Discharge during ovarian stimulation
In order for superovulation to occur—several eggs have matured—hormonal drugs are used that cause a significant increase in a special substance (FSH) in the body.
Therefore, in addition to obtaining follicles, some side effects can be observed. Normally, stimulation is accompanied by copious mucous discharge, thick and viscous, as during ovulation.
Therapy begins during menstruation. In some patients, menstruation is delayed, in others, on the contrary, it ends quickly. Sometimes there is a brown spot. This is the body's reaction to hormonal changes.
Sometimes bleeding occurs on days other than your period. Such discharge during stimulation is a bad sign; if the endometrium is rejected, then the attempt may end in failure. In addition, this is the first sign of a serious complication - ovarian hyperovulation syndrome (OHSS), which increases gradually and can disrupt an already existing pregnancy. The solution in this situation is freezing the embryos, correcting the woman’s condition and cryopreservation using the following protocol.
Bloody discharge
More often, vaginal secretions similar to menstruation appear after cryotransfer - the introduction of an embryo that was previously frozen into the uterine cavity. Such embryos take root extremely rarely, and therefore, after cryotransfer, many experience copious bleeding, indicating that the body has rejected the fertilized egg. This can happen on the third to fifth day after the procedure or later.
In addition, bleeding from the vagina after in vitro fertilization may indicate:
- Frozen pregnancy.
- Severe hormonal disorders in the body.
- A sharp decrease in progesterone levels.
In any case, the appearance of bloody discharge, even in small quantities, after artificial insemination should alert a woman. Especially if serious pathologies were previously diagnosed. After all, because of them, she may not tolerate the procedure well and lose the chance to become a happy mother. And to avoid this, any ailments and changes in the nature of vaginal secretions should be a serious reason to contact a specialist.
Implantation bleeding during IVF
The in vitro fertilization procedure in modern medicine allows every third couple to become the happy owners of a child after the first IVF attempt, while some of them often have to resort to two, three, four or five attempts at the procedure. First of all, this is due to the methodology of such reproductive technology, since before puncture of oocytes to obtain an egg, a man and a woman must undergo a complete diagnosis of the body in order to determine the cause of infertility and determine the likelihood of pregnancy in each specific couple. If the cause of infertility lies in the characteristics of the female body, then she will undergo hormonal therapy to stimulate hyperovulation, which can increase the chances of pregnancy. Then, at a certain moment, when the level of hormones is maximum for ovulation, the follicles are punctured to obtain follicular fluid for washing the eggs, fertilized with fresh or canned sperm and placed in a thermostat for fertilization. Then, on the 3-5th day after preparing the zygote in a thermostat, the embryo transfer procedure takes place and after that the first subjective signs of pregnancy are determined, in the case of a positive IVF result, a blood test for hCG and its increase, the level of estradiol and progesterone are monitored, which from the fifth day of pregnancy may indicate prolongation of pregnancy or its termination.
What other discharges occur after artificial insemination?
Before the embryo is transferred, the woman is prescribed five days of hormone therapy, during which eggs are “grown” on her ovaries. During their collection, special instruments are used, and if they are poorly sterilized or sanitary standards were violated during the procedure, this leads to infection of the genital organs. In practice, this is rarely recorded, but risks still exist. If infection has occurred, it is indicated by sudden yellow or green discharge with an unpleasant odor, causing severe discomfort in the perineum.
Also, in many women, during hormonal therapy, thrush begins to worsen. It is characterized by white, cheesy discharge with a sour odor, which also causes severe itching in the intimate area.
For all these conditions, it is necessary to take a course of antifungal or antibacterial drugs even before the embryo is transferred. Otherwise, the infection will penetrate the uterine cavity and cause the death of the embryo.
Spot after IVF on day 9
The hCG test is one of the most reliable methods for early diagnosis of gestation after an IVF procedure. human chorionic gonadotropin in the blood serum begins to increase after implantation of the blastocyst into the uterine mucosa. Based on the concentration of hCG, you can determine:
- the likelihood of gestation interruption;
- pathological development of the placenta;
- multiple pregnancy;
- chromosomal diseases, etc.
Too low an hCG level may indicate fetal failure or an ectopic pregnancy. According to statistics, the incidence of ectopic pregnancy after an IVF procedure does not exceed 1.5-3%.
The rate of increase in the concentration of the hormone in the body largely depends on which embryos were implanted into the uterus. Blastocysts of five days of age are introduced into the endometrium 48 hours after the procedure, and of three days of age - 3-4 days after the procedure.
If the test is negative on day 9 after embryo transfer, this does not always indicate the absence of pregnancy. Yes, the peak concentration of hCG in the body is reached 8-12 days after IVF.
But it can only be determined by donating blood for analysis. Conventional pharmacy tests measure hCG levels in urine, which can be very different from serum concentrations.
The most optimal period for testing for hCG levels is 12-14 days after the blastocyst is implanted into the uterus. If the indicator is between 25 and 100, this test result is regarded as doubtful. Therefore, the blood test is repeated after 2-3 days.
Symptoms after IVF
Vaginal discharge after IVF is a natural process caused by changes in hormonal levels.
By the amount and nature of the discharge, one can indirectly judge the characteristics of the course of pregnancy in the early stages.
An increase in the viscosity and amount of vaginal secretion may be associated with the woman taking hormonal drugs and artificially maintaining the required level of acidity in the reproductive organs.
On day 9 after embryo transfer, discharge may be as follows:
- brown (cream, pale pink, beige);
- increased viscosity;
- meager in volume;
- odorless.
At the same time, when this symptom appears, women may also experience other signs of pregnancy. Many patients experience stomach pain, dizziness and nausea on the 9th day after embryo transfer.
The cause of the appearance of certain types of vaginal discharge may not be physiological, but pathological factors. The main signs of non-physiological changes in the body include:
- secretion of a viscous yellow-green secretion;
- discomfort in the genitals (itching, burning);
- streaks of blood in secretion on the 9th day after IVF;
- curdled discharge with an unpleasant odor.
The appearance of yellow-green mucus is associated with the development of infection inside the reproductive organs. If this symptom appears, you should seek help from a specialist. Failure to respond to the problem in a timely manner can cause the pregnancy to fail or become pathological.
The most dangerous are bright red or brown vaginal secretions from the 14th day after blastocyst transfer. The cause of the symptom may be:
- embryo rejection;
- fetal freezing;
- insufficient hormonal support.
If a meager amount of secretion with minor admixtures of blood appears before 12-14 days after embryo transfer, there is nothing to worry about. In most cases, this indicates implantation bleeding, which does not threaten the life of the mother or fetus.
For 9 days after embryo transfer, many women experience abdominal pain, vaginal discharge, decreased appetite, and emotional lability.
The described symptoms arise due to hormonal changes in the body, as well as the introduction of a blastocyst into the uterine cavity.
You can verify that pregnancy has occurred already 12-14 days after IVF by taking a blood test for hCG levels.
Also, possible specific sensations on the 9th day after embryo transfer include:
- drowsiness;
- nausea;
- dizziness;
- swelling of the mammary glands;
- quick change of mood.
It is very important to monitor your own well-being after IVF to identify possible complications. For example, some patients develop gonadal hyperstimulation syndrome during preliminary hormonal treatment. Its occurrence may be indicated by:
- bloating;
- swelling of the limbs;
- decreased visual acuity;
- headache.
To increase the chances of successful conception, women should adhere to the following rules for two weeks after IVF:
- sleep 8-9 hours a day;
- normalize your diet;
- wear loose and comfortable clothes;
- avoid overheating and hypothermia;
- exclude sexual intercourse for a while;
- observe light bed rest for 2 days after embryo transfer.
Don’t panic if there are no signs of pregnancy on the 9th day after the blastocyst is implanted. This period is still too short for the appearance of a pronounced clinical picture. Most often, nagging abdominal pain, nausea and other symptoms are a consequence of hormonal support and the patient’s psycho-emotional experience.
A woman can observe daily how the discharge from the genital tract changes after IVF. The amount of vaginal mucus may increase, but its consistency should remain uniform. Normal discharge does not cause concern or discomfort in the patient.
The organoleptic properties of vaginal mucus change in women throughout the menstrual cycle. The in vitro fertilization protocol is no exception. After the puncture, on the day of embryo transfer and after implantation, the female secretion may differ.
How does in vitro fertilization work?
IVF is the fertilization of an egg outside a woman’s body in a laboratory followed by implantation of the embryo into the uterine cavity. The definition is quite simple, but in reality, each case requires an individual approach and ends in pregnancy on the first try in only 40% of women. The set of actions for IVF is called a protocol. Its duration is 15-20 days. During this period, a number of manipulations are carried out:
Before IVF is prescribed, the patient is examined in detail. They check the uterus and ovaries, the level of sex hormones, the presence of contraindications, and general health. On day 2 of the cycle, actions according to the protocol begin. An ultrasound is performed to assess the quality of the endometrium before the procedure. The woman is prescribed an individual course of hormonal therapy to stimulate the ovaries. These are daily injections under the skin of the abdomen that cause several eggs to mature in one cycle. On days 12-14, the presence of dominant follicles is checked and a puncture is performed to collect them under general anesthesia. An ultrasonic transvaginal sensor is used to monitor actions, and a needle is inserted through it
Each follicle is carefully emptied, then the presence of an egg is checked and collection continues on both ovaries. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and takes 50-60 minutes. The resulting eggs are fertilized under a microscope with sperm using IVF or ICSI
The finished embryos are grown in the laboratory for 5 days. The most promising embryo (1 or 2 as agreed with the patient) is introduced transvaginally through a special catheter. This causes absolutely no sensation and lasts a couple of minutes, after which you cannot get up for about a quarter of an hour. Sexual rest is prescribed for the next 2 weeks. The remaining embryos are sent to a cryochamber for freezing for later use if the protocol fails. A woman is prescribed hormonal drugs to create conditions in her body that facilitate the maintenance of pregnancy. They come in the form of vaginal creams, suppositories or tablets. They are selected strictly individually. On the 14th day after transfer (dpp), an analysis is performed to determine the level of hCG in the blood. This substance is produced during pregnancy, and its concentration increases rapidly every day. This analysis is the most accurate pregnancy test. If the embryo does not implant, the hormones are canceled and preparations are made for the next protocol. If the attempt is successful, maintenance medications are left or the dosage is adjusted according to the situation.
A description of the entire IVF process will help you understand when, what and why discharge occurs at different stages of artificial insemination.
Is discharge after IVF worth panicking?
During pregnancy after IVF, different discharge may appear. Some of them will be considered normal, while others will signal a pathological process
In order not to worry unnecessarily, it is important to distinguish what kind of discharge may occur after IVF transfer
Mucous membranes are physiological and are observed not only in pregnant women. They:
- transparent or iridescent;
- not abundant;
- may have a slight sour odor and uniform consistency
- not accompanied by irritation or itching.
The use of progesterone drugs that support pregnancy changes the nature of the discharge. They become thicker, have a white, yellowish, pinkish color with veins. Their volume is smaller than physiological ones. After stopping the medications, the discharge becomes clear again.
Bloody discharge after IVF
arise due to the fact that after the implantation of the embryo into the uterine cavity, small uterine vessels may be slightly damaged.
Therefore, if you see 8-10 days after IVF:
- brown discharge;
- dark cream;
- pale pink, odorless - do not be alarmed.
Most likely, this is a signal of successful transplantation. This way you can find out about pregnancy even before hCG
-analysis.
If you are concerned about spotting after IVF,
only your attending physician can tell you exactly
what it is If they are observed for 1-2 days, accompanied by nagging pain in the lower abdomen, perhaps there is not enough progesterone in the body. The doctor will prescribe or adjust hormonal maintenance therapy. USEFUL INFORMATION: Oligomenorrhea - what is it? Reasons for diagnosis, symptoms and treatment
Bloody discharge in the first week
If blood starts flowing after embryo transfer, this does not mean that IVF failed and something did not go according to plan; on the contrary, it may mean that pregnancy is beginning. Discharge after replanting is a common and often common occurrence. The discharge is accompanied by characteristic nagging pain in the lower abdomen, the same as during menstruation.
Both with IVF and with natural conception, a woman may experience a discharge similar to menstruation. The difference from menstruation is volume and color. The discharge in the first week is small in volume, spotting, from light pink to light brown. They last no longer than 2 days.
To understand exactly what it is, pregnancy or menstruation, you need a blood test for hCG. If the analysis showed an increased result, this means that implantation was successful and pregnancy occurred. If the hCG does not increase, then something went wrong, most likely implantation did not occur and strong discharge with blood clots may soon begin. Such discharge can be quite painful.
If there is heavy discharge in the first week after the transfer, correction of the hormone progesterone may be required. You may need to change the manufacturer of the drug or require an increased dose.
Very important! Self-medication is prohibited. In case of bleeding, you should immediately consult a doctor!
Discharge after puncture
The collection of ready-made eggs is carried out using a needle and a puncture is made, which leads to slight damage and inflammation of the tissue. Immediately after the procedure, pink discharge or mucous with streaks and clots appears. After a few hours and within 2-3 days, a brown spot can be observed. This is how the hematomas of the damaged follicle cavities are emptied.
The production of mucous membrane increases as a reaction to injury, which is why leucorrhoea is profuse. Purely theoretically, there is a possibility of infection during puncture, then yellow discharge with an unpleasant odor, fever, pain in the lower abdomen and on the side will appear.
Determining the type of bleeding
It is very easy to confuse periods after IVF with the implantation process. Implantation refers to the introduction of a fertilized egg into the uterine lining. It occurs within the first 3 days after such an operation. Signs of implantation are:
- small bright bloody drops;
- brownish discharge;
- chest pain;
- sensitivity of the mammary glands;
- nagging pain in the lower abdomen;
- slight temperature increase;
- nausea;
- irritability.
2 days after the IVF procedure, many women notice brown discharge or “spotting.” This condition is not a pathology. Then this manifestation can have 2 outcomes: stop or go into regular periods.
A little bleeding after IVF is very common. After all, such a procedure is carried out after long-term hormonal preparation, which significantly depletes the woman’s body.
Minor bleeding is a stressful manifestation of IVF, a consequence of surgical invasion of the body and many hormonal shocks.
Time must pass for the hormonal balance to normalize, and then the female body will have its own hormones that support pregnancy.
There may well be discharge after IVF, and this is not a deviation
It is important to monitor their qualitative and quantitative indicators:
- quantity;
- intensity;
- character;
- color.
In the overwhelming majority, after IVF there is not a full menstruation, but a small amount of bleeding. If the bleeding suddenly intensifies, clots or pieces appear, then urgent medical consultation is necessary.
In this case, the specialist can prescribe maintenance therapy to the woman and leave her under observation in the hospital to maintain the pregnancy.
If pregnancy does occur, it is easy to confuse menstruation after IVF with uterine bleeding. If it is not stopped in a timely manner, the pregnancy will not be saved.
Discharge during pregnancy pathology
Any bloody fluids - brown, scarlet or pink - after implantation are considered a symptom of a threat. The woman is hospitalized and maintenance therapy is selected with the help of Utrozhestan, Duphaston and other hormonal drugs, as well as hemostatic agents.
The following conditions are probable:
- Chorionic hematoma;
- Placental abruption;
- Frozen pregnancy;
- Miscarriage.
If the situation takes a critical turn, then heavy bleeding, severe abdominal pain, dizziness and fainting occur.
When does the risk of termination disappear after IVF?
As with normal pregnancy, the most dangerous period is the 1st trimester. However, a woman who needs artificial insemination initially has health problems, therefore, according to individual indicators, special vigilance is maintained throughout the pregnancy. Until the birth itself, you should be wary of bloody discharge and abdominal pain.
In normal pregnancy, maintenance hormonal therapy will be discontinued from 12-14 weeks. If there are problems, they will leave it for some time.
What happens when an embryo is implanted into the uterine cavity?
After embryo transfer, the woman remains under the supervision of doctors in the first weeks in order to avoid harm to the process itself while staying at home in excessive worry and fear that suddenly nothing will work out. But women’s fears are not always justified.
It is on the 8th–9th day after embryo transfer that heavy bleeding may begin, which only indicates implantation (fixation) of the embryos. Even the appearance of menstruation at this period, which cannot be considered late. Nevertheless, the discharge must be monitored. There is no cause for concern if they leak slightly, are minor and completely painless. If there is heaviness in the abdomen, swelling of the mammary glands, nausea, drowsiness, then there is a high probability of pregnancy, so it is too early to panic. It is best to seek help from a doctor.
Discharge after IVF or ICSI - what is the difference?
These methods differ only in the method of fertilization. The standard option involves placing eggs and sperm in a Petri dish, where conception occurs naturally.
During ICSI, the protective membrane is removed from the female cell and one sperm is introduced inside using a puncture method. This is necessary in several cases:
- If the man in a couple has problems with the quality of seminal fluid. His hustlers simply cannot fertilize on their own;
- When is it necessary to conceive a child of a certain gender? Some fatal genetic diseases are transmitted only through the male or female line. Gender is determined by the sperm;
- If the father is a carrier of severe anomalies, then his cells will be tested and a healthy one will be taken for the protocol.
In the future, the development of events with IVF or ICSI is the same, so the discharge is similar.
Each fertility specialist acts differently in IVF protocols. During this period, hormonal drugs cannot be prescribed according to a standard regimen; many circumstances must be assessed and taken into account. Therefore, if several unsuccessful attempts occur, changing the specialist will help.
Reasons for appearance after 14 DPP and later
Brown discharge after transplantation at 14 DPP and later occurs due to the following reasons:
- Stopping the development of an already implanted embryo in the uterine cavity. This may occur due to a poor-quality genome that was formed during fertilization.
- Insufficient support with progesterone drugs. Its timely correction is your responsibility. If you and the reproductologist cannot influence the previous reason, then in this case everything depends on your efficiency. Timely measures are the key to maintaining the pregnancy.
- Rejection of a frozen embryo. This condition requires urgent surgical treatment; there is a high probability of uterine bleeding and infection with the development of inflammation.
Causes
After hormonal preparation, it is simply impossible to say with certainty whether there will be disturbances in the cycle. The human body is unpredictable and very complex; any attempts to interfere with the regulation of its basic processes are not without consequences.
It happens that there is bleeding after transfer - this may be a symptom of the embryo attaching to the uterus or its rejection. The embryo may be rejected by the body for various reasons, for example, the embryo may be weak. With the help of bleeding, a woman’s body cleanses the uterine cavity. Such situations can also occur during natural pregnancy.
This is how the embryo damages the uterine wall during the implantation process. After injury, slight bleeding may begin.
For example, the well-known toxicosis begins due to the fact that the woman’s immune system perceives the fetus as a foreign body.
It may also bleed after transfer. The embryo attaches to the uterus and the mother's circulatory system, partially damaging the surface layer of the uterus. Starts to bleed. Therefore, it is very important to do an hCG test, which will definitively show whether there is pregnancy or not. If the hCG is low, then implantation has not occurred (the embryo has not taken root).
If a literal drop of blood was found immediately after the transfer procedure, there may have been a minor injury during the transfer. This happens during a difficult transfer.
Reasons for difficult transfer:
- Blood after the transfer may be caused by uterine contractions during the transfer process.
- It happens that during replanting the cervical canal is damaged.
- Sometimes there is a bend between the cervix and its body.
- Very low qualifications of the doctor (low experience).
Therefore, if the transfer was difficult, the woman may notice small light beige discharge for 2 days after replantation.
Sometimes it happens that discharge after the procedure is caused due to the onset of complications of the disease. For example, these could be polyps in the uterus, infection, oncology, cervical erosion, or chronic diseases not identified during the preparation for IVF.
Alarming discharge
A woman should be concerned if the discharge:
- have a yellowish or greenish color;
- curdled, which signal thrush, or vaginal candidiasis;
- accompanied by an unpleasant odor.
It doesn’t matter whether they appeared at 9 DPP after IVF or later, this is a sign of bacterial vaginosis. The disease must be treated, as it has a negative impact on the course of pregnancy and can even cause fetal death.
If you have undergone an IVF protocol and have pink discharge on the 16th day after the transfer, contact your doctor immediately. Such symptoms more than 2 weeks after transplantation may indicate the danger of detachment of the ovum and the threat of termination of pregnancy.
If you have any concerning signs, you should seek medical help. After all, only a doctor can prescribe competent therapy, based on the duration of pregnancy and the patient’s health condition.
Discharges indicating pathological processes
Vaginal discharge that is grayish in color, watery or stringy, with an unpleasant fishy odor, in large quantities is a sign of bacterial vaginosis. This disease is not a sexually transmitted disease; it is characterized by changes in the vaginal microflora with a decrease in the number of lactobacilli and an increase in conditional pathogens. Most often, this trouble awaits you at 5–7 weeks of pregnancy, but can also occur at the initial stage. As a rule, there is no abdominal pain.
Bacterial vaginosis during pregnancy must be treated, as the consequences can be unfavorable: from the appearance of itching in the vagina to intrauterine infection of the fetus. Depending on the duration, acceptable drugs are selected.
There is evidence that bacterial vaginosis after IVF leads to the following consequences:
• reducing the likelihood of successful IVF.
• self-termination of pregnancy.
• premature birth.
• the risk of inflammatory processes occurring in the postpartum period.
Please note that the partner does not require treatment.
Which ones should you be wary of?
With the onset of pregnancy and normal attachment of embryos, the discharge usually becomes thicker and less abundant. Therefore, if the vaginal secretion has acquired a strange smell and shade, begins to appear in large quantities and is accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen or in the vagina, you should come for an examination to a gynecologist and consult about such changes.
Greenish-yellow discharge with odor
The appearance of greenish-yellow discharge from the vagina with an unpleasant odor may indicate bacterial vaginosis. This condition is associated with the attachment of pathogenic bacteria to the vaginal mucosa and their growth. The consistency of such a secretion will be thick, very abundant, and the smell may resemble fish. In this case, the doctor takes a smear to determine the type of pathogenic bacteria and select antibiotics, which are prescribed in the form of suppositories or capsules locally.
Distinctive features of discharge from bacterial vaginosis:
- color: opaque white, yellowish, or yellow-green;
- smell: pronounced unpleasant odor, or sharp sour;
- consistency: very thin, watery;
- quantity: plentiful;
- appearance: at any stage of pregnancy;
- Features: not accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen.
What should be the normal discharge?
What discharge can be considered normal during embryo implantation? It is possible to identify certain criteria that indicate the occurrence of a healthy process. These include:
- characteristic and not pungent odor;
- homogeneous consistency;
- transparency;
- volume within one teaspoon;
- no discomfort.
These are the basic physiological characteristics of discharge that are considered completely normal and safe. It is thanks to these indicators that the vaginal mucosa remains moist and maintains an optimal acidity balance.
However, after embryo transfer, another fluid may be released, which will also not be considered a pathology. The formation of such mucus occurs due to the effects of progesterone, which is contained in the drugs used. As a result, the mucus may acquire a thicker consistency and a white tint. There is also a decrease in fluid secretion.
The appearance of pink or creamy mucus during embryo implantation is also considered normal and occurs due to the effect of hormonal drugs on the woman’s body. However, such discharge should go away immediately as soon as the woman stops taking the medication. Most often, the formation of such discharge occurs after “Utrozhestan” and “Krinon”, which are used as a gel for the vagina.
On days 6–12 after the transfer, the woman begins to experience pale pink or dark brown discharge. Such a change may cause panic, but there is no need to worry ahead of time. This sign appears due to the fixation of the amniotic egg in the uterine cavity. During this process, blood vessels are damaged, which provokes implantation bleeding in 30% of IVF cases
But you should pay attention to the fact that there should be no unpleasant odor and a large amount of mucus
Implantation
If natural fertilization of the egg occurs, the preimplantation period immediately begins, which is replaced by embryo implantation (5-6 days after fertilization). Then the egg is fragmented. In a spontaneous pregnancy, the egg is fertilized in the fallopian tube, and the advancement of the blastocyst and its attachment to the uterus provides a certain ratio of the concentration of female hormones. On the fourth day after fertilization, the zygote at the morula stage enters the uterus.
Immediately after this, it turns into a blastocyst. At this point, the endometrium of the uterus should be ready to accept and provide nutrition to the embryo. The place of attachment is selected according to the local characteristics of the uterine mucosa. The glands of the mucous membrane must be filled with secretions, microelements, and nutrients.
This process lasts for 2 days. Vessels dilate in the endometrium: capillaries, veins. An implantation window is formed (6-7 days after ovulation). If the transformation of the embryo and the endometrium of the uterus is not synchronous, then implantation may not occur, or the pregnancy may be terminated early.
The IVF process involves transferring embryos into the uterine cavity after puncture of the ovaries on days 2-6. By this moment, the implantation window should have formed, the ratio of hormones and the state of the endometrium should play in unison.
Smearing after embryo transfer before hCG measurement may be a sign of ongoing implantation against the background of greater vascular fragility and increased blood supply to the uterine mucosa.
USEFUL INFORMATION: How to use Utrozhestan correctly
Gynecologists are trying to create the required conditions artificially, but the level of introduced hormones far exceeds the numbers provided by nature and their effect on the endometrium is far from ideal. An additional traumatic agent is the transfer of blastocysts using a catheter.
No matter how carefully this happens, microtrauma cannot be avoided. After embryo transfer, brown discharge is proof of this. The duration of work of the corpus luteum of the induced ovaries is 2-3 days less than usual, which can also interfere with implantation.
Before the fact of conception is confirmed by measuring the level of hCG, pregnancy support is carried out according to the IVF protocol. If all processes are not synchronized, one of the mechanisms fails and implantation does not occur. In this case, after canceling support, your period should begin within 5 days.
When pregnancy occurs, it is necessary to confirm the presence of an embryo in the uterine cavity using ultrasound. There are situations when spotting after embryo transfer is a sign of an ectopic pregnancy.
In this case, the blastocyst traveled back from the uterine cavity into the lumen of the fallopian tube and decided to attach itself there. You didn’t like the conditions in the mucous membrane, or there was a discharge into a pipe that was not capable of transporting it back.
The success rate of IVF with three treatment attempts reaches 50%; termination of pregnancy in the early stages occurs in 25% of cases due to the fault of the woman or due to poor quality of the embryo. Therefore, all cases of bleeding during any period of IVF deserve the close attention of gynecologists.
After the embryos are transferred to the uterus, the woman listens to her body and sensations. Any suspicious illness is cause for concern. But most of all the questions are related to various discharges after IVF. Not every patient immediately understands which of them are considered normal and when they are considered pathological. The nature of the discharge can tell about successful fertilization, complications and the development of pathogenic microflora or embryo rejection.
What to do if your period comes after unsuccessful and successful IVF?
A woman can observe daily how the discharge from the genital tract changes after IVF. The amount of vaginal mucus may increase, but its consistency should remain uniform. Normal discharge does not cause concern or discomfort in the patient.
The organoleptic properties of vaginal mucus change in women throughout the menstrual cycle. The in vitro fertilization protocol is no exception. After the puncture, on the day of embryo transfer and after implantation, the female secretion may differ.
Periods after a successful IVF procedure - what does this mean?
Sometimes in the first or second week, after the blastocyst transfer, a woman with despair observes spotting brown discharge with characteristic signs:
- small spots of brown color without any admixture of red shades;
- discharge lasts no more than four days;
- after IVF, the stomach feels tight or hurts a little, like during menstruation.
More often, such “daub” after IVF occurs due to hormonal changes and is not a sign of failure. Doctors often prescribe a drug such as Gonal F to stimulate IVF.
During the implantation of the embryo, the zygote attaches to the endometrium of the uterus and, when deepened into the mucous membrane, slight damage to the capillaries may occur, resulting in discharge of this nature.
Implantation can occur on the day of your expected period, and can be accompanied by various unpleasant symptoms.
In this case, there is no reason to worry; small brown discharge is the norm after successful implantation of the phytoblastula.
Causes of possible bleeding
Menstruation is not always restored in the first month after a failed embryo transfer. Menstruation after IVF may be more abundant or, conversely, scanty, often accompanied by severe pain or absent altogether. How long does it take for them to appear after cessation of hormonal support and what is the reason for the disruption of the menstrual cycle?
Why did several days pass and my period did not come? A slight delay in menstruation after IVF is normal. It takes time for the body to regain periods after embryo transfer. The recovery period is individual for each woman, so sometimes you have to wait several weeks for your first period.
After an unsuccessful IVF protocol, the attending physician must explain what changes can occur in the body and what is considered normal and what is pathological. Recommendations for restoring the menstrual cycle:
- It is necessary to avoid stress, the woman’s state should be calm.
- Motor activity is moderate. If there are no prohibitions, then a woman can walk, do exercises, avoiding exercises for the abdominal muscles. In the first month, you should avoid intense sports and heavy physical labor.
- Nutrition should be varied and balanced. A woman needs to get enough vitamins and minerals. For heavy menstrual bleeding, it is recommended to eat more iron-containing foods - red meat, apples, pomegranates.
If your menstrual cycle is disrupted, you should under no circumstances self-medicate or take hormonal medications. Only a doctor can determine what caused the violation with the help of examination, tests and ultrasound.
One of the main disadvantages of IVF is its low efficiency. Even among the best reproductive specialists, the percentage of successfully completed protocols does not exceed 35-40%. Failed IVF is not a reason to panic.
In the case of a miscarriage, menstruation is very painful, which is not typical for failed implantation.
After an emergency consultation with specialists, other causes of heavy discharge, characteristic of complications after the use of auxiliary methods of artificial insemination, can be identified:
- ovarian hyperstimulation (OHSS);
OHSS is manifested by increased blood clot formation, vascular permeability, blood discharge and the formation of effusion in the abdominal area.
- ectopic pregnancy;
A common complication after IVF in the presence of preserved tubes with partial patency. For IVF, Decapeptyl can be used both during the preparation process and after embryo transfer
Moreover, due to the transfer of several embryos at the same time, implantation can occur both in the uterus and in the fallopian tube. More often, such a violation ends in a frozen pregnancy.
It is very difficult to diagnose a pregnancy that is not developing in the early stages in the fallopian tubes. This can be indirectly evidenced by scanty brown discharge that continues for a long time after cleaning the uterus.
The increased size of the ovary due to hyperstimulation changes its position on the pedicle. Due to torsion, strangulation of ovarian tissue may occur, followed by necrosis. The complication is also accompanied by severe pain, bleeding, and fever.
To limit the risks of complications after completion of IVF, the woman must comply with all prescriptions and recommendations received at the clinic after the procedure. The IVF procedure can be free if you receive a quota.
Important! If during implantation your stomach hurts, like during menstruation, or if you experience any abnormalities in your health, you should consult a gynecologist.
After an unsuccessful attempt to conceive, changes in the nature of menstruation may be observed:
- heavy periods after IVF;
- duration up to 12 days;
- density due to the rejected thick uterine functional layer;
- after IVF, periods may be painful;
- general discomfort.
The menstrual cycle can change for a number of reasons:
- During the protocol, reproductive and endocrine function was actively stimulated to achieve superovulation and further implantation.
- Many drugs taken after embryo transfer were aimed at thickening the walls of the endometrium and its tight attachment to the uterine wall, which is manifested by the release of dense mucous blood clots in the first cycle.
- To clear the dense endometrium, the uterus begins to contract very intensely, causing severe pain in the woman.
- After discontinuation of luteal therapy, a sharp jump in the hormone estrogen occurs, provoking the abundance and duration of menstruation.
These changes in the cycle are short-term and are considered as a variant of the norm. They can be corrected with vitamin-mineral complexes and sedatives.
In the following menstrual cycles, menstruation comes on time in an individual manner for the woman.
Complete restoration of the ovaries and endocrine system occurs after 3 months. After this period, repeated IVF attempts are possible. With each attempt, the chance of a successful outcome of the procedure increases.
You should not insist on the next implantation immediately after your period; it is important to give the body time to recover, otherwise the risk of repeated failure increases.
Unsuccessful IVF is not a reason to give up; this is obvious to 60% of couples who have undergone the procedure for the first time. Modern methods of reproductive technology are capable of miracles.
More than four million babies have been born worldwide through IVF. Yes, the path to success for their parents was very difficult and slow. It takes a lot of patience, strength and endurance.
The obligatory attitude towards good luck and faith will help in making your cherished dream come true.
When to expect your period after unsuccessful IVF
It is important for women to keep track of how long it will take for their periods to start after unsuccessful IVF. After hCG analysis or ultrasound has shown a lack of implantation or an early frozen pregnancy, discontinue utrozhestan therapy. After stopping the drug, menstruation should resume within a maximum of two weeks.
Long-term absence of menstruation is caused by reasons characteristic of patients after IVF:
- Stress and depression from failure. Cortisol, produced by the adrenal glands during negative emotions, affects hormonal regulation.
- After stimulating therapy, the reproductive and endocrine systems need time to restore their natural mechanisms.
- A possible ectopic frozen pregnancy prevents the natural cycle from restoring.
- Since the IVF protocol tries to achieve several simultaneously mature eggs, after puncture, several corpora lutea are formed in the ovaries, which serve the function of the luteal phase after the withdrawal of drug progesterone support.
The later your period begins after undergoing IVF, the more difficult it is for the body to recover. In this case, critical days last longer and are more abundant.
If your period continues to be delayed for half a month after an unsuccessful IVF protocol and discontinuation of medications, you need a doctor’s advice. You may have to clean the uterine cavity.
The second cycle (2 months) after IVF, as a rule, comes on schedule, as before the in vitro fertilization procedure.
Source: https://stopclimax.net.ru/vydeleniya-posle-neudachnogo/
Normal discharge in early pregnancy
If the embryo is successfully implanted and pregnancy is diagnosed, vaginal secretions also do not disappear anywhere. In general, in the early stages it may have a different consistency and color, but if it does not cause any discomfort or anxiety to the woman, then there is no need to worry.
Discharge during pregnancy occurs for several reasons. Firstly, due to the increased production of progesterone, vaginal secretion increases. In this case, the discharge may be colored whitish, yellowish, or even transparent. Their main task is to moisturize the mucous membrane.
Did you know? IVF reproductive technology is only 40 years old, but during this time, thanks to it, 6.5 million children were born!
Secondly, a mucous plug begins to form in the pregnant woman’s cervix, which tightly closes the uterine pharynx and protects the fetus from microorganisms. Its final formation occurs only a month after implantation, therefore some of the mucus may separate, forming a colorless mucous discharge. They look like chicken protein and usually non-pregnant young ladies observe them in the second phase of the menstrual cycle.
Why does bleeding occur?
After embryo transfer, bleeding may well begin, and this does not mean that menstruation is the reason for the embryo’s failure to survive. It happens that a woman has overworked herself, which should not be allowed during replanting and she needs to be careful. Or the reason lies in the lack of progesterone or other hormones in the body. Of course, the risk of miscarriage is huge. If there are:
- heavy bleeding;
- heaviness in the stomach;
- if you feel pressure in the lower abdomen, as during menstruation, it is better to consult a doctor.
Although the symptoms should not cause panic, since the uterine cavity after the manipulations of doctors can be injured and any improper movement of the woman, namely lifting weights, excessive zeal can lead to painful sensations in the lower abdomen and minor bruising.
This is the norm. This condition can last up to 12-14 weeks, and there is no need to worry about it. In order to be sure whether pregnancy has occurred or IVF has not worked, it is necessary to take a blood test for hCG on an empty stomach. A regular pregnancy test from a pharmacy can be erroneous.
It is normal even when bleeding occurs in the first 2–3 months after embryo transfer, but the lower abdomen should not hurt, and only moderate discharge is acceptable. On the other hand, an attempt to get pregnant may be unsuccessful when menstruation begins on the 7th–8th day after embryo transfer and the reasons for this are:
- development of the inflammatory process in the cervix;
- reduced quantity and quality of sperm and eggs;
- the presence of bad habits in a woman after embryo transfer, drinking alcohol, smoking, and a sedentary lifestyle;
- genetic incompatibility when taking biomaterial from partners;
- severe growth of the endometrium outside the uterus;
- the presence of low quality blastocysts or genetic defects.
What can affect the consistency and smell in the early stages
In preparation for IVF, a woman is prescribed various medications that can affect the nature of vaginal mucus. So they may change a little. Namely:
- become thicker;
- a white tint appears;
- are decreasing in number.
In addition, after embryo transfer, hormonal support is provided, often using products with progesterone, mainly gels or vaginal tablets. Once in the vagina, it mixes with natural secretions and, when released through the cervical canal, changes their color and consistency.
Thus, for the first time after IVF they acquire the following signs:
- tint yellowish, pink-cream or cream;
- there are small clots of the same color;
- have no odor, are released in the same quantities as always;
- begin immediately after taking the drug and stop when it is discontinued.
In this case, the patient should not experience any unpleasant sensations. Allocations should be normalized immediately after support is removed.
To learn how to behave after a successful IVF attempt, watch this video:
Kinds
Normally, discharge after the IVF procedure should be the same as on normal days. But sometimes the fluid that appears after embryo transfer causes discomfort to the woman.
What kind of discharge occurs after embryo transfer:
- white;
- pink;
- liquid;
- mucous membranes;
- red;
- brown
Discharge that is white and liquid, like water, with an unpleasant odor and a greenish tint, indicates the presence of vaginosis. The disease negatively affects the development of the fetus, so you should not ignore such symptoms.
The appearance of a pale pink, odorless liquid indicates that implantation has occurred. At this time, the patient notices positive changes in her body. A slight, watery, colorless, odorless discharge after embryo transfer is normal and should not be a cause for concern.
Sometimes, immediately after embryo transfer, slight bleeding is observed. These phenomena indicate difficulties in passing the catheter through the cervical canal during the procedure.
Red or brown discharge on the 12th day after the procedure indicates the following problems:
- threat of miscarriage;
- frozen pregnancy;
- hormonal imbalance;
- a small dose of prescribed progesterone.
Slight bleeding on the first day after embryo transfer is not dangerous. But, if a woman notices that she is bleeding two weeks after the IVF procedure, she needs to urgently contact a medical facility.
Brown vaginal secretion
As already mentioned, brown discharge after embryo transfer on days 7–14 is completely natural. But what can their occurrence indicate at an earlier or later date? The appearance of a light or dark brown spot two to three days after IVF indicates that the woman did not tolerate the procedure well. The uterus was not fully prepared to receive the embryo and the appearance of such discharge may indicate a miscarriage.
If it begins to smear at a later stage, for example, in the seventh to ninth week of pregnancy, then this signals placental abruption, which also poses a serious threat to the further development of the fetus and leads to its death. In this case, the daub is always accompanied by nagging pain in the abdomen and a general deterioration in well-being. In this case, in order to avoid spontaneous miscarriage, the woman must undergo a course of medical therapy in an inpatient setting.
Why is embryo transfer accompanied by discharge?
When embryo transfer has taken place, discharge is almost inevitable - they are natural companions of the female reproductive system throughout life (and can change their character depending on many factors and the period of the cycle).
But patients should distinguish which discharges during embryo implantation are normal, and in which cases the alarm should be sounded.
Often expectant mothers worry about any vaginal discharge after IVF, not knowing what is normal and what requires treatment.
In Internet search engines, some of the most popular queries from patients of IVF clinics are “embryo transfer, discharge,” “discharge, day of embryo transfer,” “discharge during embryo implantation.”
Of course, in any case, it is better to draw knowledge not from the Internet, but from qualified reproductive doctors - such as the specialists of the Volgograd IVF Center, who, thanks to many years of successful work experience, can ensure the health of the patient and her unborn child.
However, every expectant mother should know the general signs of normal and pathological discharge after IVF.
Pink discharge
Some time after embryo transfer, pink discharge may indicate implantation. During the IVF procedure, several embryos are transferred directly into the uterus, but implantation itself never occurs at the same moment. Usually it occurs only after 6–12 days. It is during this period that a woman may notice changes. This is justified by the fact that the embryo implants into the lining of the uterus. Implantation bleeding occurs in a third of women.
The normal nature of discharge of this type is indicated by the following factors:
- pale pink, rarely beige;
- no odor;
- duration is no more than two days, and more often – only a few hours;
- very meager volumes;
- Minor pulling sensations are possible.
Even if you have noted all the signs, it is better to contact your fertility specialist. Only a doctor can determine the culprits of such discharge.
Which ones should you be wary of?
Pathological discharge after IVF indicates problems with the embryo or the development of bacterial microflora in the vagina. A woman should be alert if mucus from the cervical canal has acquired the following properties:
- yellow or green tint;
- unpleasant pungent odor;
- curdled consistency;
- itching, burning;
- dark brown or reddish color.
USEFUL INFORMATION: What happens after hysteroscopy
Alarming discharge during pregnancy after IVF
Greenish-yellow discharge with odor
This nature suggests that the patient is developing bacterial vaginosis, that is, dysbacteriosis of the vaginal microflora. It occurs most often in late pregnancy, but cases are also common 2 to 4 weeks after implantation during IVF. In this case, the discharge has the following symptoms:
- green, yellow or white pronounced color;
- opaque;
- sharp sour smell;
- quite abundant and watery, as if “pouring out”.
Apart from these signs, the patient does not feel any particular discomfort. If at least several of the listed qualities appear, you should consult a doctor. Neglect of this disease leads to intrauterine infections of the fetus and even missed abortion.
Curd-like discharge with itching and burning
Infectious discharge
Pregnant women, even after natural conception, are faced with diseases such as candidiasis or thrush. The appearance after IVF is due to a decrease in general immunity and taking a large number of drugs.
All this contributes to the production of mucus with low acidity in the cervical canal, and the amount of carbohydrates in the endometrium increases.
This creates favorable conditions for the development of the fungus that causes candidiasis.
Thrush discharge has the following characteristics:
- White color;
- sharp sour smell;
- consistency similar to cottage cheese;
- are released in large quantities.
Discharge from thrush
With thrush, a woman does not experience nagging or aching pain, but she may experience itching and burning, which intensifies after taking a shower. This disease can also have a negative impact on the development of the fetus and cause miscarriage. If you have the symptoms described above, you should immediately contact a gynecologist.
Dark brown and bloody discharge
This is the most alarming type, indicating serious problems after IVF. As soon as a woman notices such stains on her underwear, she should immediately seek medical help. Such discharge is most often a symptom of detachment of the fertilized egg attached to the lining of the uterus, and there is a threat of termination of pregnancy. A number of reasons lead to this:
- support with hormonal drugs is insufficient;
- an embryo with pathologies of formation;
- frozen pregnancy rejected by the body.
Bloody discharge after IVF
Such discharge has a bright color - from brown with red streaks to scarlet and red. There is no smell, the structure is liquid and quite abundant, less often “smearing”. Usually a woman feels pain and pain in the lower abdomen.
After an examination by a doctor and an ultrasound, the cause of such symptoms will be determined, and the necessary measures will be taken to support the body. The woman will be prescribed treatment in a medical facility or at home. The main thing is to follow all the recommendations of specialists.
We recommend reading about
why ectopic pregnancy can happen after IVF. From the article you will learn whether this can happen at all and why, about the types and causes of the abnormal location of the ovum, symptoms, diagnostic methods and options for solving the problem, as well as when you can try again.
And here is more information about whether it is possible to do an ultrasound in the early stages of pregnancy.
There are a lot of alarming discharges during pregnancy, so any atypical manifestations and sensations cannot be ignored
It is important to understand that timely seeking medical help can save an ongoing pregnancy and avoid complications in the future. And a woman’s ability to recognize dangerous discharge and symptoms will help her see the problem in time and get out of the situation with the least consequences.
Pathological discharge
Discharges after embryo transfer that should alert the expectant mother and force her to urgently consult a doctor include:
- discharge with an unpleasant odor, greenish-yellow color;
- curdled discharge accompanied by itching;
- brown, bloody discharge at any stage starting from 14 DPP.
Discharge with an unpleasant odor, greenish-yellow color
These discharges are a manifestation of bacterial vaginosis, a condition in which the balance of the normal microflora of the vagina is disturbed. As a rule, a similar picture develops in expectant mothers in later stages of pregnancy, but the possibility of their appearance as early as 2-4 weeks of gestation cannot be ruled out.
Discharge after IVF caused by bacterial vaginosis has the following features.
Color | White, greenish, yellowish, opaque |
Smell | Generally unpleasant |
Consistency | Watery |
Quantity | Abundant |
Start time | At any stage of pregnancy |
Peculiarities | Never accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen |
If such discharge appears, the expectant mother should contact her gynecologist-reproductologist to select corrective medications. Treatment of bacterial vaginosis is mandatory, since an imbalance of microflora negatively affects the growth and development of the embryo and can cause a missed abortion.
Curdled
A frequent companion of pregnant women, including those conceived through in vitro fertilization, is vaginal candidiasis, or thrush. The increased level of female sex hormones, which is created by a powerful regimen of drug support, leads to the fact that mucus with low acidity begins to be produced in the cervical canal. In addition, the carbohydrate content in the endometrium increases sharply. All this serves as an excellent environment for the growth of the fungus that causes candidiasis.
Discharge after IVF caused by thrush is quite easy to recognize.
Color | White |
Smell | Fermented milk, pronounced |
Consistency | Heterogeneous, resembles cottage cheese |
Quantity | Abundant |
Start time | At any stage of pregnancy |
Peculiarities | They are never accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen, but can be combined with itching and irritation in the area of the vagina |
Just like bacterial vaginosis, thrush changes the internal environment of the vagina, which can negatively affect the condition of the fetus. However, self-medication with any antifungal drugs without consulting a doctor is unacceptable!
Brown or bloody discharge at any stage starting from 14 DPP
This is the most dangerous type of discharge after embryo transfer and requires immediate medical attention.
They signal the beginning of detachment of the fertilized egg attached to the wall of the uterus - a threat of termination of pregnancy. This condition can develop for the following reasons:
- insufficiently powerful support with progesterone drugs;
- a non-viable embryo that experienced “breakdowns” during the division process after implantation;
- rejection of an already frozen pregnancy.
Characteristics of discharge.
Color | May vary from dark brown to scarlet |
Smell | No peculiar smell |
Consistency | Liquid |
Quantity | From smearing to copious |
Start time | At any stage of pregnancy |
Peculiarities | Accompanied by nagging pain in the lower abdomen |
As soon as the expectant mother discovers such discharge, she urgently needs to contact her doctor and undergo an ultrasound scan. Depending on the results of the examination, treatment can be carried out both within the walls of the hospital and at home (as a day hospital).
Pregnancy after IVF is a priceless gift; to preserve it, you need to carefully listen to your health.
An important place in this self-control is the correct interpretation of vaginal discharge. It will help expectant mothers notice the problem in time and take the necessary measures.
An interesting story about pregnancy after IVF
https://youtube.com/watch?v=HhQlivBzNI8
We recommend reading: Colds in the IVF protocol. Why is it dangerous and why you shouldn’t self-medicate?
Partner news
If we talk about normal vaginal discharge during pregnancy without IVF, then in the first trimester it is thick and viscous mucus, its dilution and increased production occurs from about 12 weeks.
Acceptable selections in the ECO field
Discharges after embryo transfer that do not signal trouble on the part of the embryo and the expectant mother include:
- physiological mucous discharge from the genital tract;
- discharge caused by medications taken;
- discharge indicating implantation.
Physiological
There is a misconception among women that normally there should be no vaginal discharge. Therefore, the appearance of any wet mark on underwear is perceived by them as a sign of illness. In fact, the female reproductive tract is constantly producing mucus. It is necessary to protect the mucous membrane from drying out, create the necessary acidity and maintain the balance of microflora. Physiological vaginal discharge has the following characteristics.
Color | Transparent or slightly opalescent |
Smell | No smell, but a slight sour milk smell is acceptable |
Consistency | Homogeneous, without large clots |
Quantity | Each woman is strictly individual, but should not exceed the volume of 1 teaspoon |
Start time | Are constantly released regardless of the state of the body |
Peculiarities | When dry, they leave whitish stains on the underwear (as from starch), not accompanied by itching or redness |
Physiological discharge after IVF has a number of features that are due to the powerful hormonal support prescribed after embryo transfer. Progesterone drugs change the properties of the produced cervical mucus:
- it becomes thicker;
- acquires a whitish tint;
- the number noticeably decreases compared to the “pre-economy” period.
Discharge caused by medications taken
The hormonal support regimen prescribed after replantation usually includes progesterone preparations in the form of a vaginal gel, for example, Crinon. In addition to the active substance, the medicine contains gel-forming components, which, after remaining in the vagina, mix with physiological secretions and come out.
Discharge after embryo transfer may look like this.
Color | Yellowish, cream, pinkish beige |
Consistency | Heterogeneous, denser veins present |
Smell | Absent |
Quantity | No different from physiological |
Start time | Exactly coincide with the start of the use of drugs from the support regimen and disappear when they are discontinued |
Discharge indicating implantation
After transfer into the uterine cavity, the embryo must attach to its wall - implantation. In 30% of women, this process is accompanied by so-called implantation bleeding. It usually occurs 6-12 days after transfer (DPT).
The cause of implantation bleeding is damage to the small uterine arteries when the embryo attaches to the wall of the uterus. The following symptoms are characteristic of discharge after IVF, caused by the process of embryo attachment.
Color | Pale pink, brownish beige, dark cream |
Smell | Absent |
Consistency | Thick (smearable), never abundant |
Quantity | From a few drops to a spot on a panty liner with a diameter of 2-3 cm |
Start time | 6-12 DPP, lasts from several hours to 1-2 days |
Peculiarities | May be accompanied by nagging pain in the lower abdomen |
Expectant mothers should remember that only the attending physician can determine whether discharge from the genital tract is implantation bleeding or a manifestation of insufficient progesterone support. Therefore, if any stains colored in brownish-reddish shades appear on your underwear, you should urgently seek an in-person consultation with a reproductologist.
Why might there be blood, how does this affect the embryo?
Pregnancy is a period when a woman is especially anxious and vulnerable. Any circumstances that arise during pregnancy are a direct cause for concern for her. This:
- nagging pain in the lower abdomen;
- pain;
- different secretions.
The discharge may be spotty or profuse. In early pregnancy, spotting is often a sign of successful conception. This means that the embryo has attached to the wall of the uterus and is ready to grow and develop. Such discharge is usually observed 5-10 days after fertilization and occurs in a small percentage of women .
If the amount of blood is significant and it is bright scarlet in color, the woman should immediately consult a doctor. It is not advisable to move at such a moment. The called ambulance will take the woman to the hospital and carry out the necessary manipulations, finding out the cause of the bleeding.
When pregnancy has already occurred, the cause of bleeding can be placental abruption, which often occurs due to a lack of progesterone, spontaneous miscarriage, or frozen pregnancy.
At 3 weeks
In the early stages of pregnancy resulting from IVF, the 3rd, 6th and 9th weeks are transitional. At week 3, the body undergoes a radical restructuring in preparation for bearing a fetus. The size of the fetus during this period ranges from 0.1 to 0.2 mm. This week the woman experiences the following symptoms :
- drowsiness;
- nausea and vomiting;
- increased excitability;
- increased sensitivity and size of the mammary glands;
- change in taste preferences;
- in rare cases, slight spotting.
If a pregnant woman understands that the discharge is accompanied by heavy blood loss, this may be a symptom:
- ectopic pregnancy;
- infectious or other disease (bleeding in this case is often accompanied by itching, swelling and pain in the genital area);
- progesterone deficiency;
- drug rejection;
- the presence of serious genetic pathologies incompatible with fetal life;
- excessive physical activity or a sedentary lifestyle of a woman after implantation.
The causes of bleeding can be unhealthy habits (smoking, drinking alcohol and drugs), as well as the woman’s age (with age, the risks of various pathologies during pregnancy increase).
On the sixth
The 6th week of pregnancy is a very important milestone in the development of the embryo : the length of the fetus reaches 4-9 mm, weight - 4 - 4.5 g. The most important organs begin to form.
The signs that are observed in a pregnant woman during this period almost completely coincide with the signs at 3 weeks. Many women at this stage experience severe toxicosis, loss of strength and drowsiness.
If a woman detects any spotting at 6 weeks of pregnancy, this is a reason to immediately call an ambulance. Bleeding can be of varying intensity: from spotting, clots, to heavy blood loss.
At 6 weeks, detachment of the ovum may occur due to a lack of progesterone . If you consult a doctor in a timely manner, there is a high probability that the pregnancy will continue. The doctor performs an ultrasound, examination, prescribes medications containing progesterone, or admits the woman to a hospital for preservation.
At 9 weeks
At 3 months, the length of the fetus reaches 22-30 mm, and its weight is about 2 grams. The threat of abortion at this stage is significantly reduced, as the placenta begins to form. Its full formation will be completed at approximately 12 weeks.
Any discharge from the genital tract, whether spotting brown or clotted with blood, is a reason to consult a doctor. If spotting is accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen, this is one of the possible signs of spontaneous miscarriage. If they pass without pain, it is possible that the pregnant woman has cervical erosion. In any case, immediately contacting a doctor will increase the chances of maintaining the pregnancy .