Embryo transfer is an artificial fertility treatment method for achieving pregnancy, that is highly highly-helpful for couples struggling to have a baby. A lot of people achieved their dream parenthood through this method, making it an effective procedure. However, this procedure is often accompanied by certain temporary side effects.
One of those side effects is passing gas, which could cause discomfort for most patients for the first few weeks. This blog will explore whether passing gas after embryo transfer is normal, why it occurs, and how to relieve this pain.
Is Passing Gas After Embryo Transfer Normal?
Yes, passing gas and bloating after embryo transfer are the most common symptoms which women experience after the embryo transfer process. It typically occurs due to the hormonal changes and medications associated with the IVF process. It typically starts on the day of embryo transfer or after a few days and lasts for a week or two. There are numerous other causes of passing gases after embryo transfer, and here are some of them.
Common Causes of Passing Gas After Embryo Transfer
- During the transferring process, a catheter is inserted into the vagina to place the embryo into the uterus. This procedure sometimes may cause discomfort or interfere with other digestive organs, causing unusual changes in the stomach leading to temporary gas formation and bloating.
- Gas and bloating can be a symptom of successful pregnancy, especially when it occurs after a week or two after embryo transfer. It does not necessarily mean that all the gas and bloating after the transfer are signs of pregnancy.
- During the embryo transfer process, a catheter is inserted into the vagina to initiate implantation. This could sometimes interfere with other digestive organs, leading to temporary gas formation and bloating.
- Gas and bloating can be a symptom of successful pregnancy, especially when it occurs after a week or two after embryo transfer. It does not necessarily mean that all the gas and bloating after the transfer are signs of pregnancy.
How Hormonal Changes Affect Digestion and Gas
During the IVF process, major hormonal shifts take place due to progesterone and estrogen administration, to support pregnancy, which could significantly affect the digestive system.
- Progesterone slows down gastrointestinal functions and causes constipation, bloating, and the formation of gas and bloating.
- The fluctuations in estrogen levels also have a significant impact on gut health, and functioning leading to bloating.
Dietary Factors Contributing to Passing Gas After Embryo Transfer
- Consuming milk and dairy products during hormonal fluctuation, causes temporary intolerance in most women, making it hard to digest and slows down the digestion process, leading to the building of gas.
- Consuming carbonated drinks such as soda, sparkling water, and alcoholic beverages can introduce carbon dioxide into the stomach, and cause bloating and formation of gas.
- Avoid eating cruciferous vegetables or leafy vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and kale that are high in fibre, and sulfur which easily cause gas and bloating.
- Eating high-fat and fried foods takes a longer time to digest, consuming high-fat foods, especially during hormonal imbalances, causes discomfort and gas.
When Should You Be Concerned About Passing Gas After Embryo Transfer?
- If the passing gas and bloating cause severe abdominal pain didn’t get arrested for natural remedies.
- Unusual vaginal bleeding.
- The digestive issues make it difficult to pass gas or bowel movements, resulting in constipation.
- Passing gas, and bloating are accompanied by fever or chills, indicating pelvic infection.
- Experience dizziness or lightheadedness, or fainting along with gas, could signal blood pressure or internal bleeding.
- If the abnormality in the abdomen lasts for more than weeks and doesn’t stop, even after trying different home remedies.
How to Relieve from Passing Gas After Embryo Transfer?
Dietary Changes
It is essential to make some dietary changes after embryo transfer. Foods that are hard to digest and cause bloating and gas should be avoided. It is better to have smaller meals throughout the day, instead of large meals. Your diet should maintain a balance between high-fibre and easy-to-digest foods, that prevent building gas formation and affect bowel movements’
Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, reduce bloating and support digestion. Staying hydrated keeps the digestive system functioning efficiently and alleviates constipation, which could be accompanied by passing gas and bloating.
Moderate Exercising
Moderate exercising such as walking can help alleviate gas and bloating. It also allows effective blood circulation and keeps you active. Avoiding intense exercise right after embryo transfer is crucial, as it could affect implantation.
Seek Medical Attention
In case of uncontrollable or severe pain, or cramps in the abdomen caused by embryo transfer, consult a fertility doctor to discuss natural or medical remedies to manage pain.
Tips for Managing Discomfort from Passing Gas After Embryo Transfer
- Limit gas-producing foods.
- Gradually increase the fibre intake.
- Eat probiotic-rich foods.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Follow proper medications.
- Practice gentle and light exercises.
- Engage in relaxation techniques like yoga and meditation.
- Avoid wearing tight clothes.
Conclusion
In summary, passing gas after an embryo transfer procedure is common, and it is due to hormonal changes, medications, and stress. The varying progesterone levels slow down digestive functions and lead to gastrointestinal problems such as bloating, and passing gas. Most of the time it is harmless, however, the digestive discomfort it causes could become a major concern.
It can be controlled using dietary changes, hydration and light physical activities. However, if the gas is accompanied by fever, nausea, blood, or other problems, it is highly recommended to consult a doctor for timely help to avoid complications.
Yes passing gas, especially a week or two after embryo transfer can be considered a sign of pregnancy. However, not every gas buildup during the embryo transfer phase needs to be a symptom of pregnancy. It may also caused due to hormonal changes, poor digestion, and medications.
The passing gas usually lasts for seven to ten days after embryo transfer. However, the duration may vary depending on the medications and the body’s response to the hormonal changes.
