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Thursday, February 7, 2013

Will embryo(s) fall out after embryo transfer ?


A fear which is wide-spread among IVF patients is – will my embryo fall out if I stand up or walk around after the embryo transfer ? This is quite a reasonable worry – after all, if the embryos are transferred through the uterus through the cervix, then why can’t they come out through the same route?  However, if you understand the anatomy of the uterus , these doubts will vanish and you will fell much more confident and comfortable during your 2ww.

Women imagine that when the doctor puts the embryos inside the uterus, they are deposited inside a space within the uterus in which the microscopic embryos can roll freely!  They believe that if they rest, the embryos will settle down and stick to the wall of the cavity. After all, when you stick two pages together with glue, don’t you leave them undisturbed for some time to allow the glue to set ? They are worried that if they walk about, the embryos will be disturbed from their resting place , and may fall out of the cavity.

In reality, the uterus is a muscular organ , about the size of your fist. When people hear the word ‘uterine cavity’, they imagine that there is a real cavity within the uterus ( like a cave, perhaps) , but this is not true. The cavity we talk about is not a true cavity , but just a potential cavity . The walls of the uterus are in contact with each other – after all, there cannot be any empty areas inside the
body ! For example, press your palms together. There is no real space between them , since your palms are touching each other. What happens when you insert a small ball in between your palms ? The ball has created a space for itself ! In the same way , a uterus which doesn’t have an embryo inside it carries only a potential space. Only when the embryo grows in size will this space enlarge. Do you know that at 5 weeks of gestation your embryo is just the size of a sesame seed ? Imagine what will happen if you keep a seed between your pressed palms and move your hands in whatever way you might wish to ? There is no way the seed will be dislodged  - it is safe , snug and secure in its resting place. This is exactly what happens to your embryos inside your uterus !  Nothing you do can dislodge an embryo – NOTHING (even jumping or running) ! If the embryo is healthy and if your endometrial layer is receptive , the embryo will stick to the wall and bury itself inside the lining (just like a seed does , when planted in fertile soil). External physical activity cannot influence this natural biological process which occurs in utero.

A lot women refuse to go to the bathroom for a few hours after the embryo transfer, because they are scared that if they pee, their embryo will fall out of the uterus. They just end up making themselves completely miserable – and I worry that an overdistended bladder can actually cause uterine contractions needlessly ! Others are scared that if they cough or sneeze after the transfer, they will ruin their chances of success. Please do not obsess – remember that nature has designed the body with enough intelligence, that you don’t need to worry at all !

After the transfer, the uterus can contract (for example , during an orgasm, which often occurs while sleeping during  the 2ww ), but the progesterone produced during the luteal phase will prevent these uterine contractions from dislodging the embryo. Intercourse and orgasm cannot cause any harm after the transfer – after all, fertile couples do have sexual intercourse during the 2ww, and they get pregnant all the time.

After an embryo transfer , bed rest is absolutely unnecessary. I have heard from women who have been forced to spend 2 weeks in bed after the embryo transfer – and many of them have done so because of their doctor’s orders ! ( I think the reason some doctors continue to give this outdated advise is a clever way of subtly blaming the patient if the cycle fails ! “ You didn’t get pregnant even though I did such a good job with your IVF treatment , because you did not rest properly “ is their subliminal message) . Even a couple of days in bed can do you harm , physically and emotionally. Bed rest may increase body aches and back pain , and makes your physically uncomfortable.  Resting may actually reduce uterine blood flow by reducing pelvic circulation. Bed rest creates havoc  with your mental well-being as well ! When you lie down in bed all the time and have nothing to do, your mind will start to play all sorts of games with you. The end result is an unhealthy obsession with your body’s symptoms and signs – and this often causes panic , which does not help after a stressful IVF cycle.  The bed rest, rather than resting your mind, often causes more stress !

Please do not restrict your normal day-to-day activities after an embryo transfer.  Use your common sense, and do not do any strenuous activity which might cause you to blame yourself if your cycle fails ! And what happens if your mother in law enforces house arrest ? Remember that she has been brainwashed , and is following well-meaning but misguided advise, based on centuries of myths and misconceptions about bed rest and pregnancy. She is not trying to harass you – she is just trying to help you to have a baby , based on her personal ( but flawed) world view ! Please don’t rock the boat by flatly refusing to listen to her – just give her this article to read , so she understands why bed rest does not help!  And if she is still unconvinced, please share this with her - Bed rest has not been scientifically proven to improve pregnancy rate after embryo transfer(PMID: 19590224)

64 comments:

  1. Hi!

    I wanted to contact you however i noticed there was no follow buttons or email buttons :(

    I have noticed that quite a few referrals to my blog have come from your site here, and as i read your words i truly believe that we could be of benefit to each other in the blog world!

    I write daily inspiration and while i have been through my IVF journey there is still a large aspect to my blog that covers the emotions behind ivf.

    If you would like i would be happy to link up to your blog for a link in return? I see your science background as a huge benifit to those going through ivf, in reality is isnt just about the emotions!

    Thank you.

    Cheryl
    http://chasingamiracle.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cheryl nice to meet you and I am really impressed to read some of your posts.

      True, I have to add "contact me" button in my blog. To tell the truth I don't know how to do many things : )

      I will be happy to link up to your blog but you have to teach me how to do it : )

      Will mail you later !

      Manju

      Delete
  2. Hi ponne, which is ur fav tamizh song?
    Didnt feel like talking abt ttc and science ....for tht matter loss of one or 2 thaknoondu cell?... Enjoy life :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The description of enjoyment differs for different people. What is enjoyment for you may not be for me : )

      Manju

      Delete
  3. Thanks Manju..you are a great help :)
    my embryo transfer is done on 3rd oct & yesterday night i was coughing like anything,
    entire night i was scared about my embryos :(
    but today again i am feeling very positive after reading your blog :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lots of good luck ! Let your embies stick to you with lots of love :)

      Delete
  4. Hi there my embryos was done yesterdag for the first time I'm not sure what to so I have a 4 year son can I pick hom up and why do I have pain like period cramps is that normal we wanted to frize more egg but the eggs did not make it so I only have there 2 in me now what can I do so that this works out for me

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, do not worry. Do everything which you are comfortable with. I wish you lots of good luck. Now there is nothing much you can really do. Be happy, pray and enjoy this 2ww. Spend more time with your son. Take. Care !

      Delete
  5. Thank you very much is the cramps normal my embryos was put bach on day 5 yesteday 2 of them

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, they are. It is because of progesterone. Good luck ! :)

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  6. How successful will that of a 49yr old be. Been so disturbed if It will be positive. We ve spent a lot. Will go for test in few days. BL

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You must be using donor eggs - am I right ? You do have a brighter chance of success. How old is your egg donor ? Good luck !

      Delete
  7. I have weird thoughts about ET to :( I worry too much

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  8. My embryo transfer wasdone on last Thursday....and da next day I cought with severe cough...ofcourse still i am with cough....almost 10days....is it effects/ harms my embryo impalntation....i am really worried abt this...plz help....

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kalyani, even if you run a marathon, nothing will happen to your little embryo. Please do not worry! Make sure you don't run a fever. Drink plenty of water. For cough, you can take Benadryl. This will help you to sleep too. You can take antibiotics too if necessary.

      I wish you get a positive pregnancy test. Take care and lots of good luck!

      Delete
  9. my daughter had two embryos this morning by the afternoon the cat landed on her belly she was scared i felt better after your read..thanks grandma to be

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hi.
    I had an embryo transfer today and was unsure if I should urinate straight afterwards or not. I held it just in case & then had a 20min bus ride holding it in. I am worried that this could have caused uterine contractions and dislodged the embryo. Is this a real concern?
    Thank you in advance for your help.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No, your concern is not valid. The huge amount of progesterone given to you will prevent uterine contractions effectively. Please do not allow your mind to play games with you ! It is very important to feel that your embryos are safe within your uterus. Good luck !

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  11. Thank you so much for your reply and well wishes. You have helped to put my mind at ease. Now just a little more waiting.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Hi Manju,

    I'm glad to have found your Blog and very happy for your successful story. I had an FET done 9 days ago. I had directives from my Dr. to rest for 72 hours. However on the second day I had to prepare quick meals as I tried to stay away from the cooker. I did not have any cramps or spotting for 4 days but on the 5th day I had some horrible cramps that lasted for about 2 minutes. Actually more like someone squeezing my guts out. I prayed so hard because that was something I had never experienced before at any time. After about 2 or 3 minutes the horrible cramping or wringing stopped. I was expecting maybe a period was to follow soon after. But nothing. Today I'm day 9 but I don't think I feel any symptoms. I'm anxious because I would like to have a baby. On the second day after my transfer I indulged in a bad argument with my "inconsiderate" husband. So that event makes me worry it can affect the conducive environment for the embryo to want to implant. How much role does emotional stress play into the success of embryo implantation? Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for all the kind words !

      Nothing you have said above will prevent your embryo from implanting. It is hard to design a study to understand the role of emotional stress on embryo implantation, but, if stress plays a role in preventing embryo implantation, women in war zones will never conceive. In reality it is not so.

      I agree it is hard not to read every small twist and turn. You can be very sure that your embryo is safe in your uterus and if all conditions are right ( unfortunately we do not exactly know what they are ! ) nothing could prevent its implantation.

      I wish you lots of good luck !

      Delete
    2. Hi Manju,

      So I had my HCG test yesterday, and the results are negative. But I would like to say something in case it may shade light in another trying mother. This was my second trial. My first was a fresh cycle of embryos. It was two embryos and they implanted. During that time I stayed with my sister in law who took good care of me, I did not have to do anything except eat, rest and use the bathroom. My experience then is that I felt kind of sore with my body in general like I worked hard or something. On the third day I had some serious spotting but not red blood kind of brownish - pinkish. And after that my embryos grew to healthy fetus. Unfortunately, I lost them at 21 weeks as my cervix became incompetent and one thing led to another I had to give birth to them preterm. They were born alive and lived for about 3 hours.
      After that loss that's when I tried this round (six months after the previous pregnancy). Now this time it was a single embryo. So it was a frozen embryo. After the transfer this time, like I said on the second day I had to do my own cooking but also my bed is high up this time so it's not easy to get on it and down. So there is a lot of exercising going on as I get on it and down. So this time I did not have any spotting and my body did not feel sore. Plus the arguments. So I was almost certain there was no pregnancy as my body did not feel it. No any symptoms whatsoever. And so, some spotting that may come due to the embryo implanting itself into the wall, I think maybe an encouraging sign of successful implantation.
      So that's my status.
      Good Luck to all trying mothers to be. God Bless you All.

      Delete
    3. Thanks ! I may not agree with what you say regarding why there is no implantation this time, but, I appreciate the effort you took to inform us of about your pregnancy test. I understand it will be hard but it will get better everyday. I know the pain of losing twins, I lost them at 20 weeks too. We held them, kissed them, cried our hearts out. They are our children. I am really sorry that you had to go through such pain too. Don't lose hope, you will definitely have your kids. I wish you all good luck and lots of prayers coming your way.

      Hugs,
      Manju

      Delete
    4. Thank you Manju. On the day of the results I had said this is it, I'm done because I had those progesterone bumps on my back, there was no where left to inject. I felt like I can't take one more injection. But a day came I consulted with my doctor and I started considering trying again. More confidence came after some prayers with my Pastor, I have to be ready for the baby in my spirit to receive him/her. So now I'm ready again. Will go for it. Pray for me. And thanks for understanding the pain of loosing twins or even one baby preterm. Honestly, it was the most painful thing to happen in my life. I almost thought I have lost myself too. But I had to go back to God and ask him to take away the pain and began to thank him for everything. Now I'm me again, no grieving pain anymore. I miss my babies and I love them forever. I pray and hope for the best. Thanks Manju.

      Delete
    5. My prayers and good wishes ! Love you, you are a strong woman. You must be proud of yourself.

      Delete
  13. Thank you Manju. You are an inspiration. I will be having my HCG test mid next week. I'll share an update on the status.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Hi manju, my query has been asked above but still I would like to know yesterday after my embryo transfer I had controlled myself from peeing for 1 hour but was in miserable condition and had huge pressure on the bladder..While peeing it was with huge pressure since I have been controlling from long .. will this controlling for 1 hour and peeing with pressure effect my embies ?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You already know the answer ! :) Good luck !

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    2. You already know the answer ! :) Good luck !

      Delete
  15. I'm so glad I found your blog! Since ET 10 days ago I've had really bad hayfever and have been doing large sneezes regularly then last night had an orgasm and have been driving myself mad thinking I've messed up (as you read so many opinions about not having an orgasm after ET). Thank you for putting my mind at rest! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  16. Angy
    hi,
    just did my Et today, cant sleep and having panic attacks.
    what can i do

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Embryos love women who are happy and cool ;) Try it !

      All that you have to do, you have done. Nothing is now in your hands. Be calm and pray. Imagine a seed sprouting and have faith.

      Getting panic attacks is not good. Sleeping well is important.

      Manju

      Delete
    2. Embryos love women who are happy and cool ;) Try it !

      All that you have to do, you have done. Nothing is now in your hands. Be calm and pray. Imagine a seed sprouting and have faith.

      Getting panic attacks is not good. Sleeping well is important.

      Manju

      Delete
  17. Hi,

    I am normally very active and have been taking it easy since my FET on 8/14/15. Last night after work I decided to take my dog for a walk, and we ended up walking for about two hours (by accident because we got a bit lost)! I am panicking that I've made a huge mistake - we weren't walking hard or pushing it too much, but I'm concerned that this might have been too prolonged an amount of activity. I've ben anxious since we got home - didn't sleep well due to worry and can't stop thinking about it. Any advice?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No, you haven't done anything wrong. Your embryos will be safe in your uterus.Good luck !

      Delete
  18. Hi I am 5 days past my 5 day egg transfer. Out of 6 4 were really great & 3 full blastocyst were transfered. This is my first IVF procedure, my husband & I are very much in love & we can't keep our hands off of each other ... today we ended up having intercourse (love making ��) & I had a huge orgasm like never before! So my question is will the IVF still work. We are both healthy & strong individuals & I feel normal. Please advice. Thank You.��

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If intercourse could expel embryos, human race wouldn't have multiplied so :) Couple without infertility problems have intercourse during 2ww ; once the embryos are within uterus, they are safe. So do not worry, good luck ! Moreover, progesterone hormone also prevents uterus from contracting.

      Delete
  19. Hello. I googled re: if urinating right after FET would ruin the possibility of implantation. Yesterday (11/10/15) was a little hard to swallow., there were only 2 embryos that fertilized and was transferred on 10/27 with assisted hatching. Then we got negative results yesterday. I blame myself over and over again whether I peed the embryos out or because I didn't feel pregnant. I'm the type of person that I think negatively so that I don't get disappointed if it was bad news or feels compelled if good news. Mind you., I have an inverted uterus., so not a chance even though i know anatomically no chance of the embryos coming out during urination. But that's all I do. I drive myself crazy that I need something to blame it on., whether my urinating, my "unhealthy body", or is it my uterus is too old...I'm 36yo...I know., I'm not old, I'm "new" as my son would say. We have a 5yo son via IVF, 3rd FET., I guess I should consider ourselves lucky. I do thank you for your blog. Helps me rethink about trying again and not blame myself. Perhaps being healthier might work out better? Who knows...how can you even train your uterus for a 9month marathon? My IVF MD also suggested prior to the ET d/t the fact that my Vit D was low.., therefore she suggested taking Vit D3, and K2 for a better implantation or healthier uterus? Heard of it?

    Thanks -Rallin

    ReplyDelete
  20. Hi, I would like to hear from to convince (comfort) myself from the panic attack I had since yesterday. Yesterday was my D2 after embryo transfer (D5 ET).. I was so silly forgotten that I am supposed to be in extra careful movement. I climbed a short stool (to change my wall clock battery. 2 times up and 2 times down.. Then I realized I put an impact on my foot step when I get down from the stool. It has been a nightmare right after I realized it. And I'm having a cramp and back pain right now.. I hope it is normal to have it during implantation.
    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Hi Manju ,

    Thanks for your blog , It really helped me . i am undergoing my second ivf cycle . first one ended up in miscarriage after 9 weeks . now in second cycle , i am expecting much as my endo came to only 7.5mm triplr layer but my embryos are grade 1 . i am really worried about my endo ... dont know how to handle this ...can is still get positive result .

    ReplyDelete
  22. Hi Manju, I had my sequential FET done on 2nd March and 4th March. I'm on bed rest now and trying to keep My mind busy. I am vegetarian, so what can I eat or do to increase my chances of getting pregnant?
    Please advice.

    Many thanks

    Preet

    ReplyDelete
  23. Hi I had no 6 day blastocyst et three days ago. I do not have any symptoms so far. Is symptoms important to indicate success? Are there women who get pregnant without any symptoms? When should implantation happen after a day 6 blastocyst et

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No , you don't feel anything even if the embryo implants. Even if you have tons of symptoms , it doesn't mean you are pregnant. The embryo start the implantation around day 4 after 6dt. Good luck and please do not panic , stay happy , embryos love happy women ;)

      Delete
  24. I have a very thin endometrial lining (6.5) but a nice triple stripe. I am 4 days past transfer of a beautiful AA 5-day blastocyst (Frozen Donor Egg). I am 49, very active and very healthy. I have been instructed by my accupuncturist to lay down as much as possible. My RE says basically what you are saying. With my thinner lining do you think I have a good chance for implantation?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't think your endometrial lining is poor. A triple layer is great , do not obsess about the thickness. You do stand a very good chance of implantation. If I were you , I would believe your doctor's words rather than that of your naturopath.

      Delete
    2. I don't think your endometrial lining is poor. A triple layer is great , do not obsess about the thickness. You do stand a very good chance of implantation. If I were you , I would believe your doctor's words rather than that of your naturopath.

      Delete
    3. Hi Manju, I was carrying washing in a square basket and walked into the door pushing the edge of it into my upper right abdomen (1 day post FET) I had a shock but no pain, do you think it's harmed it? Wasn't near my womb but v close. Thank you

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    4. No , it will not hurt your embryo or your chance of getting pregnant. Good luck !

      Delete
    5. Thank you so much! After 3 horrid miscarriages and different stages I'm so paranoid. I'm really enjoy your website and finding great comfort and v useful advice x

      Delete
    6. Hi Manju, I'm on my 2nd FET (1st a success but ended in miscarriage at 14 weeks...v high nuchal of 6.4mm) it was PGD tested and I'm 44 this month and using own eggs so far. I didn't want to get in the bath so used the shower but worried the water sprayed directly there may have caused a prob. I did this 30 hrs post FET. I just didn't think!! Should have wiped gently instead of aiming the shower head down there (please excuse the detail but v scared after reading no bidets allowed until heartbeat detected on some other sites). Literally only did it for a few seconds but paranoid. Thank you do much for your time, such a relief reading all your blogs x

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    7. I understand your fear and pain. Please try to divert your attention on something else ! Nothing is going to harm your embryo. Embryos stick to happy women much easily - so be happy :)

      Delete
  25. Manju, I read in some sites that having intercourse after ET might help in embryo implantation also. Is this true? http://humrep.oxfordjournals.org/content/15/12/2653.long

    But I have a question, since we will be using vaginal pessaries twice a day, is intercourse safe during these days? I mean won't some progesterone be absorbed by our husbands during intercourse. If intercourse is permissible, then what should be the time gap after inserting those pessaries?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Having intercourse cannot increase the chance of implantation. But definitely it won't hurt. You can wait to and have the pessaries after intercourse. It won't hurt not taking the pessarie on time.

      Delete
    2. I meant , you can wait and have the pessarie after intercourse.

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    3. Having intercourse cannot increase the chance of implantation. But definitely it won't hurt. You can wait to and have the pessaries after intercourse. It won't hurt not taking the pessarie on time.

      Delete
  26. Hi manju

    Thanks for your blog as i was so worried about what should i do or not. I had my eft yesterday and was thinking to bed rest. This is my second time. First time just after embryo transfer i drove 3 hours and did not stop working. But after 1week i got my periods and everything has finished so this time i thought i would not do anything but after reading your blog it has changed my thinking. Now my question is that after embryo trsnsfer yesterday afternoon i am feeling some tenderness in my breast and i am feeling like that my period is about to come. I am so worried plz help me.

    Thanks in advance

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You can lead a normal life - do anything , including having sex. Your activities will not affect the outcome. If your embryos are competent enough and are deposited properly to where they belong , you will have a positive pregnancy test. Good luck !

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    2. You can lead a normal life - do anything , including having sex. Your activities will not affect the outcome. If your embryos are competent enough and are deposited properly to where they belong , you will have a positive pregnancy test. Good luck !

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    3. i hope so that they deposited properly. but the sore breast is common after embryo transfer even after 1 day of embryo transfer?
      thnaks

      Delete
    4. It is because of the progesterone you are taking - the sore breasts !Yes , it is common and doesn't mean anything. Only a pregnancy test will say whether your embie implanted or not. I agree it's hard to wait without obsessing. But please keep yourself occupied with something else. My prayers and good luck !

      Delete
  27. Hello - I have a quick question. I just had my third fet yesterday. Each time the night of the transfer I have had a wet dream. I am worried that the embryos are not able to implant since my uterus is contracting. From reading your blog and comments I'm not sure if that's true or not. Let me know your thoughts! Side note: I have a beautiful two year old daughter who was conceived during our first round of ivf in 2013. I don't remember this happening during my 2ww with her but definetly during the first trimester. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Can a wet dream the night after a fet make the uterus contract and not let the embryos have time to implant? Worried I messed something up!

    ReplyDelete

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