The birth of a new life is a rather complicated and at the same time interesting process. Its main stage is the attachment of the embryo to the uterus. The signs of this process are quite diverse. Let's consider each of them. We will also analyze in detail the entire process of how conception and fertilization occurs, including such a difficult stage as IVF.
General
Everyone knows the simple truth that a pregnant woman and her environment should take care and try to keep the pregnancy as much as possible. But not everyone even giving birth knows all the signs of an embryo attaching to the uterus. And this, perhaps, is one of the main processes with which, in fact, the life of the future man begins. It is during this period that there are many risks that can prevent pregnancy.
On average, pregnancy lasts 9 calendar (280 days) and 10 obstetric months. The difference between the calendar and the obstetric months is that the latter consists of four weeks. During this time, a fertilized egg undergoes the most complicated process of cell division, which leads to the formation of tissues, organs, a connection is established between them. All this leads to the fact that in the end, a newborn child can fully exist outside the mother's body.
Of course, it is especially difficult to overestimate and isolate a certain period of intrauterine life. But still, there are dangerous periods when a pregnancy can spontaneously interrupt. In other words, a miscarriage (in the first trimester) and premature birth (in the last trimester) can occur.
The main periods of fetal development
- The period when the egg is fertilized by the sperm and tries to attach to the uterine mucosa. It is also called preimplantation.
- The direct attachment of an already fertilized egg to the uterus is the implantation period.
- An important period of the formation of organs, cells and tissues of a small organism.
- The last period is called fetal. It is now that the growth and development of previously formed cells and organs takes place.
Further in the article we will describe the very important and dangerous first two periods when fertilization occurs, as well as the main signs of the attachment of the embryo to the uterus. In addition, we will describe how the IVF procedure takes place.
How is conception and fertilization?
A woman born with two healthy ovaries has 200 thousand immature eggs. By the time of its maturity and full puberty, an average of 400 to 500 eggs will remain.
Every healthy woman ovulates monthly. Unfortunately, today such a regularity is far from every representative of the beautiful half of humanity. Due to certain factors, such as ecology and pathology, a large number of women have problems with childbearing function.
Ovulation is the period when an egg leaves the ovary and occurs with a sperm in the fallopian tube. Only sperm is involved in the fertilization process. It gets through the membrane of the egg to its nucleus, it is at this moment that fertilization occurs.
In the next step, the fertilized egg should join the uterine mucosa. If this does not happen, a miscarriage will occur and the pregnancy will be terminated.
The ciliary epithelium helps the uterus to reach the egg. The whole process can take about a week.
If everything goes well, then the egg is attached to the mucous wall of the uterus, which already has all the necessary nutrients for the normal development of the fetus.
Next, we consider the periods, symptoms and signs of attachment of the embryo to the uterus.
Signs of implantation
Implantation is the period of embryo implantation into the uterine mucosa. Because of how successful this will be, the development of the fetus and the quality of the pregnancy itself depend.
Women who are trying to get pregnant through in vitro fertilization (IVF) need to know on what day after conception the implant is implanted by specialists. Also, this information will be interesting to those who are trying to get pregnant naturally. As already noted above, the path of a fertilized egg to the walls of the uterus can last about one week. But to be more precise - from 6 to 8 days. And from this moment on, with the help of various diagnostic procedures, you can find out about your pregnancy. Therefore, lovely women should not run to the pharmacy for the test the next day after the fertilization you suspect and hope to see a positive result.
After attachment of the embryo, hCG growth begins. It is this indicator that helps determine the presence of pregnancy using a urine or blood test.
The main symptoms of implantation
The main symptoms of attachment of the embryo to the uterus may be as follows:
- During attachment of the embryo, a woman may feel a slight pulling pain in the lower abdomen and a slight tingling sensation.
- The characteristic symptoms may be the same as with mild food poisoning. This is nausea, a metallic taste in the mouth.
- Body temperature may slightly increase (up to 37.5 degrees).
- Another common symptom when attaching an embryo to the uterus is spotting, characteristic of the first day of menstruation. They can be brownish or light pink. These discharge is characteristic not only during implantation. If you do not expect pregnancy, recently you have not had sexual intercourse and you still do not expect menstruation, it is better to consult a doctor. Such discharge may indicate a disease of the female genital organs.
- Irritability, excessive nervousness, overexcitation can be observed.
Implantation does not occur
The fertilization process for a woman is natural. It is laid genetically. And during the attachment of the embryo, the woman is automatically ready for this and her body begins to work in a new way, adapting to the support and development of a new life. But, unfortunately, the attachment procedure is not always successful.
Be that as it may, the embryo in the first stages is a foreign object for the uterus. It can be either accepted or rejected by the body.
For what reasons can this happen? In fact, there are not so many of them, namely:
- The embryo may carry a genetic abnormality, which may subsequently lead to changes in the fetus or a serious illness of a baby already born. The body feels this at the genetic level and rejects low-quality material.
- The endometrium of the uterus may be in an unhealthy state, the uterus may not be ready for bearing. The mucous membrane may lack the necessary substances for the development of the fetus.
IVF implantation
Very often, without the opportunity, people resort to the artificial insemination procedure.
This is not a simple process that requires the active participation of both future parents. Both of them must undergo a full examination, lead a healthy lifestyle and take all the necessary drugs. Women need these drugs in order to prepare her body for bearing the fetus. In a man, however, treatment increases the activity of sperm, which plays an important role in the fertilization of the egg.
IVF Stages:
- If a woman does not have ovulation, she takes medications that will provoke her.
- Seizure of the egg and sperm.
- Active and healthy cells are selected.
- The artificial process of fertilization.
- Placement of the ovum in the uterus.
Embryo implantation after IVF
During artificial insemination, 2 to 3 embryos are immediately placed in the uterus of a woman. This increases the chances of getting pregnant.
Many people wonder how long does the embryo attach to the uterus after IVF? Many unknowingly expect a pregnancy within a week after the procedure. And almost immediately they begin to conduct hCG after IVF. Having not received the desired result, women immediately begin to panic. It is important to understand that during an artificial pregnancy, it will take longer to attach the embryo to the uterus. Most often, this period takes from 2 weeks or longer. This is due to the fact that with artificial insemination, the embryo needs more time to adapt in the body of the future mother.
HCG after IVF:
- Determined by urine collection. This woman can do at home on her own with the help of a test strip, which can be purchased at any pharmacy.
- A more accurate analysis - blood sampling is carried out in a medical institution.
Early Pregnancy Pressure
A woman should be prepared for the fact that with the onset of pregnancy, in parallel with the growth of a small body inside her, other changes will be waiting for her, not always, unfortunately pleasant.
During this period, a change in the hormonal background occurs. This is especially felt in the early stages. This, in turn, affects the work of all organs. The circulatory system is no exception and suffers aggressive changes during implantation. For some women, this period is completely asymptomatic, and the woman receives extremely positive emotions. For others, the sensation of attachment of the embryo to the uterus may not be the best. Many in this period are experiencing pressure surges.
Below we will consider in more detail how the pressure during early pregnancy affects the female body.
Hypotension, its symptoms and risks
Low blood pressure at the beginning of pregnancy is a fairly common occurrence. It is often caused by a hormone such as progesterone. Its excessive amount in the early stages has a relaxing effect on the walls of the uterus, which, in turn, leads to weakening of the vessels of the whole organism. Toxicity can also affect pressure. Normal performance at low pressure is 90/60.
Attention should be paid to lower rates, especially if they are observed regularly for a long period of time.
Sensations during implantation of the embryo to the uterus in case of low blood pressure:
- A common symptom is tinnitus.
- It may seem to a woman that she does not have enough air. Such an unpleasant sensation can accompany her throughout pregnancy.
- Tachycardia when walking or just at rest.
- A pregnant woman may feel chronic fatigue, drowsiness, and irritability.
- Unreasonable headache. It seems to wake up, not upset, and the head begins to hurt. This is already a sign that it is worth measuring pressure.
Reasons that can help reduce pressure in the early stages of pregnancy:
- Drinking a small amount of plain water.
- Inactivity.
- Excessive stress, overwork.
- Physiological characteristics of the body.
- Diseases of the cardiovascular system.
- Past infectious disease.
Low blood pressure is dangerous not only for a woman, but also for her fetus. At the initial stage of pregnancy, the placental circle is not yet formed, and a lack of oxygen can lead to significant changes in its development.
What you need to do in order to increase pressure in the early stages of pregnancy:
- After waking up, do not rush to jump out of bed. Lie down for a few minutes to stabilize your vestibular apparatus. A sharp change in body position can lead to nausea and dizziness.
- If possible, stand under a contrast shower. The last jet must be cool.
- Already in the first stages, wear compressor underwear. It perfectly stabilizes pressure.
- If you feel unwell, lie down on the bed and raise your legs above head level. Blood will flow from the legs to the upper body, which will saturate the brain with oxygen.
- Light physical activity improves blood circulation, which, in turn, stabilizes pressure.
Hypertension in the early stages
High blood pressure is also dangerous for pregnant women, as well as low blood pressure. Critical indicators can be considered 140/90 and above.
Sensations during implantation of the embryo to the uterus in case of increased pressure:
- Sweating increases.
- A woman can hear a constant ringing in her ears.
- Vision worsens, flies appear in front of the eyes.
- The head can be very sore, both in the nape of the neck and in the temples.
The causes of high blood pressure may be:
- Excessive weight.
- Violation of the thyroid gland.
- Diabetes.
- Unrest, stressful situations.
- An important role is played by the woman's age. The older she is, the more difficult it is to bear the fetus.
- TBI.
Prevention of pressure surges:
- Transition to PP. It is important to eat not only a variety of foods. This should be done as often as possible, but in moderation. Do not eat salty and spicy. For high blood pressure, stop drinking coffee and tea.
- Sleep should last at least 8 hours. If you feel tired during the day, you can arrange yourself a daytime sleep.
- Daily walks, light physical activity in the form of swimming or dancing, also contribute to improving the condition of the future mother.
The condition of a pregnant woman depends not only on herself, but also on her environment. The future dad should make every effort so that the wife and future baby feel comfortable.