Bleeding After IVF: How To Deal With It?

How common is bleeding for women after IVF? Is bleeding after IVF normal or abnormal? Would bleeding after IVF cause an abortion? 

These are a few of the questions that most women are asking. The concern is normal because we have been hearing our elders say that abortion is certain if spotting is seen during pregnancy. Although it is partially true, because bleeding is one of the major symptoms of abortion, such assumptions cannot be blindly believed as 25% of women experience bleeding or at least spotting during their pregnancy. So, does this indicate any abnormalities, or is it normal to bleed? 

During the first trimester of the IVF pregnancy, most women go through bleeding. However, spotting is not seen after 6 to 8 weeks, and if found, it could be a reason for concern. The causes of bleeding during pregnancy could be changes in your cervix, hormone changes, implantation, infection, or intercourse. In this article, we are going to discuss the abnormality in bleeding after IVF.  But before that, let us brief you about IVF. 

What Is IVF? 

IVF is one of the common infertility treatments recommended by doctors. During the procedure e, eggs are retrieved from a female and are made fertilized with sperm outside the body. The most suitable embryo is later placed into the uterine wall to ensure a healthy pregnancy. Back in the day, bed rest was mandatory after undergoing IVF. However, the technologies have changed tremendously and therefore, a risk can detect during a weekly checkup. Therefore, currently, doctors do not recommend strict bed rest unless they find any potential threat to the mother or the baby. 

IVF pregnancy is no different from normal pregnancies and therefore, you are supposed to take care of yourself the same way how you would during a normal pregnancy. Neither you are meant to do anything extra nor should you leave it unbothered. 

How Common Is Bleeding After IVF? 

Although bleeding is an indication of abnormality during pregnancy, it is more likely to occur in any woman during the first trimester. Because of this, you need not worry. 1 in 4 women experiences bleeding or spotting after an IVF procedure. And it is more common in women who undergo such embryo transfer treatment than the women who conceive in the natural method. 

Now, you must be confused thinking why bleeding is more common in IVF pregnancy. Let us tell you why. One of the major reasons is that the hormones that are required for holding the pregnancy are not produced by the body after IVF, which is an induced pregnancy. However, bleeding does not occur in every woman who conceives via IVF because it is less likely to occur when you correctly take the prescribed medications. In some rare cases, bleeding can also be caused due to the carelessness of the clinical practitioner. So, you have to be alert before deciding where to consult. After all, the treatment costs a leg and an arm, so you better be cautious. 

What Should You Do When You Notice Bleeding After IVF? 

Following the treatment, some of you will experience bleeding which might cause distress. But instead of wasting your time thinking about what to do, you should immediately get into action. Take an appropriate amount of progesterone-inducing medicines to support your pregnancy. 

Progesterone is well known for its relaxing effect on the uterus. Several studies have also proven its impact in reducing miscarriages. However, you are not supposed to decide which medicine to take as this should be done only after the advice of a doctor. Mostly, doctors recommend injectable progesterone-like Injections Susten 100mg, or progesterone in the tablet forms like Tab Duphaston 10mg. 

You need not have to rush into the hospital when you notice a bloody discharge, as it might worsen the condition. Instead,  you may call the fertility center, inform them about the situation and take a progesterone medication that they suggest. In case you have already been taking the medication, then you will have to wait until your doctor finds any suitable solution for this. However, you should head to the hospital immediately when you notice excessive blood loss or get unbearable pain. To such patients, doctors often recommend an ultrasound scan to see if the baby is safe or not. 

Usually, bloody discharges are noticed more than once, but you do not have to fret until your pregnancy is fine. 

Common Misconceptions About Bleeding After IVF 

The following are some of the cult opinions about bleeding after an embryo transfer: 

• Climbing stairs, eating pineapple or papaya, and sitting on the floor often lead to bleeding after IVF

None of the above-mentioned activities are meant to cause any harm to the baby growing in the uterus. Exercises make your body flexible and they prepare your body for childbirth. 

• Bleeding reduces the chance of the success of an IVF treatment

Several factors contribute to the success of the procedure including the quality of the eggs and sperm, underlying diseases of the female, the qualification of the practitioner, and others. But, neither bleeding after IVF alone has led to miscarriage nor a pregnancy is safe just because there is no bleeding. In short, bleeding after IVF is not even a factor in deciding the success rate of IVF pregnancies. 

Conclusion

Infertility is a concerning condition that affects roughly 1 in 10 individuals. Although conceiving is not made that easy for them, technologies have advanced to provide them with children of their own. Now experiencing parenthood is not impossible for infertile couples. IVF is one of the most common infertility treatments preferred by patients over the other available treatment options. But, people often make it complicated by spreading false information about the outcome that you can expect. While they say that bleeding adversely affects the pregnancy, you should understand that it is only common and only becomes concerning when occurs excessively or together with pain. So, make sure to communicate with your doctor or visit your fertility center in case of an emergency.