Whether it is a natural pregnancy or a successful outcome due to IVF or ICSI treatment, implantation marks the beginning of the pregnancy journey. This process refers to a fertilized egg attached to the uterus lining and allows the embryo to grow.
But, how will you understand that implantation is successful in your body? Keep exploring this blog to be aware of such things in detail along with symptoms of successful implantation.
How to Confirm Implantation Success
Many women could experience early pregnancy symptoms very slightly. However, official confirmation is quite important to continue with further treatment steps or taking prenatal care.
Home Pregnancy Test
In IVF or ICSI, you need to wait two weeks post-transfer. Taking home pregnancy tests earlier could provide false information due to a decrease in hCG hormones.
A missed period is the most simple yet very first symptom of implantation in a natural pregnancy. Expects suggest waiting 9 to 12 days after planned or unprotected sex. So, wait up to 2 to 3 weeks post intercourse and test using an at-home pregnancy kit.
Blood Test for Pregnancy (hCG Test)
hCG is the pregnancy hormone, a woman’s body starts secreting it once the implantation is successful. At clinics, hCG levels will be measured in your blood to confirm the pregnancy. If the levels are above 25 mL, then it is a sign of positive pregnancy.
What are the Signs of Successful Implantation?
Whether it is natural pregnancy or through IVF, implantation takes place once the fertilized eggs are attached to the endometrium.
In a natural pregnancy, it takes about 7 to 12 days after ovulation in the menstrual cycle. Even in IVF, it takes the same duration along with 1 to 5 days after the blastocyst enters the uterine cavity.
Light Bleeding or Spotting:
About one-third of the women experience Implantation bleeding. They can witness a small amount of spotting and no treatment is needed for this as it is normal during the early stages of pregnancy.
Changes in Mood:
Whether it is periods or pregnancy, hormonal changes lead to drastic changes in your mood. Women may feel extremely elated or anxious within a fraction of a second.
So, try to practice meditation, yoga, or other mindful techniques to handle the mood swings.
Unusual Discharge:
Many factors influence cervical discharges including, hormones, stress, intercourse, pregnancy, and periods. When implantation takes place, the discharge becomes quite thicker like a gummy texture, and can be white or clear.
Implantation Cramp:
It is completely different from menstrual cramps, women may experience minor pain in the lower abdomen when the egg implants into the uterus.
Whether it is an IVF treatment post embryo transfer or a natural pregnancy, minor implantation cramps indicate successful conception. But, you must plan for an immediate visit if cramps are severe.
Nausea:
It is one of the early pregnancy signs that most of the women experience. You may feel a vomiting sensation all the time and notice changes in your appetite.
If the implantation is successful, then you may feel more tired than usual. It happens because of increased blood volume and progesterone.
Tender Breast:
The breast may become sensitive due to the rise of progesterone and estrogen, which is a potential sign of early pregnancy. The American Pregnancy Association also reports that breasts can be swollen and become sore a week before conception.
Other Subtle Symptoms of Implantation
Apart from the above-mentioned symptoms, women might experience these mild signs during implantation.
Increased Cervical Mucus
An increase in cervical mucus is an early pregnancy sign. During this stage, mucus will be clear, gummy, and thick. Hormonal changes like the rise in progesterone and estrogen are the most important reasons for increased cervical mucus.
Heightened Sense of Smell
Undoubtedly, shifting hormone levels are the strongest reasons for a heightened sense of smell. Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin hCG levels increase if the implantation is successful, which is the reason for women experiencing heightened smelling sense.
Bloating and Digestive Changes
Constipation, diarrhea, gas-related issues, and bloating are also common during the early stages of pregnancy. Hormonal changes are mandatory reasons for these body adjustments.
When to consult a doctor?
Therefore, these are the subtle and major symptoms of implantation. If you suspect that you’re pregnant, then it is essential to check with the fertility specialist.
On the other hand, you need to visit every follow-up when you’re undergoing fertility treatment for conception. Timely assistance, proper blood test results, and regular checkups can increase the success rate of IVF.
Hence, be sure to visit the fertility expert at the right time.
Final Thoughts
Paying closer attention even to the mild changes after unprotected sex or IVF treatment is essential. Make sure to confirm your pregnancy or implantation after consulting your gynecologist. Because they can provide reliable information after taking blood tests and other pregnancy examinations.
So, whether you’re trying to conceive naturally or through IVF treatments, you must follow a fertility expert’s advice and stay calm at every stage.
