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After Embryo Transfer: A Comprehensive Day-by-Day Guide
Embryo transfer is the goal of any fertility treatment that uses assisted reproductive technologies. During this procedure, an embryo that has reached the blastocyst stage in its development is placed in the uterus under ultrasound guidance using a special catheter. A preparation of endometrial lining precedes the procedure. During it, the growth (thickening) of endometrium is triggered by hormonal medications and strictly monitored.
Unlike egg retrieval, insertion of embryos is painless and does not require anesthesia.
Types of Embryo Transfers (Fresh vs. Frozen)
It is worth explaining the peculiarities of fresh and frozen transfer mentioned above. Let’s focus on what is truly important.
In fresh transfers, embryo selection is based on morphological criteria. Fresh transfer method is typically applicable if the patient is not in advanced fertility age yet. This type of procedure does not allow verifying the embryo’s set of chromosomes in advance via a test called PGT-a. Hence, the doctor expects high-grade embryos to be euploid with a higher probability.
Alternatively, fresh transfers are also common in donor egg IVF where it is decided to put patient-donor cycles in sync.
If an ovarian stimulation and embryo transfer are supposed to take place in the same cycle, the condition of endometrium should be double-checked and confirmed adequate against the IVF program’s backdrop. The remaining embryos will be vitrified.
Speaking of frozen embryo transfers, blastocyst-stage embryos are used, too. Otherwise this method is usually linked to a different approach: The embryos are tested first, and then hormone replacement therapy (HRT) begins, which creates an artificial implantation window. In some cases, frozen embryo transfer can be performed in conjunction with the dates of the patient’s natural menstrual cycle. This requires objective indications.
The Importance of the Two-Week Wait
Every patient feels nervous and vulnerable after the transfer has been done. Will it work or not? Luckily, the waiting time before the answer reveals itself is short.
Why Two Weeks?
The pregnancy is indicated by the rising level of beta-hCG hormone. It confirms successful implantation of embryo into the uterine wall.
Emotional Preparation for the Wait
Keeping emotional balance and an even-keeled mood after the transfer may turn out to be hard.
However, unlike commonly believed, patient's actions after the transfer have only a minimal impact on the outcome. Considering that, we recommend practicing calmness and gratitude and let the chips fall where they may.
Day-by-Day Breakdown After Embryo Transfer
The processes happening in a woman’s body after embryo transfer are full of sophistication.
Day 1-3 – the membrane around the blastocyst bursts and it comes out for further implantation into the endometrium; touching the uterine wall it prepares to penetrate the mucosa; the blastocyst is implanted and deepens into the soft tissues
Day 4 – the germ layers are formed, after which the blastocyst turns into a gastrula;
Day 5 – the gastrula grows into the endometrium and begins to receive nutrients from it;
Day 6 – the primary formation of the placenta and the tube connecting the fetus with the mother's body occurs;
Day 7 – the embryo’s chorionic tissue begins to secrete hCG, stimulating further intrauterine development.
A pregnancy test should be made 10-14 days after the transfer. It is recommended using a serum beta-hCG test. Avoid urine strip tests as they do not confirm hormonal dynamics.
Regular period doesn’t start. Physical symptoms may include fatigue, enlarged breast, gain of appetite and so on. They show that a woman’s body is preparing for a pregnancy.
Emotional Experiences
Going through a rollercoaster of emotions after an embryo transfer is normal, and no one can be judged for that. The support delivered by the family and friends should help you adapt. Understandably, you have already been through a lot, including some possible failures and surging expectations.
What to Do and What to Avoid After Embryo Transfer
Despite various conceptions, there is not much to avoid after an embryo transfer. Still, we recommend against having sexual intercourse, same as engaging in extremely challenging physical or professional activities. Let your body have some rest, and your mind will follow it.
Activity Recommendations
Lifting heavy weights or going to the gym is prohibited. Skip your swimming pools sessions and don’t visit saunas to not overheat.
Dietary Guidelines
Dietary choices should be reasonable and made intuitively. Limit constipation-provoking foods and coffee, and don’t go for what provokes bowel irritation. Drink plenty of water.
Stress Management Techniques
The time after embryo transfer is the best opportunity of time to discover mindfulness and meditation. This will alleviate your worries and help sustain a clear state of mind.
NGC’s patients leave the clinic with a full set of instructions and a list of dates for every upcoming activity related to pregnancy monitoring. If some special symptoms emerge, patients are recommended to get in touch with us immediately.
Normal vs. Concerning Symptoms
It is important to tell normal and bad symptoms apart.
- Don’t be afraid if: You feel tired and sleepy. Your body’s temperature has risen to 37-37.5C.
- Be on high alert if: You experience bleeding or fainting. Contact the clinic immediately.
Emergency Situations
Vaginal bleeding after transfer is a reason for you to immediately contact your fertility doctor and for the emergency drug kit. Progesterone is the first-line therapy. It can help keep the pregnancy intact if a bleeding starts.
Types of Pregnancy Tests
If a lab is in sight, go for a serum beta-hCG test. If you cannot visit a lab, purchase a test strip and confirm your actual hCG level later on.
When to Take the Test
Pregnancy test is taken 10-14 days after the embryo transfer procedure. This is the moment when enough hCG accumulates in the body.
Understanding the Results
The hCG test result should be forwarded to your fertility doctor. They will compare it to the reference values. Some therapy adjustments may also follow.
Statistical Overview
Age, lack of special ObGyn and endocrine conditions, and, of course, state of the uterus are the main transfer outcome predictors.
Factors Influencing Success
These factors include the embryo's grade and genetic status, your adherence to all recommendations and protocols, as well as… chance. IVF’s success is never predetermined. However, choosing a skilled fertility specialist, best-equipped IVF clinic and brand medications will contribute to success enormously.
When planning for an embryo transfer, make your best to stay positive and not let affection take over. By following your doctor’s prescription and raising your own awareness during appointments, uniting with your partner or family, you are determined to succeed. Remember: if the last transfer didn’t work as expected, the next attempt may fix it by taking you off the intersection. You’ll never remember about the difficulties once you are finally there, holding a baby in your arms.