Do you find a light spotting or bleeding from your vagina after being confirmed positive for your IVF pregnancy? Well, it is nothing to be worried about.
Light pinkish or brownish discharge after a positive pregnancy result just indicates the taking place of the implantation process.
When implantation takes place after the fertilization of the egg with the sperm there can be a little blood discharge. This is because of the rupture of the tiny blood vessels along the uterine lining when the embryo attaches itself to the uterus.
So light bleeding or spotting is not a matter of concern after a positive IVF pregnancy test.
Can You Bleed Heavily After IVF And Still Be Pregnant?
Bleeding heavily after a positive IVF pregnancy result is a cause of concern. Heavy bleeding is a sign of miscarriage.
If you are bleeding heavily as while during your menses accompanied by abdominal discomfort, cramping, and other menses symptoms, it is a sure sign of miscarriage. Ectopic pregnancy can also be a cause of heavy bleeding after weeks into pregnancy.
Does Bleeding Mean IVF Has Failed?
Light bleeding does not indicate that IVF has failed in most of the cases.
Implantation Bleeding
When the embryo implants itself onto the uterine lining the blood vessels on the uterus wall may rupture and cause implantation bleeding. It is usually light bleeding or a pinkish or brown spotting.
Subchorionic Hemorrhage
At times blood gets collected between the chorion membrane that surrounds the embryo and the uterine wall. This subchorionic hemorrhage will heal on its own when the blood gets discharged through the vagina. It is usually light bleeding accompanied by possible cramping and abdominal pain.
Polyps
Polyps are mucous membranes that are usually harmless. But due to hormonal changes, the polyps in the uterus or vagina may swell a lot, get bruised, and then result in bleeding. Smaller polyps are usually harmless but large and multiple polyps may cause miscarriage.
Vaginal or Cervical Irritation
Vaginal or cervical irritation may arise due to bacterial or viral infection, sexual intercourse, or internal medical examination. Hormonal changes can also make the vagina and cervix more sensitive than usual and result in irritation.
Positive Signs of a Successful Embryo Transfer
Light bleeding and spotting are usually considered symptoms of a positive pregnancy or embryo transfer in IVF.
Other positive pregnancy symptoms that may accompany a successful embryo transfer include:
- Spotting or light bleeding
- Change in breast feel
- Cramping
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Bloating
- Changes in vaginal discharge
- Missing period
- Urge to urinate frequently
- Pain in the abdominal region
- Increase in body temperature
Spotting or Light Bleeding
Spotting and light bleeding occurs due to embryo implanting on the uterine wall.
Change in Breast Feel
Your breasts may turn sore because of the pregnancy hormones. The hormonal supplements for IVF may also cause this
Cramping
Cramping is also a positive symptom of the embryo implantation taking place. The changes in hormonal levels and the implantation process may cause this.
Fatigue
Fatigue is caused by the increase in the level of progesterone. Nausea and vomiting may also exhaust the body.
Nausea
The changes your body undergoes after the embryo transfer result in nausea. The hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) hormones also cause nausea.
Bloating
Bloating occurs because of the changes that the body undergoes due to positive pregnancy.
Changes in Vaginal Discharge
The vaginal discharge may also become different unlike other times. You may encounter an abundant thin, mild-smelling vaginal discharge.
Missed Period
A missed period is a possible sign of successful embryo transfer. However, the hormonal supplements taken during IVF can also impact the menstrual cycle and delay the menses.
Urge to Urinate Frequently
The increase in hCG level in the urine causes the urge to urinate frequently. As long as you urinate without any pain or bleeding this sign is harmless.
Pain in the Abdominal Region
The process of implantation of the embryo can result in pain in the abdominal region. It is usually mild and subsides over time.
Increase in Body Temperature
Basal Body Temperature tends to rise with positive pregnancy. The hCG and other pregnancy hormones are responsible for this.
No Symptoms or Signs
No bleeding or any other positive symptoms of pregnancy do not mean that the IVF has been a failure. Positive pregnancy results arise even after encountering no significant symptoms.
So after the two-week mark of embryo transfer consult your fertility doctor to properly test for pregnancy.
Why Choose Dr. Rukkayal?
You can always consult IVF Doctor Rukkayal to inquire about bleeding after IVF-positive pregnancy results. Trusted by hundreds of patients and with years of expertise in fertility treatments we provide quality IVF consultation and treatments. You can also contact us for a free fertility consultation regarding queries related to IVF treatment.
Conclusion
Encountering bleeding after IVF positive pregnancy test can be daunting at times. Light bleeding is not a cause for concern most of the time. Yet consult a fertility specialist if you are concerned about bleeding after receiving a positive pregnancy result.
Also, take a pregnancy test until ten weeks into pregnancy in case of IVF pregnancy to be assured of the embryo’s sustenance in the uterus.
Following your obstetrician’s advice is the best way to wade through the physical and emotional tolling period of IVF.
UTIs are common to occur during pregnancy. Just make sure to treat the UTI in time as it can cause fetal loss in serious scenarios.
As with any pregnancy, IVF pregnancy is also safe after 10 to 12 weeks of embryo transfer. Visit your fertility doctor periodically during the first trimester to ensure pregnancy safety in case of IVF pregnancy.
Bleeding is common in IVF pregnancies. Light bleeding or spotting is harmless most of the time. But contact your obstetrician immediately if you encounter heavy bleeding.
