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Heavy Bleeding After IVF Still Pregnant

Heavy Bleeding After IVF Still Pregnant

Generally, in any type of pregnancy, either IVF or natural, bleeding is often associated with miscarriage and pregnancy failure. It is also one of the biggest worries of IVF patients who have undergone several procedures to finally get pregnant.

However, sometimes, you may have heavy bleeding after your embryo transfer and still be pregnant. It can be quite confusing for you when determining your pregnancy results. That is why, in this article, we will discuss all about bleeding after embryo transfer and the causes behind it.

Heavy bleeding after IVF still pregnant; what does it indicate?

Remember that a small amount of bleeding is normal after an embryo transfer. This happens in many cases, and around 15–25% of women experience bleeding till the end of their first trimester.

Heavy bleeding, however, can indicate complications with pregnancy. Yes, there are women who bleed after IVF positive pregnancy and still gave birth to healthy babies, but the chances of it happening are very low. It is best to consult your doctor if you experience heavy bleeding after embryo transfer.

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What is the Immediate Action one needs to take after this?

Bleeding is quite normal to experience after an IVF pregnancy. However, if you have heavy bleeding for several days in a row, consult your fertility doctor and know the cause behind it.

Although bleeding is common during early pregnancy, sometimes it may lead to miscarriage. So visit your doctor and diagnose the cause of the issue.

If the bleeding is due to miscarriage, don’t worry. Take the medications your doctor suggests and recover for some months. You can undergo IVF treatment again and try for pregnancy.

Is Heavy Bleeding Common after IVF?

Yes, bleeding after IVF is common and happens in several women. Not only IVF, women who got pregnant through sexual intercourse also bleed sometimes during their first trimester.

According to studies, almost one in four women bleed during their pregnancy, and not all of them end up having miscarriages. For most of them, the bleeding gradually stops on its own after some time.

What Causes Bleeding In IVF Pregnancy?

There are several factors that can cause bleeding in IVF pregnancy. Understanding these causes can give you an idea about why you have this condition.

Implantation bleeding

This occurs approximately a week after embryo transfer. If you witness a pinkish-brown spotting or bleeding about 7–10 days after embryo transfer, it is most likely implantation bleeding.

Implantation bleeding happens when the embryo implants firmly into the uterine lining. The embryo burrows deep into the uterine lining and can cause slight bruising. This is the reason for the bleeding.

This bleeding is temporary and will disappear in a few days. Other symptoms of embryo transfer, like cramping and breast tenderness might also accompany it. You don’t need to worry too much about this bleeding. It is a sign of a positive pregnancy.

Subchorionic Hemorrhage

This condition occurs when the placenta doesn’t properly attach to the uterine wall and leaves a gap in between. This can cause blood to accumulate between the placenta and the uterine lining and form blood clots.

These clots can be identified through ultrasound scans. These clots usually come out of the uterus on their own, which can cause bleeding. This issue has not been shown to cause serious complications like miscarriages, so you don’t need to worry about it.

Vaginal/Cervical Irritation

The egg retrieval and embryo transfer procedures are invasive. They can leave your vagina and cervix sore and weak. Aggravating or irritating them can cause bleeding.

Some activities that can aggravate your vagina and cervix are

  • Using tampons, having sexual intercourse,
  • Frequent transvaginal ultrasounds, and
  • Frequent examinations.

There are fewer chances of decreasing the frequency of examinations. But you can definitely decrease the frequency of sexual activities and using tampons. Take a break for some days and give your vagina and cervix time to recover from the procedures.

Polyps

Polyps are common growths that appear in your reproductive system, mostly in the cervix and endometrium. These growths are benign and are often asymptomatic. So you don’t need to worry about them.

These growth can sometimes become enlarged due to hormonal changes. And you undergo a lot of hormonal changes during IVF. These enlarged polyps can bleed when they are aggravated. This is one of the reasons for bleeding after IVF.

Other possible causes for bleeding in IVF pregnancy

The factors we discussed above are some of the major causes of vaginal bleeding in IVF pregnancy. Now, let’s look at some other minor causes that can also cause bleeding after an embryo transfer.

  • Multiple pregnancy. If you are pregnant with more than one or two babies, there are high chances of bleeding during the first trimester.
  • Ectopic pregnancy. If the embryo doesn’t attach to the uterine lining and implants somewhere else (mostly in the fallopian tubes), it is called ectopic pregnancy. This condition can cause bleeding along with severe pain and should be treated immediately.
  • Yeast or other urinary tract infections can cause irritation and sometimes cause bleeding.
  • Molar pregnancy. A rare condition where the placental tissues grow abnormally in the uterus.

What are the other scenarios where you need to contact your IVF Doctor?

Apart from bleeding, here are some other circumstances when you should visit your fertility doctor.

  • If you experience severe stomach pain after embryo transfer.
  • Slight dizziness, nausea, and vomiting are normal after embryo transfer. But visit your doctor if the condition persists and becomes serious.
  • Sometimes, you might also get chills and shortness of breath. Consult your doctor immediately.
  • Shoulder pain is an important indicator of ectopic pregnancy. This is a serious condition and should be treated as soon as possible. So, visit your IVF doctor if you experience shoulder pain after embryo transfer.

Conclusion

Slight bleeding is normal during IVF pregnancy and not a cause of concern as long as it is light and stops after a few days. However, if you have heavy bleeding, it is best to consult your fertility doctor and diagnose the cause as soon as possible. It will be fine if it is not a serious issue, but if it is, get the necessary treatments immediately.

FAQs

Can an embryo survive heavy bleeding?

Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy is pretty common among pregnant women. In reality, it is anticipated that roughly one in every four pregnancies will result in bleeding. The majority result in a healthy child, and about a third to half of all bleeding women may miscarry.

Is bleeding common in IVF twin pregnancies?

Bleeding in IVF twin pregnancies is just as common as in singleton pregnancies. The chances of you bleeding depend on your health condition and other factors. Having one or two IVF babies doesn’t determine whether you will bleed during pregnancy.

Is bleeding a sign of miscarriage in IVF?

Yes, bleeding can indicate a miscarriage during an IVF pregnancy, but it does not always indicate a miscarriage. While some bleeding is normal (for example, implantation bleeding or light spotting), excessive or persistent bleeding, especially when accompanied by discomfort and pain, should be taken seriously.

What is your menstrual cycle like after a failed IVF cycle?

Your natural menstrual cycle may be slightly disturbed after a failed IVF cycle due to hormonal changes produced by reproductive medicines. Your body may take a few cycles to return to its natural rhythm. Variations in cycle length, ovulation time, and menstrual flow can occur from this.

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Dr Niveditha

Dr. Niveditha is the co-founder of The Hive Fertility and Research Centre. She is a young and passionate fertility expert who aims to provide high-quality fertility treatments to her patients. During her 10+ years of service as a fertility expert, she has helped several hundreds of patients overcome their infertility and become parents. She also specializes in the fields of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive endocrinology

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