Have you just completed your embryo transfer? Then, first, congratulations on completing your IVF procedure. Now, all you need to do is wait about two weeks before you can take a pregnancy test and confirm your pregnancy.
During these two weeks, you might experience a myriad of symptoms. Some will indicate a positive pregnancy, and some a negative one. One notable symptom you might experience is gas and bloating.
So, do you want to know why you have gas after embryo transfer? Read this article to learn more about having gas and boating after embryo transfer and what they mean about your pregnancy result.
Gas After Embryo Transfer: What Causes Them?
There are three main causes of gas and bloating after embryo transfer. If you are having these symptoms a few days after embryo transfer, it is highly likely it is because of them.
Let’s discuss the three causes in detail.
1. Hormonal imbalance
Hormonal imbalance is one of the main causes of gas and bloating after embryo transfer. During IVF treatment, you will be administered hormonal injections for a few days.
The injections include progesterone and estrogen, which have been known to cause fluctuation in the digestive system. Progesterone, in particular, can make food move slowly in the intestine and delay digestion. This can cause issues like gas, bloating, diarrhea, etc.
2. Catheter insertion during embryo transfer
Sometimes, you might also get gas and bloating due to the embryo transfer procedure.
During embryo transfer, your fertility doctor will insert a catheter into the uterus. This catheter will contain the embryo that will be placed inside the uterus. Sometimes, this catheter can irritate or disturb your intestine, causing digestive issues and leading to gas and bloating.
3. Might be a positive sign of pregnancy
Gas and bloating are also positive signs of pregnancy for some women. After successful embryo implantation, it is normal for you to experience mild gad and bloating. This, again, is due to the hormonal changes occurring during pregnancy.
Timing And Duration Of Gas And Bloating
Knowing when and how long you will have gas and bloating after embryo transfer can help you take the necessary precautions and manage the symptoms. However, this is not the same for all women and differs based on their hormonal and body conditions.
Here is a general timeframe of when and how long you might have gas and bloating after embryo transfer.
Timing: You might have gas and bloating on the day of embryo transfer (due to catheter insertion) or a week or two after embryo transfer (due to hormone changes).
Duration: The symptoms will mostly be mild and disappear after a few days. Consult your fertility doctor if they persist or become intense over time.
Home Remedies To Reduce Them
Gas and bloating are common after embryo transfer. However, if the symptoms are intense or you wish to reduce them, here are some simple yet effectove home remedies that you can follow.
Make some dietary changes
After embryo transfer, instead of a single, full meal, you can have small, frequent meals. This will make digestion easier and prevent gas and bloating.
You can also opt for healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains instead of unhealthy processed and junk foods.
Stay hydrated
Drink more water and other liquids (fruit and vegetable juices) and stay hydrated throughout the day. This can make things easier for your digestive system and prevent gas and bloating.
Take over-the-counter medications
If the above home remedies do not give you the desired effect, you can go for over-the-counter medications that can break down the gas bubbles in your stomach and relieve you of your discomfort.
Note: Some medications can have a negative effect on your IVF result. So, only take those medications after your fertility doctor’s consent.
Importance Of Seeking Medical Advice When In Doubt
Gas and bloating might be usual after an embryo transfer. But that does not mean you should avoid it. If you have any concerns or doubts regarding gas and bloating, you should definitely consult your fertility doctor. This can help you:
- Identify the underlying cause,
- Give you peace of mind and
- Diagnose and treat any other complications.
Consulting your doctor and knowing your gas and bloating is not serious and normal is better than being unaware of why it is happening. So, don’t hold in your concerns and contact your fertility doctor or any nurse in the hospital to clarify your doubts.
Conclusion
It is normal for you to experience certain symptoms after embryo transfer. Understanding the IVF process and learning what you can expect after the procedure can help you prepare yourself and prevent unnecessary fears.
You can also consult your fertility doctor and learn why you are experiencing a particular symptom. This is better than mulling over yourself and fearing the worst outcome
Bloating is a common symptom you might experience after embryo transfer. It is usually mild and will go away after some days or a week.
Below are some signs after embryo transfer that might indicate a positive pregnancy.
- Light bleeding or spotting
- Sore and tender breasts
- Mild abdominal or pelvic cramps
- Bloating
- Fatigue and tiredness
- Mood swings
- Increase in vaginal discharge
- Nausea and vomiting
- Increased urge to urinate
If embryo implantation is successful and you will most likely get pregnant, you might start experiencing certain pregnancy symptoms as early as a week after embryo transfer. You might experience slight bleeding and abdominal cramps in the first week.
