Embryo transfer is an important stage of IVF treatment. The two weeks after an embryo transfer can be stressful as you wonder whether the IVF cycle was successful or not.
You might experience various symptoms during this period. Some may indicate pregnancy, and some may indicate a failed one. The dilemma and fear of whether a symptom is good or bad can be tiring.
One symptom that many couples fear is having loose motion (diarrhea) after an embryo transfer. They don’t know if it is a positive or negative sign and often fear its significance in their IVF success.
In this article, we’ll discuss what having loose motion after an embryo transfer signifies and whether it can affect your IVF success.
Loose Motion After Embryo Transfer
It is normal for you to have loose motion after embryo transfer. It can result from hormonal changes or the stress you undergo during and after the procedure.
Having loose motion after embryo transfer does not indicate a positive or negative pregnancy. It is just a normal bodily response. However, if you experience them for a prolonged period, it is best to consult your IVF doctor and take the necessary precautions.
Loose Motion on the 3rd Day of Embryo transfer
Loose motion after two or three days of embryo transfer is not often a pregnancy symptom. It is most likely due to the hormonal changes occurring in your body or the physical strain your body underwent during the embryo transfer procedure.
Know that not all women get loose motion after the procedure. It all depends on your body condition. You don’t have to worry too much about having loose motion right after embryo transfer. You can consult your doctor if you fear it might affect your pregnancy.
Loose motion After 13 Days of Embryo Transfer
Your body takes approximately two weeks after an embryo transfer procedure to show signs of pregnancy. This is to give the embryo time to implant in the uterus and release hCG hormones.
Having loose motion after embryo transfer can confuse you about whether it is a positive or negative sign. Here are some other positive pregnancy signs you can look out for if you have loose motion 13 days after embryo transfer.
- Vaginal bleeding. This happens when the embryo implants in the uterus and is an important sign of pregnancy.
- Abdominal cramps
- Tender breasts
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
What to Do After an Embryo Transfer?
Your physical and emotional well-being is very important after an embryo transfer. Here are some tips you can follow to increase your chances of successful implantation and healthy pregnancy after an embryo transfer.
Relax and follow medical prescription
The whole IVF process, from ovulation stimulation to embryo transfer, can tire you both physically and emotionally. It is okay to relax and rest a few days after embryo transfer.
Your doctor will also prescribe and advise you to follow certain precautions after the procedure. Follow them and stay positive throughout the IVF journey.
Eat a well-balanced diet
A nutritious, well-balanced diet goes a long way in ensuring a safe and healthy pregnancy. Your diet helps your body and the embryo get the essential nutrients it needs to implant in the uterus and develop further successfully.
Discuss with your fertility doctor or a nutritionist and draft an IVF diet chart that suits your nutritional needs.
Take a Folic Acid supplement
Folic acid (Vitamin B9) is one of the essential supplements doctors will prescribe for women, whether they get pregnant through IVF or naturally. Folic acid is an essential vitamin that helps the embryo’s brain and neural development and prevents neural tube deformities.
Pregnant women need around 400mcg of folic acid a day to meet their daily requirements. You might be given a higher dose if you are at risk of developing fetal abnormalities.
Avoid vigorous physical activity
Try to avoid any rigorous physical activity that can strain your body after an embryo transfer. Excess physical strain after embryo transfer can decrease your chances of successful implantation and pregnancy.
You can instead do mild exercises like walking, yoga, etc. There are some healthy yoga and relaxation poses that you can try to improve your chances of pregnancy.
Avoid sexual intercourse
Though it is not a serious concern, most doctors will advise you to refrain from any sexual activities for at least two weeks after embryo transfer. Your uterus is now carrying an embryo for implantation. Having sexual intercourse can strain your reproductive muscles and cause uterine contractions.
These contractions can affect the embryo and interfere with its implantation. You can discuss this with your doctor if you need clarification regarding this issue.
Do Not Ignore Troubling Symptoms
Though many women don’t experience major symptoms during the IVF procedure, the hormonal injections and the stress can affect some women’s health.
The main complication that may arise here is OHSS (Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome). OHSS occurs when the ovaries react in excess to the hormonal injections, causing them to enlarge in size and cause pain. Here are some symptoms that you should not ignore after an IVF treatment.
- Bloating and severe abdominal pain,
- Diarrhea,
- Nausea and vomiting.
It is best to contact your doctor and analyze the issue before it causes other major complications like miscarriages.
Conclusion
Loose motion is quite common in most women and does not always affect your pregnancy chances. However, if you have it for a long period or if you experience other alarming symptoms along with it, you should consult your doctor immediately.
Know that having a positive mind and a healthy body goes a long way in increasing your IVF success. So, maintain your health and stay positive throughout the period.
Yes, nausea and diarrhea are normal after an embryo transfer. Though only a few women experience loose motion after embryo transfer, it is not an alarming issue, and you don’t have to worry about implantation or pregnancy.
Diarrhea after an embryo transfer is mostly due to your body’s conditions. Drink plenty of water to hydrate yourself, and eat fiber-rich foods. This can maintain your health and prevent digestive issues.
You can take a pregnancy test after embryo transfer to test your IVF results. However, you can also see some symptoms that can indicate pregnancy. Here are some positive signs you can look for after an embryo transfer.
- Vaginal bleeding
- Cramping
- Sore or tender breasts
- Nausea &vomiting
- Bloating
- Changes in vaginal discharge
No, constipation or hard stools don’t affect embryo implantation. They can be uncomfortable after an embryo transfer, but they won’t affect your pregnancy results.
