Behavior after embryo transfer. How to behave after IVF embryo transfer. How does embryo transfer take place?

The process of implantation of a fertilized egg during in vitro fertilization is poorly covered in the literature and has not been sufficiently studied.

One thing is known: the entire IVF process depends on the timeliness of embryo transportation.

Embryo transport begins with egg retrieval. The egg retrieval process takes place under anesthesia. After this, fertilization with seminal fluid occurs, and subsequently the transfer of embryos during IVF.

Factors influencing successful replanting

This process includes two important conditions:

The combination and interaction of the tissue structure of the uterus and the embryo;
Correspondence of time and conditions of embryo transfer.

Doctors consider embryo transfer to coincide with this period with the formation of an implantation window.

The implantation window is a period during which favorable conditions are created in the uterus for interaction with the embryo.

It has been studied that favorable conditions for internal tissue are created on the twentieth day of the cycle. The period may be delayed for some time due to the intensity of use of hormonal drugs.

Features of implantation in IVF protocols

In in vitro fertilization programs, the fusion of an egg with a sperm is placed in an artificial environment equipped with nutrients.

After being in these environments for a certain time, they are transferred to the natural environment of the uterus. When an embryo is implanted into the uterine mucosa, the embryo will need time to recover.

Coincidence of deadlines is a very important and decisive stage; in case of delay or delay in deadlines, the IVF cycle is completed unsuccessfully.

The process of implanting the embryo into the uterus can be delayed for approximately three days. Implantation at a later date does not affect the quality of pregnancy.

Timing of implantation

The embryo is transported after the hatching procedure.

Hatching is the process of piercing the membrane of the embryo in order to reduce the density of the outer protective membrane.

Reasons for the absence or failure of implantation:

Stopping the embryo from developing due to genetic characteristics;
The presence of inflammatory processes in the endometrium of the uterine cavity (polyps, scars, etc.);
The appearance of a thick membrane of the embryo. This symptom is present in older patients and is associated with the aging process of eggs;
The presence of unfavorable conditions for embryo transfer - transfer of the embryo after freezing, bad habits.

Medication support

To carry out effective implantation, progesterone support is provided with medications.

The use of such a complex of drugs begins from the first day of the introduction of the embryo into the uterine cavity.

Preparations of the progesterone group prepare the internal tissue of the uterus for successful transfer of the embryo.

Also, to obtain a positive result from the transfer of a fertilized egg, medications that help thin the blood, such as heparin, aspirin, etc., are used.

They help increase blood circulation, resulting in satisfactory factors for implantation of a fertilized egg.

Symptoms of embryo implantation after replanting

When undergoing implantation, a woman experiences a number of unpleasant sensations:

Migraines, dizziness;
Taste of metal in the mouth;
Drowsiness, fatigue;
Increase in body temperature.

Sometimes these signs have a psychological basis. A woman, in anticipation of the long-awaited pregnancy, does not let go of the thought of this, so her health worsens.

Sometimes this condition can be a reaction to the use of progesterone medications. And sometimes bleeding is a clear sign of embryo transfer, but this happens in rare cases.

Embryo consolidation

Fertilized eggs are implanted in the uterine cavity, since its structure consists of many villi.

When the embryo enters the uterus, the villi seem to envelop it, thereby sticking to the wall. This process occurs after hatching.

Conditions for a positive embryo transfer:

Quantity and qualitative composition of eggs;
Age categories of women;
Frequency of previous IVF procedures;
Individual health characteristics.

What happens after the transfer

Embryo transfer is a rather complicated process, but after this the situation becomes alarming. A woman waiting for good news should follow all recommendations to achieve pregnancy.

The onset of pregnancy and subsequent stages are similar to natural stages. After the fertilized egg is implanted into the uterine cavity, a process of further growth and development occurs.

The implantation of the embryo into the uterine mucosa occurs on the seventh day after the fertilization procedure and lasts approximately three days. Implantation of the embryo is the process of immersion into the uterus.

There are 2 phases of implantation:

Adhesion (attachment procedure);
Invasion (penetration).

After these phases, the formation of the skeletal notochord, neural and intestinal tubes occurs.

How to behave after embryo transfer?

After the procedure of embryo transfer into the uterine cavity, the woman should be in a calm state.

After the transfer, the following rules must be observed:

For the first day, you must refrain from taking baths, showers, or visiting the pool;
Do not have sexual intercourse before pregnancy testing;
Do not insert tampons into the vagina;
Try to avoid physical activity and heavy lifting;
After the procedure, do not perform work for 24 hours, try to adhere to bed rest;
Avoid stress and negative emotions;
Engage in enjoyable leisure activities (knitting, reading, etc.) until you receive the results of your pregnancy test;
Avoid colds and infectious diseases;
Driving is prohibited;
Eating with fresh fruits and vegetables.

A woman who has undergone this procedure must follow a balanced, nutritious diet and regularly take walks in the fresh air.

Bad habits must be forgotten for a long time. A woman should get enough sleep and the sleeping position should be chosen in a comfortable position.

After implantation, some women experience spotting, but this is not something to be afraid of. Basically, this process is associated with the use of hormonal drugs, in other words, there is a glut of hormones.

In some cases, women experience pain in groin area belly. Such symptoms occur in 25 percent of women who have undergone embryo implantation.

After the implantation procedure, you need to listen to your body with special care and at the slightest discomfort, in order to avoid complications, rush to consult a doctor.

Hormonal support after embryo transfer

Each woman experiences different consequences after the procedure. Some are recommended to carry out hormonal support using estradiol and progesterone. A harmonious balance of hormones ensures the normal development of embryos.

Embryos in the uterus produce human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). The amount of this hormone increases quantitatively, signaling the normal formation and growth of the fetus.

Therefore, hormone testing is carried out on the day of implantation and a week after the procedure.

Pregnancy after embryo transfer

Pregnancy testing is carried out two weeks after the embryo transfer procedure. The test does not provide complete information, so ultrasound is recommended.

During these two weeks, the woman should be in a calm, balanced environment. Family members are required to understand the complexity of the situation and provide support in all matters.

If tension reaches its maximum value, you can use the following herbal sedative recipes:

Pour boiling water over dried motherwort herb and take a weak solution as a tea drink;
Mix herbs: lemon balm, mint, chamomile. Brew the mixture with boiling water in a thermos and let it brew. Use as tea;
It is allowed to take tablets of a homeopathic remedy - glycine;
The use of aromatic essential oils (lavender oil) has a calming effect.

Video: Embryo Transfer

Conclusion
After implantation, a woman must follow all of the above recommendations and take care of her health. If you experience the slightest discomfort, you should immediately consult a fertility specialist.

The IVF protocol has been completed. One or two wonderful embryos are successfully transferred into the uterine cavity. What to do next? Obstetrician-gynecologist, reproductive specialist at GMS IVF Yulia Kikina says

The two weeks from embryo transfer to the hCG blood test are the most difficult for a woman in an IVF program. Did it work or not? Something tingled inside, is this normal or is everything gone? Chest pain - is it bad or not? If your chest doesn't hurt, does that mean nothing happened? Aching stomach - does it mean everything is lost? If your stomach doesn't ache, does that mean pregnancy has not occurred? How will my regime change now? What to eat, what to drink and in general, how to continue to live? These and other questions in the IVF program concern all expectant mothers, so we will dwell on some in detail.

Do I need to stay in bed for two weeks after embryo transfer? Is it possible to move? When can you get up?

The most important thing to do after embryo transfer is to relax. First of all, after embryo transfer, it is necessary to create a state of psychological support for the mother in order to avoid unnecessary worries about possible problems with embryo implantation.

You need to understand that a woman’s usual behavior after embryo transfer, if it is not extreme (heavy physical activity, parachute jumping, scuba diving, etc.), does not affect the effectiveness of the IVF protocol. The embryo will not fall out of the uterus if you get out of bed. It will not roll out if you sit down or walk.

There is no need to freeze in bed after embryo transfer. It is usually recommended to lie down after the transfer for 30 minutes, but this is necessary primarily so that the woman calms down, so that the tone of the uterus decreases, and not at all so that the embryo attaches.

Its attachment occurs within 24-40 hours after transfer, and it depends little on whether the person lies on the bed for all these 40 minutes, or leads a normal lifestyle, only excluding a number of stress factors. Moreover, there are studies that prove that a woman’s lack of activity after the transfer reduces blood flow in the uterine cavity, which adversely affects the likelihood of pregnancy, and the percentage of effective programs in this case is lower than for those who continued to be active immediately after the transfer.

But there are a number of points that increase the chances of implantation. After embryo transfer, you need to start treating yourself like a pregnant woman.

Minimize stress factors: try not to be nervous, rest well after the transfer, follow all the doctor’s recommendations - it is especially important to monitor hormone levels and adjust therapy on time. If fear bothers you, take sedatives (valerian, glycine). There is no need to run to the toilet every two days with a pregnancy test, all this is an extra emotional burden: the level of hCG may not yet be high enough to be reflected in the results of a urine test, but the stress of having a negative pregnancy test when examined ahead of time, leads to increased uterine tone and adversely affects the course of pregnancy.

Important restrictions that are designed to help keep embryos in the uterine cavity:

Avoid hot water treatments (bath, steam room, sauna). Shower - possible!
avoid lifting heavy objects;
exclude sports exercises associated with intense physical activity. Bicycle is not recommended. Running, fitness, swimming are not contraindicated;
avoid difficulty with bowel movements. It is recommended to eat more fruits and vegetables, especially prunes and beets;
exclude alcohol and smoking.

What can and cannot be eaten after embryo transfer?

In principle, you can eat almost everything, with rare restrictions. Legumes and spicy foods should be avoided - they increase intestinal motility, which can cause pain and increased tone of the uterus. It is recommended to limit strong coffee, since it also helps to increase the tone of the uterus, and in principle is undesirable during the entire pregnancy.

As additions to the diet, especially if there are prerequisites for the development of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (more than 10 oocytes were received in the IVF program), it is recommended:

drink plenty of fluids (at least 2 liters per day, preferably non-carbonated drinks);
Protein-rich foods (meat, fish, poultry, dairy products). For the rest, eat whatever you want for your health. More greens (they contain a lot of folic acid), vegetables and fruits, seafood (high Omega-3 content). Keep your diet varied. And you shouldn’t try to “cram” some “useful” product into yourself if your body does not accept it - it itself knows better than any doctor exactly what substances it is currently lacking, and what is useful for it at this particular moment .

Can I fly on an airplane after the transfer?

Air travel after embryo transfer is not contraindicated, but it is recommended to refrain from long trips for 2-3 days after the procedure. After three days, you can fearlessly travel to anywhere in the world by any means of transport.

Should I feel any signs of implantation?

Many people write on the Internet that if pregnancy has occurred, there should be signs such as engorgement of the mammary glands, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, etc., so the absence of such symptoms is perceived by a woman as a factor of failure. But this is absolutely in vain. Signs of pregnancy vary from person to person. Some people suffer from nausea and aching pain in the lower abdomen from the first day after the transfer. And some have no complaints or changes in their health status at all. Blood tests for progesterone and estradiol taken after embryo transfer are not a reliable symptom of the absence or presence of implantation. The doctor needs them to correct the support of the second phase of the cycle and nothing more. It will be possible to reliably determine whether pregnancy has occurred only 12-14 days after the transfer, by taking a blood test for hCG.

What about your intimate life?

In principle, intimate relationships after embryo transfer are not contraindicated, but after ovulation stimulation in a fresh IVF protocol, sexual intercourse can be painful due to enlarged ovaries and possible fluid effusion into the abdominal cavity, so they are undesirable. Also, sexual arousal can lead to an increase in uterine tone after embryo transfer, which can have an adverse effect on the implantation process. Therefore, after embryo transfer, it is usually recommended to abstain from sexual intercourse until a blood test for hCG is performed.

Bloody discharge from the genital tract appears after embryo transfer - what to do?

In this case, you should immediately consult a doctor. Spotting, scanty bleeding may normally accompany implantation, but in any case this requires correction of the support. You need to contact your doctor so that he can give recommendations on stopping some medications and prescribing others. In any case, you should not decide on your own to stop taking all medications if bleeding appears - this, fortunately, is not always a symptom of a failed IVF protocol. So, briefly about the main thing after embryo transfer:

do not panic or be nervous;
there is no need to lie still in bed for two weeks, this does not increase the chance of conception;
light physical activity, walks, and light fitness are not contraindicated;
you can eat almost everything that your body requires, with a few exceptions;
It is recommended to refrain from long trips for 2-3 days. After three days you can use any type of transport, including plane;
there is no need to try to examine the hCG level ahead of time or take a pregnancy test - these indicators can normally be negative up to a certain point, and you do not need unnecessary worries about this;
If you have any complaints, contact your doctor: therapy adjustments may be necessary. Do not self-medicate or stop taking medications without consulting your doctor.

And we hope that your protocol will end with a three-digit hCG for you and the birth of a healthy baby!

After an operation during which an embryo was implanted into a woman’s body, the expectant mother may not feel any significant changes, but in reality, continuous metamorphoses occur in the body at this moment. The result of these processes is pregnancy, that is, the attachment of the embryo to the uterus. This moment will not go unnoticed for a woman.

First, medical workers perform a puncture on the woman and collect eggs. Next, the woman’s eggs, along with the partner’s processed sperm, are placed in a special incubator, where they are cultured for 24 hours. On the first day, doctors can only give a preliminary assessment of the process. On the second day, usually the egg fertilized by the partner’s sperm has already turned into an embryo. At this stage, specialists can select the most “promising” eggs.

After this, at least four days must pass for a new stage to occur, at which the most important process takes place - direct transfer into the uterus of the embryo.

On the same day, doctors take blood from the expectant mother to test the level of progesterone and estradiol. This data will be needed in the near future so that support for the initial stage of gestation can be prescribed. In addition to tests, you will need to undergo an ultrasound examination to obtain objective information about the condition of the ovaries and uterine cavity.

The condition of the ovaries after stimulation is quite specific, since the procedure provokes the appearance of corpus luteum cysts. This condition will not cause any inconvenience to the expectant mother, since this is a natural reaction of the body. In some cases, a complication occurs - ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, but an experienced doctor can easily identify the pathology.

Determining the day for implantation

The choice of the right day for the procedure is influenced by many factors, including:

woman's age;
number of eggs;
embryo development rate;
the number of transfer operations performed previously;
patient's medical history.

Period after surgery

After the IVF procedure, over the next fourteen days you should not take any deviation from the normal state as a sign of pregnancy. At this stage, the woman may feel mild nausea, weakness and dizziness, but this does not guarantee that the operation was successful. The exact result can be found out only after tests for human chorionic gonadotropin are taken.

Many women rush to buy pregnancy tests immediately after implantation, but their results are also not indicative. Many experts strongly advise against getting carried away with such experiments, so as not to be disappointed in vain. Sometimes expectant mothers simply do not have the patience to wait for the outcome of two weeks. It is worth understanding that a negative pregnancy test does not mean that the embryo transfer procedure was unsuccessful.

How to prevent OHSS

All that is required of a woman before donating blood is to be attentive to her health. We have already talked about the fact that OHSS may develop after surgery. If a woman contacts a fertility specialist in time, difficult consequences can be avoided.

Among the clinical manifestations of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome are:

bloating, abdominal discomfort;
pain in the ovaries or uterus;
constant migraines;
various visual defects – the appearance of “floaters”, blurred vision;
swelling.

A sign that the chosen support program is not suitable for the expectant mother is spotting. Some women mistake them for menstruation, but in reality they are evidence that the woman's hormonal levels are disturbed. Therefore, doctors should change the amount of drugs that the expectant mother takes. At the slightest suspicion, you should immediately contact a reproductive specialist who can adequately assess the woman’s condition.

Physical exercise

If before the procedure the mother’s life was not particularly dynamic, then in the first fourteen days nothing will change significantly. Experts recommend not to get involved in fitness, running and other sports activities during this period. This is due to an increase in the size of the ovaries. For the same reason, a woman after implantation does not want to have sex - this may be accompanied by painful sensations.

Under no circumstances should you go to extremes and lie in bed from morning to evening. After embryo transfer, a woman's immobility has only a negative effect: blood circulation worsens. The result of this is a decrease in the flow of oxygen to the embryo.

The best and most appropriate solution for spending time in the first two weeks after implantation is quiet leisure. It is best to walk more in the air, get out into nature. It is better to quit smoking and drinking alcohol.

It is very important to avoid stress, since any conflict situation can negatively affect the program.

Diet after embryo transfer

In the first fourteen days after the procedure, there is no need to radically change the menu. As in other periods, it is necessary to eat only healthy foods. It is important that your meals are varied and regular.

A special diet is usually prescribed if something goes wrong in a woman’s body after embryo transfer. If you have ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, it is not recommended to eat foods high in salt. Under no circumstances should you go on a hunger strike, as this will be an extra burden for a weakened body.

A woman is required to drink a fairly large amount of fluid - at least one and a half liters. However, it is best to drink clean water – not mineral or carbonated. Juices that cause gas are also not suitable for this period.

Of course, there are situations when reproductive specialists decide that a woman’s menu should be changed. In such situations, you should not neglect the recommendations of a specialist. Most often, changes in the diet involve eating a lot of greens and the above-mentioned restrictions on the use of salt.

Sedatives

Often, while waiting for results, women's mood deteriorates greatly. During this long period, you can help your body cope with stress. Most often, experts recommend taking soothing herbal infusions and valerian. The use of medications must be agreed upon with your doctor.

Most women complain of fever after embryo transfer. These worries are completely justified, because colds in the first fourteen days after the procedure can have a negative impact on the development of the embryo.

Experts say that in this case there is no reason to worry, since this is a normal phenomenon in this condition. However, it is necessary to monitor body temperature with special attention. It is best to record these indicators in a notebook every day so that you can assess the condition of the body. If the temperature does not rise above 37.5, then the embryo is implanted normally.

In addition to elevated temperature, there are several other signs that indicate that a woman will soon become pregnant:

swelling of the mammary glands;
change in nipple color;
acute reaction to various odors;
pulling sensation in the lower abdomen.

According to statistics, about 40 percent of all cases of using the IVF method end in a positive result. Repeated attempts at implantation are guaranteed to lead to pregnancy.

Video – Embryo transfer

If it is not possible to conceive a child naturally for a year or more, then doctors make a disappointing diagnosis - infertility. To solve this problem, many couples turn to in vitro fertilization. For the protocol to be successful, a woman must know how to behave after transferring embryos into the uterine cavity, as well as what to do and what to refuse.

Of course, the main recommendations are always given by reproductive specialists, as well as by those specialists who perform the procedure and guide the woman from the first to the final stage. But with all this, it is always useful to read additionally about how to behave during IVF: advice from doctors and reviews from women who have gone through such fertilization will definitely help.

Initially, specialists perform hyperstimulation of the ovaries, after which mature germ cells are collected, with the help of which IVF will be performed. Next, the girl will have several days to prepare for the actual implantation of fertilized eggs into the uterine cavity. On average, 5 days are allotted for preparation, and during this time the oocytes already have time to mature to the required stage.

During the preparation process, you must follow all medical recommendations. Immediately the day before IVF, you should refrain from having sex and also spend time at rest.

Let's take a closer look at the embryo transfer day itself and how a girl should behave. Before visiting the fertility center, you must take a warm shower; you should not use any hygiene products. Strong smells and chemicals can be a nuisance. It is also not recommended to use decorative cosmetics on the day of embryo transfer.

The girl should also go to the toilet to empty her bladder about two hours before the transplant. Before doing this, it is recommended to drink as much fluid as possible, but preferably water.

Also, many are interested in the first day of embryo transfer, how to behave in terms of nutrition. The last meal should be approximately three hours before the expected time of the procedure. It is better to eat light foods that are quickly digested. This way you can protect yourself from gastrointestinal problems.

After the transfer

Every girl should understand that after embryo transfer she cannot be considered pregnant immediately. To achieve the desired goal, it is necessary for the cells to attach to the uterine walls. A leading specialist will talk about how to maintain an IVF pregnancy.

Depending on the period of life at which the cells taken were fertilized (5 or 3 days), blood results for hCG will be given at different times. They will help determine whether the protocol was successful or whether it needs to be repeated.

Every woman should understand how to behave after embryo transfer so that they take root in the uterine cavity. The lifestyle after embryo transfer will be slightly different from the usual rhythm. Therefore, it is worth considering this issue in more detail.

Behavior

In most cases, a fertility specialist will tell you how to behave after embryo transfer.

One of the most asked questions is: “How long do you need to lie down after embryo transfer?” The answer will be this. Not at all. Usually, after the transfer, the woman remains in the clinic for some time. This depends on the internal regulations of the institution. If desired, you can ask the doctor to issue a sick leave certificate or a certificate exempting you from work on the day of the transfer.

The main task is to maintain a positive attitude. And here all means are good. Some people prefer to lie down, covered with a warm blanket. Some people need loved ones and friends. And for some it’s even easier to unwind and spend the whole day on the move. Moreover, movement is preferable, as it helps to avoid stagnation of blood in the pelvis.

There is no need to worry about the egg. From the moment of transfer it is in a safe place. The endometrial villi, like the villi of the fallopian tubes, are in motion. They capture the egg and move it through the uterine cavity. This movement prevents the fertilized egg from falling out and helps to find the most suitable place for implantation.

In the video you can see how a microbubble with an embryo moves (microdrop whis embryos).

Despite the fact that the embryo moves throughout the uterine cavity, it is securely held by the endometrial villi and is completely protected from loss. Even while going to the toilet.

Drugs

Any medications taken during the post-transfer period must be prescribed by a doctor. As a rule, these are progesterone derivatives. They are prescribed to create optimal conditions for pregnancy.

Constipation

Life after IVF and before the procedure is divided into two halves. This is partly due to the emotional state of a woman who could not get pregnant for a long time, and suddenly came as close as possible to realizing her plan. It is very important to know after IVF treatment how to deal with constipation.

Food

If you eat the wrong foods, you may have problems with bowel movements. Standard recommendations for a healthy diet will help solve the problem. Adequate amounts of protein, fiber and fluid. Abundance of vegetables. Reasonable limitation of sweets, fried, smoked, refined and processed foods.

In any case, improving the diet will benefit both the woman herself and the unborn child.

Intimacy

Many girls are interested in how to behave after IVF in terms of sex life. There are no special recommendations in this regard. If you have sex in your life that brings pleasure and strengthens the relationship between partners, it will be beneficial.

Surveys

After IVF embryo transfer has been performed, how to behave in the first days and hours is relatively clear. It is worth paying a little attention to the necessary medical examinations.

During the first three weeks, the girl will be subjected to the necessary diagnostic procedures. To make sure that the process is going in the right direction.

After about two weeks, you will definitely be prescribed a blood test to determine your hCG level. When 21 days have passed after the transfer, the IVF will be monitored by ultrasound.

Sleep rules

It is not surprising that most women are looking for an answer to the question of how to behave after embryo transfer during IVF. This is really important, but the main thing is not to focus your psychological attention on the same thing.

This approach will lead to the girl starting to think that she is performing some actions incorrectly. This is why doctors often recommend reading reviews from others about how to behave after embryo transfer married couples. We will provide general recommendations.

Almost everyone is interested in how to sleep after embryo transfer. You can choose any position, the main thing is that the expectant mother is comfortable and comfortable. Some people believe that it is unacceptable to lie on your stomach, but this does not have any scientific evidence, so it is considered a prejudice.

Often behavior after embryo transfer boils down to a frequent desire to sleep. That is why, if possible, it is necessary to allocate less time for this in the evening, so that you can then take a nap during the day.

Actually, is it necessary to lie down after embryo transfer, is it possible to sleep on your stomach, and also how long you need to lie down after embryo transfer is already clear. You can move on to other issues that are no less interesting to girls.

IVF is a long process that consists of several stages. The final period of artificial insemination is the transfer of “grown” embryos into the uterine cavity. If everything goes well, then the long-awaited pregnancy will occur. Therefore, it is so important to follow all medical recommendations after embryo transfer during IVF.

Let's consider how to “help” your own body after such a responsible procedure.

Preparation

With IVF, preparation for embryo transfer is the most important stage. Parents must undergo a full examination and pass all tests. Then, according to an individually drawn up protocol, the woman undergoes hormonal therapy. Its goal is to ensure superovulation, during which not one, but several follicles mature. From these, doctors “extract” from 1 to 5 mature eggs.

The next step is to combine the resulting male and female reproductive cells and place them in a special environment. In laboratory conditions, they develop from 2 to 5 days, depending on the requirements of the protocol. Embryo transfer is carried out after careful selection. Only the most viable zygotes are used for fertilization.

However, “high-quality” embryos alone are not enough to conceive. The surface of the uterine cavity must be in a “prepared” state: the success of implantation during embryo transfer is determined by the endometrium. Covered with soft fibers, it provides the fertilized egg with a “cozy place”. The endometrium protects the embryo, providing it with all the conditions for further successful development.

To prepare the inner layer of the uterus, progesterone is taken before embryo transfer. Or rather, drugs containing this hormone. With their help, the uterus and endometrium are actively preparing to “accept” the fertilized egg and provide it with conditions for development.

However, there are cases when the procedure for introducing embryos into the uterine cavity is canceled. Here are the contraindications for embryo transfer:

Inflammatory processes in the acute stage of any localization;
Risk of developing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome grade 3-4.

If these abnormalities are diagnosed, the resulting eggs are frozen to be transferred to the woman in the next cycle.

Proper nutrition before embryo transfer is another important point in the preparatory process. On the eve of the procedure, it is forbidden to eat foods that cause increased gas formation. These include cabbage and peas. Also, don't indulge in carbonated drinks.

When preparing for embryo transfer, avoid intense physical activity and intimacy. Provide yourself with complete psychological and physical peace. On the day of the procedure, it is not recommended to use cosmetics and perfumes.

During preparation, drink 2-3 glasses of water so that the bladder is full during embryo transfer.

What day is the transfer done?

The day of embryo transfer is determined for each woman individually. Here's what it depends on:

Days at which the embryo matured;
Woman's age;
Individual characteristics of the female reproductive system.

Embryo transfer on day 5 is carried out for those women who have previously had unsuccessful attempts at artificial insemination. Embryos of the same “age” are implanted in patients over 40 years of age. This is due to the fact that in five-day-old embryos all stages of division are clearly visible, so the reproductologist selects the best “specimens” for replanting. On the 3rd day of development it is difficult to draw such categorical conclusions. Therefore, doctors use two or three zygotes at once to increase the chances of conception.

Blastocyst transfer is carried out by three methods:

One time (one time);
Twice (in two stages);
Combined (using frozen eggs and “fresh”).

How does embryo transfer occur during IVF?

Embryo transfer is a procedure that does not cause pain. However, to eliminate muscle spasms, the patient may be prescribed antispasmodics.

The blastocyst transfer is carried out in the morning. After the patient is comfortably seated in the gynecological chair, the process of implanting donor embryos into the uterus begins. Everything that happens in a woman’s body is recorded using ultrasound diagnostics.

The required number of embryos is delivered from the laboratory, where they “grew” in a special environment. No special preparation is required for the procedure. If germ cells are used after cryopreservation, preliminary thawing of the embryos is required.

The embryo transfer catheter is then attached to the tuberculin syringe. The doctor carefully inserts a thin “hose” into the uterine cavity and “injects” the contents of the syringe into it. After the device is removed from the woman’s body, a reproductive specialist carefully examines its contents under a microscope. He needs to make sure that everything is “as intended.”

Whether the “introduction” of fertilized germ cells will be successful depends on the following factors:

Complete or partial elimination of mucus from the cervical canal;
Viability of implanted blastocysts;
Catheter quality;
Doctor's professionalism.

To increase the chances of conception, double embryo transfer is used. For this purpose, the replantation is done twice: on days 2 and 5 or on days 3 and 6. This method of “introducing” prepared germ cells allows you to get 50% more pregnant. However, you need to remember: if embryos are transferred twice, then the likelihood of a multiple pregnancy increases by the same amount. Not all women will appreciate the “double” advantage. In addition, this approach increases the likelihood of developing an ectopic pregnancy.

How you feel after the procedure

Embryo transfer is not accompanied by any special symptoms. After the procedure, the woman is asked to stay in the clinic for half an hour. However, this measure is necessary to ensure the patient’s psychological comfort. It does not affect the process of successful implantation in any way.

Embryo transfer after IVF results in conception in 40-50%. At the same time, signs of a successfully imported fertilized egg appear at the same time as during a “normal” pregnancy.

The first two weeks after the procedure do not contain informative symptoms. After all, the process of attachment of the egg to the uterine cavity is not physically felt. The only unique sign of successful implantation is slight bleeding from the vagina.

Their appearance is associated with the rupture of small vessels of the uterus when the fertilized egg “enters” its cavity. However, their appearance should not be accompanied by pain and elevated temperature bodies. Otherwise, you should immediately seek medical advice.

If after the transfer a woman has a stomach ache and a little nausea, then this is a manifestation of the effects of medications. These symptoms may be accompanied by nausea and dizziness, and the ovaries also often hurt. Such manifestations do not confirm or deny pregnancy. To eliminate them, you need to balance your diet and spend more time outdoors.

Two weeks after the replantation, the first symptoms appear, indicating a successful conception. However, they are indirect signs and can become manifestations of a woman’s strong desire to become a mother. Therefore, 14-18 days after the transplantation, patients donate blood to determine the level of hCG in the blood or are sent for an ultrasound examination.

How to behave after IVF transfer

In order for the embryo to successfully attach to the uterus, certain rules must be followed while waiting for results. Your attending physician will inform you about their main provisions. Let's look at how your lifestyle should change after embryo transfer, as well as what aspects you need to pay special attention to.

Opinion of our consultant, gynecologist-reproductologist at the Repromed clinic:

— Of the unambiguous restrictions - physical activity should not be more than daily habitual, except for 2 weeks of waiting for the result of the transfer of sexual activity. Before and after replanting, a positive attitude is necessary.

Physical activity

Any sports and physical activity should be eliminated. Sitting should also be kept to a minimum. However, this does not mean that you need to behave like a sleeping princess after replanting. Hiking in the fresh air is now as necessary for you as physical and mental peace.

Fresh air will relieve negative symptoms after taking medications. And gentle physical activity will ensure good blood flow to all organs and tissues.

Medicines and doctor's prescriptions

Even if the transfer after transfer is successful, it is important to “support” the developing fetus so that the uterus does not reject it. Medicines are also prescribed if the endometrium has not “grown” to the required size.

For this purpose, hormonal preparations containing progesterone are used. Most often it is recommended to take Utrozhestan. The dosage and regimen are prescribed by the attending physician. Typically, the duration of hormonal therapy is 14-15 weeks. However, it can be extended if the woman’s condition requires it.

At the same time, taking medications that reduce the risk of blood clots is indicated. With their help, the blood of a pregnant woman becomes more fluid, “helping” proper blood circulation in the placenta.

What to do if you are constipated

Constipation is an inevitable consequence of long-term use of medications, especially hormonal ones. Therefore, most women after embryo transfer are faced with such an unpleasant problem. It needs to be eliminated as quickly as possible, because prolonged stagnation of feces in the intestines will negatively affect the development of the fetus and the general well-being of the woman.

There are three ways to relieve constipation:

Change your diet by balancing the quality and quantity of food;
Combine regular walking with simple exercises;
Take safe laxatives after consulting your doctor.

1 and 2 points – prerequisites while waiting for confirmation of a successful pregnancy. As for laxatives, during pregnancy the drug Duphalac is preferred. The medicine is safe for the unborn baby, acts gently and is not addictive.

Nutrition

In preparation for motherhood, a woman should reconsider her diet. She needs to limit the consumption of smoked, fried, overly salted and other “harmful” foods. You should not use any specific diet: nutrition should be complete and balanced.

Boiled lean meat and fish, dairy products, vegetables, fruits and herbs are the basis of the diet during this period. You should not abuse artificial vitamins and microelements. They can only be taken as prescribed by a doctor. In all other cases, it is better to obtain the elements the body needs from drinks and food.

You also need to pay attention to regular fluid intake in sufficient quantities. Preference is given to green tea, fruit juice and clean water without gases. It is better to exclude soda and “store-bought” juices from the diet. Drinking alcohol while pregnant is strictly prohibited.

Intimacy

After replanting, intimacy is prohibited for two weeks. After successful implantation, the doctor will determine the possibility of intimate life.

Emergency situations

Long-term use of medications and constant worries lead to a weakening of a woman’s immunity. Therefore, at this time it is very important to avoid crowded places. If, after all, the expectant mother catches a cold, you need to inform the doctor about it. In this case, the transfer will be canceled and the embryos will be cryo-frozen. If a woman falls ill after the “replanting” of eggs has occurred, the use of medications is extremely undesirable. An exception is paracetamol, which is taken to lower body temperature.

For colds use “gentle” folk remedies: gargle with decoctions of medicinal herbs and drop salt water into the nose. If these techniques do not help, the doctor prescribes those drugs that will have minimal effect on the developing fetus.

When will the result be known?

Carrying out a pregnancy test earlier than 14 days after replantation is not advisable.

To confirm or deny pregnancy, after two weeks the woman is asked to donate blood to determine the level of hCG. This analysis will determine with complete certainty whether pregnancy has occurred.