Implantation Signs and Symptoms after Conceiving: How to Recognize Them

In India, around 3 million couples actively seek out reproductive treatments. Treatments using assisted reproductive technology (ART) are successful and give couples hope, but they can also be difficult. Patients may become very confused due to the variety of these treatments and their effects. Embryo transfer is one of these therapy modalities.

In a nutshell, embryo transfer is the procedure of implanting a fresh or frozen embryo produced by the fertilisation of the eggs and sperm taken from the spouses’ respective ovaries.

In any fertility treatment where conception is the main objective, it is a crucial stage. Nevertheless, embryo transfer 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 both the positive and negative effects of embryo transfer. Let’s begin by studying the embryo transfer procedure.

What is embryo implantation in IVF treatment?

In a couple, 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 recovered. A sample of the male partner’s semen is also taken at the same time. The sperm cells in this semen sample have been purified and cleaned.

In a highly supervised setting at an IVF lab, the mature eggs and sperm are then mixed and allowed to fertilise on a Petri dish. After fertilisation, 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 in this step, then implants it in the uterine lining.

The majority of the time, an IVF cycle produces several embryos. Fresh embryo transfers and frozen embryo transfers are two different types of embryo transfers.

After 4-5 days following retrieval, the resultant embryo is transferred as a fresh embryo. A frozen embryo transfer occurs when the embryo has already been developed and stored for upcoming pregnancies. Patients have the option to freeze additional embryos when fertilisation results in the creation of numerous embryos for future pregnancies.

Signs of Positive Embryo Implantation

A successful fertilisation 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 implantation cramps. These signs could resemble menstruation pains.
• Soreness in the Breasts: Breasts that are sore and swollen – You can anticipate certain changes in the areola and nipple regions of your breasts. Most women experience some breast discomfort and edema.
• Fatigue: Throughout the pregnancy, 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. High amounts of fatigue or sleepiness will be present, especially after eating.
• 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.
• 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 implantation.
• 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.
• Frequent Urination: hCG pregnancy hormones are injected during the IVF cycle, causing an increased urge to urinate. Women who are taking these hormones may urinate often. Another sign of pregnancy is a stronger urge to urinate.
• Missed mensuration: 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

Negative embryo transfer results mean that the embryo did not successfully implant. It makes it difficult to get pregnant. 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 the good indicators mentioned above 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

It might be challenging to determine the reason for a couple’s infertility when there has been an implantation failure. Finding out if an implantation failure happened during fertility treatment is also challenging. To identify the warning indications of an unsuccessful embryo transfer, your fertility specialist may prescribe the following tests and procedures:

• Hysteroscopy
• testicular biopsy
• Test for immunomodulation
• a blood test
• analysis of sperm

Your fertility specialist will schedule a counselling appointment if an embryo transfer fails to help you understand your situation and the next measures to take. The following therapy procedures can successfully address implant failure:

• Culture of blastocysts (Embryo transfer on day 5, or at the blastocyst stage.)
• genetic preimplantation diagnosis
• Assisted hatching

In addition to the treatments mentioned above, 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 is responding following the embryo transfer, but it is crucial to note that not all changes are caused by the embryo transfer.

It is recommended to wait at least two weeks after the embryo transfer before taking a pregnancy test. Women typically notice any changes in their bodies at this time, and it is totally normal for them to do so. She begins to worry and feel overly hopeful about each alteration that occurs after the embryo transfer. After waiting for two weeks to check for conception, the medical staff examines any symptoms following IVF transfer. Following are general changes you may notice in your body:

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

Conclusion

In vitro fertilisation (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 the signs and symptoms of embryo implantation. Some of the common signs of implantation 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 given 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.