Today, there are more than 4 million test tube babies in the world. And this is a fairly large number of children. If the couple was diagnosed with infertility, then there is no need to despair. Nowadays, medicine has reached a point where a child can be conceived and carried out artificially. And about how to behave after the transfer of the embryo, about the procedure itself, its features, stages and subsequent behavior of a woman is written in this article.
The essence of IVF treatment
The essence of the IVF method is as follows: a woman gets the required number of eggs. Then they are fertilized in specially created conditions with the help of sperm of the husband or donor. A ready-made fertilized egg is introduced into the uterus of a woman.
Treatment with this method lasts about a month and consists of four stages.
During treatment, you must strictly adhere to all the recommendations of a doctor. This applies not only to women, but also to men.
Stage IVF Method
Stage 1 - stimulation of superovulation. This stage is carried out so that the chances of a pregnancy appearing to be great. At this stage, the woman takes special medications that contribute to the maturation of several follicles, from which several eggs are then taken out.
Stage 2 - obtaining an egg. The egg is removed when it is fully ripe.
Stage 3 - fertilization of the egg. It is carried out in a special container, where they add sperm handed over by her husband.
Stage 4 - embryo transfer. Usually, two embryos are transferred to increase the chances so that one of them is taken for sure.
Check for pregnancy after embryo transfer
A check for pregnancy is carried out by a blood test, as well as by ultrasound.
To determine pregnancy, a routine test after embryo transfer, in which urine is used, will not work. It may show incorrect information. It will turn out to be positive, but in fact it will be negative, or vice versa. Therefore, a reliable option for determining pregnancy is blood donation.
The analysis must be taken 12 days after the IVF procedure. If the procedure was successful, then the beta-hCG hormone will be in the blood. It is he who is an indicator that the long-awaited pregnancy has come. If there is no hormone, then, accordingly, pregnancy has not occurred.
There are cases when the level of hCG is insufficient and it is assumed that there is no pregnancy, but in fact it is proceeding quite successfully. In such a situation, it is necessary to conduct an ultrasound of the uterus, on which it will already be clear whether the embryo was attached or not.
Details about hCG analysis
HCG is a hormone that is produced by the cells of the shell of the embryo. The indicators of this hormone show exactly whether there is a pregnancy or not. HCG after embryo transfer is performed on day 12 after the IVF procedure. Spend it by taking blood from a vein.
So, if pregnancy is present, then the hormone levels are doubled every day. If there is no pregnancy, then the hormone level is normal or below normal.
In addition to detecting pregnancy, an analysis of hCG after embryo transfer is able to determine other features or abnormalities in the body of a woman or fetus, such as:
- the presence in the uterus of two or even three embryos;
- the presence of Down syndrome in the child, other malformations;
- diabetes or gestosis in a pregnant woman;
- ectopic pregnancy;
- danger of miscarriage or a frozen pregnancy.
As you can see, such an analysis is extremely important and necessary in order, firstly, to correctly establish the presence of pregnancy, and secondly, to catch on time and take certain measures to save a woman or a child.
Behavior and lifestyle of a woman undergoing IVF
Your doctor should tell you how to behave after embryo transfer. After IVF, a woman should take care of herself so that the fetus strengthens and pregnancy occurs. After this procedure, the expectant mother should carefully monitor her lifestyle and nutrition for about a month. About everything in more detail.
Regarding the lifestyle, we can say that no physical exertion during this period can be carried out. Even if a woman was professionally engaged in sports before IVF, after the procedure any physical activity is contraindicated. Also, you can not lift weights above 2 kg, because the embryo can move, which will subsequently lead to complications. As for sexual activity, here the answer is categorical - no sex for 2 weeks after the procedure.
A woman's nutrition should be rational and healthy. No greasy, spicy, sweet food. About smoking and alcohol in general should be forgotten, it’s better forever.
It is very important at this time the emotional state of a woman. Any stress and nerves can play a bad joke with her. Therefore, it is absolutely impossible to be nervous.
If after the procedure you have started menstruating, then use only pads. Never use swabs for this purpose.
Embryo transfer: how to behave
1. Eat foods rich in proteins, vitamins and all the necessary trace elements (fish, meat, vegetables, fruits).
2. As a sedative, you can take the mood of valerian or motherwort. No chemical compounds are worth consuming.
3. Walking in the fresh air is a must. You need to walk to your favorite park, square. Why on foot? Because it is during this period that the embryo is well located, which in the future will lead to a long-awaited pregnancy.
4. Do your favorite thing. For example, knitting or embroidery. This pastime calms and sets in a good mood.
Now you know how to behave after the transfer of the embryo, and be sure to use all the recommendations.
Increased basal temperature after embryo implantation and other signs of pregnancy
Some women after the IVF procedure begin to worry about the fact that they have a fever. Their experiences are understandable, because during this period it is impossible to get colds, because the embryo may not get along. But still, you should not be nervous about this, especially after embryos are introduced into the uterine cavity. Conversely, temperature after embryo transfer is normal.
Representatives of the fair sex after the IVF procedure should measure and record body temperature readings daily for two weeks, using an ordinary thermometer. If the temperature fluctuates between 37-37.5 degrees, then, then, the embryo is fixed, and after two weeks you need to pass a test that will report that the long-awaited pregnancy has arrived.
In addition to fever, signs of pregnancy can be seen by some changes in the body of a woman. For example, the mammary glands can swell, and the nipple halo will turn brown. The girl will begin to react to smells. Pain in the lower abdomen may also be felt. Perhaps even an upset bowel.
All these signs will indicate that the woman will soon become a mother.
IVF treatment fee
Such a procedure varies greatly in price, based on the country in which it is carried out.
In vitro fertilization, the price may be:
- In Russia, such a method of fertilization will cost 3000-10000 dollars, depending on the complexity and characteristics of the female body.
- In Ukraine, such a procedure will cost less - $ 1,500-5,000, if the clinic is ordinary, and more expensive - up to $ 20,000, if elite.
- In the USA, an IVF procedure will cost 12,000-15,000 dollars.
The effectiveness of the IVF method
Pregnancy after embryo transfer does not always occur. According to statistics, 40% of women who are trying to have a baby with IVF achieve a positive result. And this is the first attempt. It happens that you can’t immediately get pregnant, but you need to try further. The result will certainly be in subsequent attempts. And even if a woman was lucky, and she gave birth to a child with the help of IVF, then the second pregnancy can occur in her naturally. Often in 60-80% of cases this is exactly what happens.
Factors that affect the success and subsequent positive outcome of an IVF procedure
- The age of a woman. The younger she is, the greater the chance of a positive result on the first try.
- Excellent quality sperm spouse.
- Optimistic couple.
- The skill level of doctors. This applies to the procedure for transferring the embryo and the correct puncture.
- Timeliness of obtaining a mature egg.
Now you know how to behave after embryo transfer. And if you decide on the IVF method, then this is absolutely the right decision. Most importantly, adhere to all the recommendations of a doctor and take care of your nerves and your health. And if it doesn’t work out the first time, then from the second or third time there will be a result. The main thing is to believe and be optimistic.