Why does the stomach and lower back pull after embryo transfer

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

One of the most important stages of in vitro fertilization (IVF) is the transfer of embryos into the body of the uterus. Their number is often more than one, because in this way the highest probability of successful implantation can be achieved. Naturally, during this procedure and after it, a woman experiences great excitement. Particular attention is paid to the symptoms that her body gives. Any manifestations of discomfort make one alert.

However, it is not always necessary to immediately panic and despair, even if you suddenly experience pulling pains in the lower abdomen after embryo transfer. How to behave correctly in this case? What can be done? What is strictly prohibited? Answers to these questions in our article.

What is embryo transfer

Self definitionThe word "transfer" in this case means that an embryo fertilized outside the body of a woman is placed into the uterine cavity with the help of special instruments. This method of conception is used by couples who experience difficulties with the onset of pregnancy in a natural way, who have diseases or pathologies that are the basis for IVF.

Embryos that have passed a certain path of development are subject to transfer. As a rule, on the third or fifth day of cell maturation, it can be used as a biomaterial for replanting. Once in the natural environment, the embryos must be implanted in the body of the uterus. However, this does not happen all the time and not immediately. In 40-50% of cases, the attempt is unsuccessful, the cells (blastocysts) die, failing to attach. Some women may feel a pull in their stomach after the embryo transfer. This does not mean that there is no chance. Pain symptoms can appear for various reasons. Consider which symptoms the doctor should immediately respond to and begin to take action.

Dangerous Signals

There is an erroneous assumption that the same protocol and the same state of he alth in different women leads to the same result. It should be understood that the body of each lady is individual, as is her hormonal background. You can compare your feelings with what others experience, adjusted for the features of your history of the IVF protocol. Many are faced with the fact that after the transfer of embryos, the stomach and lower back are pulled. However, the reasons for this phenomenon may be different. In vitro fertilization issurgical manipulation associated with the invasion of the body of the uterus. It is rarely asymptomatic. After it, many women experience pulling pains for some time, as when menstruation begins. If you refrain from physical activity on this day, exclude other negative factors (for example, taking a hot bath), the discomfort will recede.

Pain immediately after transfer

Before starting IVF, doctors talk about how a woman's well-being can change immediately after the procedure. Since the manipulations are carried out in the area of the cervix and inside it, it is quite normal and natural for the patient to feel for some time that she is pulling the lower abdomen after embryo transfer. Small amounts of discharge are also quite normal. Their color can be from light pink to brownish. Perhaps, during the introduction of the biomaterial, small vessels were affected and damaged. To eliminate the risk of complications and deterioration of well-being, the woman is under control in the clinic immediately after the transplant.

Uncomfortable after two days

Doctors note that each of the patients reacts differently to the infusion of fertilized cells. For some, nothing hurts, they calmly endure pregnancy until the very birth. For others, the stomach pulls after the transfer of the embryo on day 2. It must be understood that any invasion of the female body does not pass without a trace. Even if there were no unpleasant symptoms immediately after the procedure, they may occur later.

Themselves bypulling pains can have a different nature. If their character is constant, aching, then it is recommended to observe bed rest and control the level of progesterone and estradiol in the blood. If necessary, the amount of hormone taken can be increased.

Drawing pains in the abdomen

Hormonal support is the main assistant during in vitro fertilization. The main reason for the inability to conceive naturally is an insufficient amount of progesterone produced by the body. Without taking additional drugs, there may be a risk of unsuccessful replanting. If a woman suddenly felt that she was not just pulling in her lower abdomen after embryo transfer, but, one might say, “twisted”, then you should urgently contact a doctor or call an ambulance. If spotting occurs, there is a risk of intrauterine bleeding. Therefore, this symptom should not be ignored.

Pulling the lower back

If two weeks after the embryo transfer, the stomach pulls, this is not a sign of the onset of menstruation. Doctors admit that at the time of implantation, such sensations may not have undesirable consequences. In this case, the pain may be mild, unstable. In addition, it is necessary to exclude problems with the intestines. Since during preparation, before and after the IVF procedure, a woman has to take a fairly large number of medications, constipation and gas formation occur as a side effect. Chair problemscan provoke pulling pains in the lumbar region.

The growing embryo provokes an increase in the body of the uterus. Sprain is also one of the causes of discomfort in the lumbar region. At the same time, the growth of the mammary glands begins, which can also cause inconvenience. Many are happy to perceive this symptom as another confirmation that the embryo was successfully implanted. Most women who have undergone IVF endure such unpleasant symptoms steadfastly, trying not to think about where it hurts.

Feeling Better Tips

The first hour is recommended to keep a horizontal position. Therefore, the patient is invited to rest in the ward and only then go home. A positive effect is achieved by eliminating stressful situations. Also, do not lift or carry heavy objects. You should refrain from long walks, running and fast climbing stairs, visiting a bath or sauna. In a word, any physical activity can adversely affect well-being. As a result, a woman's lower abdomen is pulled after embryo transfer. You can eliminate this symptom, it is enough to observe bed rest, exclude sexual intercourse, protect the expectant mother from any experiences.

Two weeks after embryo transfer, with successful implantation, the first symptoms of pregnancy may appear: nausea, dizziness, shooting pains in the back, radiating to the leg, discomfort in the vagina. Doctors advise to refrain from taking additionalmedicines. It is worth excluding self-medication, since everything that was taken earlier in this position can simply harm.

When taking hormonal drugs that stimulate the process of maturation of the egg, support it during replanting and implantation, do not forget about the need to take vitamins. They are able to support immunity, maintain muscle tone, improve antioxidant functions. This is extremely important, because a difficult and crucial stage lies ahead - the bearing and birth of a baby.

Intestinal problems and nutrition

If the pain occurs from time to time, then doctors recommend taking No-shpy tablets or putting Papaverine rectal suppositories. Proper nutrition is one of the most important factors that eliminates intestinal problems. Normal digestion prevents the likelihood of constipation and increased gas formation. It is also necessary to refrain from drinking alcohol and smoking. Excessive exposure to toxic products on the body leads to the development of disorders and food poisoning.

You can reduce the burden on the intestines by adding foods rich in dietary fiber, containing fiber, micro and macro elements to the diet. Do not forget about the importance of clean non-carbonated drinking water, which the expectant mother must use in the amount of 1.5 liters daily.

Compliance with such simple rules will allow you to exclude from the list of dangerous symptoms the occurrence of pulling pains due to constipation anddigestive disorders. If this could not be avoided, then it is not recommended to use microclysters, to push hard. Any pressure on the abdomen and pelvic organs can cause failed implantation.

Hormonal support after IVF

The content of progesterone in the blood is monitored not only during preparation, but throughout the entire pregnancy. It is responsible for the safety and development of the fetus, helps to reduce the tone of the uterus. Therefore, an insufficient amount of it or a drop in its level in the blood may be due to the fact that after the transfer of embryos, the stomach pulls, even if some time has already passed.

Knowing that a pregnant woman does not have enough of it or there is no corpus luteum, the doctor prescribes hormonal support. Its duration, as a rule, is several months, most often before the beginning of the second trimester. This is due to the fact that after 16 weeks of pregnancy, the placenta begins to fully function, which is responsible for maintaining the required level of hormones in the mother's blood.

Increased hormone levels

In medical practice, it is often found that in the process of ovulation stimulation and subsequent drug support, an excess of hormones occurs. That is, hyperstimulation occurs. A woman can feel a side effect of this procedure on herself after some time. To calm down and eliminate suspicions, it is recommended to do not only a pregnancy test, but also donate blood for hCG. Upon receiptpositive results, if even after the transfer of embryos the stomach pulls, you need to calm down. The main assistant in this case is a doctor. He must adjust hormone therapy to help the woman get rid of unpleasant and disturbing symptoms.

Reviews and recommendations

What does any modern woman do if her stomach pulls after an embryo transfer? She reads reviews on forums or asks her questions and waits for an answer from people like her. The main thing in all this is to get encouraging advice. The stories of other women that they also had similar symptoms, but everything ended well, soothe, give hope. It is important during the period of bearing a child (especially in the first days after the IVF procedure) not to be nervous, to avoid scandals, quarrels, depression. Various disorders, ailments, pulling pains in the abdomen can accompany a woman until she pulls herself together. Many women write about this in their reviews.

Those who managed to go through this difficult path and become a mother with the help of IVF are recommended not to be alone with their fears and not to withdraw into themselves. Also, do not forget that embryo transfer is only an attempt, the first step towards pregnancy. If something goes wrong, the procedure can always be repeated.

Very often questions arise for those who undergo the procedure of embryo transfer for the first time. Why does the stomach pull after replanting? What to do if your back hurts. How to respond to discharge? The main adviser in this case should be the attending physician. It is he who has information about the state of the woman.

We looked at why after the embryo transfer pulls the lower abdomen and lower back.