-mentioned signs and symptoms, at times some women may not exhibit any symptoms following a frozen embryo transfer. No symptoms do not necessarily indicate that your embryo transfer was unsuccessful.

Negative Signs of Embryo Implantation

When an embryo fails to implant or fuses with the endometrium to form a gestational sac, negative symptoms are present. After at least three IVF rounds, a woman is considered to have experienced implantation failure if she is unable to become pregnant.

The absence of positive implantation signs emphasises implantation failure in particular. Note that sometimes the aforementioned symptoms might also result from the hormonal medications used during the IVF treatment.

However, to determine if your IVF treatment was successful or unsuccessful, you should speak with a fertility specialist. It’s because the only accurate way to determine the outcome of your embryo transfer is with a diagnostic pregnancy test.

Failure to implant an embryo can happen for a number of reasons, including:

• Anomalies in the chromosomes or genes
• Uterine tumours
• Adhesions or scarring
• Uterine infections or inflammation An early rise in progesterone levels
• Endometrial lining that is not responsive
• Advanced age of the female partner
• Obesity

Here are some typical indicators of unsuccessful implantation or a negative embryo transfer:

• persistent pelvic discomfort
• Obstructed bowels
• Painful menstruation
• Heavy bleeding
• Excessive Bloating

It might be challenging to determine the reason for a couple’s infertility when there has been an implantation failure. If an embryo transfer fails, the fertility specialist will determine an alternate method to achieve pregnancy. In addition to fertility treatments, your doctor will advise you on how to live a healthier lifestyle to increase your chances of getting pregnant.

What to Expect After Embryo Transfer?

It is typical for a patient to pay closer attention to how her body responds following the embryo transfer, but it is crucial to note that not all changes are caused by the embryo transfer.

Before taking a pregnancy test, it is recommended to wait at least two weeks after the embryo transfer to allow it to get implanted in the inner lining of the uterus. After 14 days, the expert examines the tests to be sure regarding pregnancy. Following are general changes you may notice in your body after embryo transfer:

• Increase in the basal body temperature
• Slight weight gain
• Bloating
• Mood swings
• Fatigue
• Changes in the measurements around the waist

Conclusion

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is one of the most effective assisted reproductive techniques. Also, it has a higher success rate compared to other fertility treatments. This article gives information about embryo implantation signs and symptoms. Some of the common implantation signs and symptoms are spotting, light bleeding, mood swings, fatigue, body changes, and morning sickness. If you are facing any complications and need expert advice, book a free consultation today by calling us or filling in the required details in the appointment form.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• How can I figure out that the embryo was implanted successfully?

The expert asks the patient to test for pregnancy on the 7th or 12th day after the IVF cycle. Once it shows positive, if you experience spotting in the following week, it is often indicated that the embryo has been implanted successfully.

• What should I eat to boost the success chances of implantation?

The following foods can promote the thickness of the endometrium lining, which can result in successful embryo implantation:

• Wholegrains
• Beetroot
• Quinoa
• Brown rice
• Whole wheat bread

• I am experiencing heavy bleeding after my positive pregnancy, is it normal?

Spotting or light bleeding is normal after successful embryo implantation. However, if you see abnormal and excessive bleeding, you should consult your doctor for immediate medical advice and expert advice for effective results.

• How long do implantation symptoms last?

The signs and symptoms of embryo implantation may last for only a few days; the possibility of such symptoms is seen in the first trimester. However, if you notice any odd signs, it is advisable to consult the doctor promptly.

• Can IVF guarantee implantation?

Not really, embryo implantation results depend on various factors such as the age of the patient, infertility condition, complications, or if the patient is suffering from ant chronic disease that can impact the result of the IVF cycle. However, experts suggest that IVF has a higher success rate compared to other fertility treatments

• When do implantation symptoms start?

Generally, the implantation signs and symptoms start about one to two weeks after the embryo transfer process.