Most of women's knowledge about how pregnancy begins ends at the stage of ovulation and fertilization. Actually, the success or failure of the planning cycle is attributed to the fateful “meeting” of male and female reproductive cells. However, in the development of a new life in a woman’s body, there is another difficult and important point - embryo implantation . In order to increase the personal literacy of planning ladies, this issue should be given special attention.
Implantation of the embryo into the endometrium
The zygote divides many times; it needs fertile soil for development. Therefore, after fertilization, it moves through the fallopian tube into the uterus, where such conditions exist.
At the morula stage, a blastocyst is formed, differentiating into two layers. The outer one (trophoblast) at the end of the first trimester transforms into the placenta, and the inner one into the embryo. Before implantation into the uterus, the embryo produces specific proteins, including hCG, called human chorionic gonadotropin. This hormone is recognized by pharmacy and laboratory pregnancy tests.
Embryo implantation is the process of penetration of a blastocyst deep into the endometrium a few days after fertilization. Under normal conditions, embryo implantation occurs in the uterine cavity, that is, in its mucous membrane - the endometrium. Before this happens, it changes structure, becoming denser and better supplied with blood. From the moment of proper implantation into the endometrium, the embryo begins to grow and eventually transforms into a fetus.
Embryo development by day
With a successful IVF protocol, the implantation of embryos into the endometrium occurs according to the following scheme:
- 0 DPP – implantation of blastomeres into the uterine cavity or cryotransfer;
- 1 DPP - the embryo emerges from the protein shell;
- 2 DPP - the blastocyst attaches to the surface of the endometrium;
- 3 DPP – the process of implantation of the blastocyst into the uterine mucosa begins;
- 4 DPP – the process of implantation of the zygote into the uterus continues;
- 5 DPP – implantation is completed;
- 6 DPP – the developing placenta begins to produce hCG;
- 7 DPP – the content of hCG in the body increases significantly.
The above scheme is typical for early implantation of blastocysts into the uterus. If the implantation process occurs at 5 DPP of the five-day period, the sensation of pregnancy occurs several days later.
How does embryo implantation into the uterus occur after IVF?
About 10-15% of couples worldwide suffer from infertility problems. But there is a method that increases the likelihood of pregnancy - in vitro fertilization.
The process of embryo implantation after transfer is very similar to the process of natural conception. However, in vitro, a combination of germ cells is possible under laboratory conditions. A three-day embryo usually implants into the endometrium 4-6 days after transfer, and a 5-day embryo after 2-3 days.
After artificial insemination, women should adhere to the recommendations of the gynecologist and remain in constant contact with the doctor until delivery.
Medication support
If there is a hormonal imbalance in a woman’s body, maintenance therapy is carried out. Its goal is to prepare the body for implantation of embryos, and subsequently for bearing a healthy child. The following drugs are used for this:
- Estrogen-containing. Most often, Proginov is prescribed. The active ingredient of the drug is estradiol valeriat. Used for insufficient estrogen production. These hormones take part in preparing the endometrium for the implantation of embryos. There are recommendations according to which Proginov continues until the 10th week of pregnancy. This is only relevant for pregnancy after IVF. Premature termination of pregnancy is prevented in this way.
- Progesterone containing. Progesterone is involved in preparing a woman’s body to accept an embryo. Therefore, in case of its deficiency, the prescription of drugs that compensate for hormonal deficiency is indicated.
How long does it take for an embryo to implant?
The onset of implantation occurs approximately on the 6-7th day from the moment of fertilization. Implantation of the embryo into the uterus takes up to several days. For this to happen, the mucous membrane must change its structure. Under the influence of female sex hormones, it becomes looser and more blood vessels appear in it.
At the first stage, the embryo comes into contact with the mucous membrane, and at the final stage it begins to grow into it. Thus, implantation is completed. Implantation of the embryo usually occurs between the 6th and 12th day of its development.
A little theory
Introduction of fertilized egg into the uterus
called implantation. The embryonic villi penetrate the lining of the uterus, which may cause minor bleeding.
In order for implantation to be successful, several conditions must be met:
- lush three-layer endometrium with a high content of substances that nourish the embryo;
- high amount of progesterone in the body (so that the embryo can develop and menstruation does not begin);
- normal microflora in the body.
The process of fertilization and development of the fertilized egg is not a one-step process. And each stage is important for the onset of a normal pregnancy and the formation of a healthy fetus.
When should you take a pregnancy test?
Many women who have been trying to get pregnant for a long time cannot wait for the desired two stripes. Despite this, you should wait until about 7 days after intercourse to take your first pregnancy test. If done too early, it will show a negative result. The best time to do a home test is when your period is expected - around 14 days from ovulation.
If you have any doubts, you should contact the clinic and donate blood to the laboratory for diagnostic tests to determine the level of human chorionic gonadotropin in the blood. The concentration of beta-hCG indicates with high accuracy what week of pregnancy a woman is in. In the case of in vitro embryo transfer, gonadotropin levels are also detectable even after a week.
The most reliable transfer result is possible approximately 10-14 days after the procedure.
Consider the likelihood of fertilization
When planning pregnancy, monitor the time of ovulation. The period when conception can occur lasts no more than a day. If unprotected sexual intercourse occurs at this moment (or 1-2 days earlier), the likelihood of fertilization increases several times.
Date of pregnancy:
- 4-5 days after the date of ovulation - if sex took place several days before the middle of the menstrual cycle;
- on days 7-10 - when the event happened directly on the day the egg left the corpus luteum.
With the normal functioning of the female reproductive system, the formation of a zygote occurs within 6 to 12 hours after intercourse. It gradually grows, becomes a blastocyte, and moves into the uterus. There the embryo is fixed and its further development takes place. That's when the first symptoms of pregnancy appear.
Symptom of embryo implantation - uterine contractions
The implantation of the embryo is indicated by mild and many-day pain in the lower abdomen. As a rule, uterine contractions are gentle and their severity should not interfere with normal functioning. They often resemble mild menstrual cramps. These days, it is advisable to give up various forms of physical activity.
To confirm embryo implantation, you need to do a test and later contact a gynecologist. Thanks to a visit to a specialist, you will be able to find answers to important questions about the further course of your pregnancy.
Reasons for non-attachment of the fertilized egg
Each patient has an individual response to IVF procedures, so late implantation may not take place.
The most common reasons for rejection:
- embryo with genetic abnormalities;
- poor quality material;
- unhealthy endometrium;
- exacerbation of chronic pathologies of a woman during an IVF program;
- the patient's age is 35 years or more;
- unexpected disorders of the reproductive system.
If late implantation fails, an examination is carried out, the doctor analyzes the situation, draws conclusions about the reasons for the failure, draws up a diagnostic and IVF program taking into account the information received.
Read more about cryotransfer after unsuccessful IVF in this material - note. altravita-ivf.ru.
Symptom of embryo implantation - bleeding
Minor bleeding often occurs at the same time as menstruation. For this reason, it is easy to confuse both processes. Bleeding can be an early sign of pregnancy and occurs in one in three women. It occurs due to a disruption of the blood vessel wall at the moment when the embryo is implanted into the wall of the uterus. A symptom mistakenly associated with menstruation causes difficulties in calculating the due date.
It is also worth keeping in mind that bleeding occurs for other reasons during pregnancy. Some of them require immediate medical consultation, as they are dangerous to the health and even the life of the pregnant woman and fetus. An example is an ectopic pregnancy, which usually ends in miscarriage or rupture of the tube.
Monitor your bowel movements
When the embryo attaches to the endometrium of the uterus, the expectant mother's hormonal system changes. Metabolism slows down, and maximum energy is devoted to the most important process - the development of the embryo. Because of this, peristalsis worsens, gas formation increases and stool upset occurs.
Diarrhea is a symptom of pregnancy, affecting one in four women.
Hormonal changes occur regardless of whether fertilization was done using IVF or natural methods. It can lead to changes in taste preferences, nausea and vomiting. If early toxicosis appears, you should temporarily avoid any foods that are not absorbed by the body.
Other symptoms of embryo implantation
At the time of embryo implantation, women experience:
- breast swelling,
- mood swings caused by hormonal changes;
- pressure on the bladder
- sensitivity to odors.
The walls of the vagina thicken and the amount of mucus produced increases, protecting the uterus from infections throughout pregnancy.
Embryo implantation is an individual process. However, in early pregnancy, it is common to experience fatigue, increased sleepiness, abdominal and back pain, and changes in taste preferences.
Signs
When resorting to IVF, every woman expects that the attempt will be successful and she will become pregnant. During the implantation process, many patients listen too much to their well-being, and those who are especially sensitive may exaggerate their sensations. Of course, this does not mean that symptoms are completely absent; some people really don’t have them, while others have them to varying degrees. Women describe their feelings during late implantation
subjective, but you need to try to evaluate the change in your well-being objectively. This is important for the doctor for further actions in case of failure, in order to draw the right conclusions, as well as in case of a favorable outcome, in order to competently manage the pregnancy.
Symptoms of late embryo implantation:
- Bleeding when the embryo penetrates the uterine layer, when small endometrial vessels rupture. With minor bleeding, a woman may decide that she has started menstruation, and implantation has failed. An hCG test will help you draw the right conclusions in the absence of heavy bleeding.
- A common sign of late implantation is nagging pain around the lower back and lower abdomen. They can be intense or weak.
- Low-grade fever may persist throughout the first trimester.
- Nausea.
- Weakness, fatigue, dizziness, drowsiness.
- Taste of metal in the mouth.
- Psychological instability, from depressive states to strong emotional upsurges.
If the discharge is significant, continues for a long time, and the temperature rises above 38 degrees, severe pain in the abdomen is noted, this should be reported to the doctor immediately. Heavy bleeding should be especially alarming. Symptoms are not typical for late implantation; each woman may have some other manifestations. Also, the absence of symptoms does not mean that pregnancy has not occurred; an hCG test will allow you to assess the situation. The doctor will explain what the patient may experience during implantation, whether it happened on time or later, so you need to be prepared for any development of events, but set yourself up only for a positive result. Anxiety can negatively affect the outcome of the procedure.
Symptoms after transfer
How to distinguish implantation bleeding from menstruation?
Light discharge associated with embryo implantation does not contain clots. They are usually pink or brown in color and last for a maximum of 3 days. With implantation discharge, the lower abdomen does not hurt, as during menstruation. In addition, much less blood is released.
Embryo implantation may cause slight bleeding. This usually does not indicate any problems, but is a normal symptom of early pregnancy, occurring in approximately 15-25% of women.
Control fluctuations in basal temperature
If you are planning to conceive, chart your temperature. Before the date of ovulation, it usually does not exceed 36 degrees. At the moment the egg is released, the indicator increases by approximately one division.
If the formation of a zygote does not occur, the temperature will return to its previous level. And in the event of the birth of a new life, the value will remain at 37 .
