Symptoms of embryo implantation during pregnancy

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.

The period of organogenesis and placentation - the laying of all organs and tissues of the fetus

This period lasts from the moment the fertilized egg is implanted into the uterine mucosa until 10-12 weeks of pregnancy, when all the organs and tissues of the fetus are fully formed, as well as the placenta (the baby’s place is the connecting link between the fetus and the maternal body, through which nutritional processes occur, metabolism and respiration of the fetus in the womb). This is a very important period of intrauterine life, because At this time, the formation of all organs and tissues of the fetus occurs. Already on the 7th day after fertilization of the egg, the mother’s body receives a signal of pregnancy thanks to the hormone chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which is secreted by the fertilized egg. HCG, in turn, supports the development of the corpus luteum in the ovary. The corpus luteum secretes progesterone and estrogens in quantities sufficient to maintain pregnancy. At the initial stage of pregnancy, before the formation of the placenta, the corpus luteum takes on the function of hormonal support of pregnancy, and if for one reason or another the corpus luteum does not work fully, then there may be a threat of miscarriage, miscarriage or a non-developing pregnancy.

The entire period of organogenesis and placentation is also a critical period of intrauterine life of the fetus , because the fetus is highly sensitive to the damaging influences of the environment, especially in the first 3-6 weeks of organogenesis. This critical period of pregnancy is especially important because... under the influence of unfavorable environmental factors, the embryo may die or develop developmental abnormalities.

During these periods, the influence of environmental factors on the embryo is especially dangerous, including:

physical (ionizing radiation, mechanical effects); this may be the effect of ionizing radiation, for example in the conditions of a man-made disaster at nuclear facilities, mechanical effects in the form of vibration, etc. in relevant industries or during sports training;
chemical: phenols, nitric oxide, pesticides, heavy metals, etc. - these substances can also enter the body of a pregnant woman if she works in relevant industries or when carrying out repairs in a room where the woman stays for a long time. Chemicals include nicotine, alcohol, certain medications such as those used to treat cancer, etc.;
biological (for example, herpes virus, cytomegalovirus, rubella virus, etc.).

It must be emphasized that during critical periods, harmful effects lead to the most severe consequences - the death of the embryo or the formation of gross malformations.

According to French researchers, if a pregnant woman for the first time in her life encounters cytomegalovirus , a pathogen that causes a disease that in adults can occur as a banal acute respiratory disease (acute respiratory disease) during pregnancy (as can be seen from blood tests for immunoglobulins to CMV), especially early stages, then in 1/3 of cases fetal malformations may occur. If she was already infected before pregnancy, the body turns on protective mechanisms to fight the virus in time, this probability is reduced to 1%. The same can be said about the herpes simplex virus.

The rubella virus is especially dangerous when infected in the early stages of pregnancy. In such cases, a woman is recommended to have an artificial termination of pregnancy, because there is a high risk of having a child with such developmental defects as microphthalmia - a malformation of the eyes, microcephaly - a serious malformation of the brain; deafness, congenital heart defects, etc.

Of the chemical compounds , lead, mercury, benzene, nicotine, carbon oxides and other substances that can cause developmental defects have a particularly adverse effect on the condition of the embryo.

Some medications are especially contraindicated during pregnancy (eg, antitumor antibiotics); if they were taken, early termination of pregnancy is recommended. When taking certain medications, it is necessary to consult a geneticist, carefully monitor the condition of the embryo and fetus during pregnancy (ultrasound, blood tests for human chorionic gonadotropin, alpha-fetoprotein, estriol, which allow one to suspect the presence of fetal malformations - the analysis is carried out at 16-20 weeks of pregnancy ).

Women working in chemical production during pregnancy must be transferred to other, less dangerous workshops. As for the influence of radiation, if it affects a woman before implantation of the embryo (during the preimplantation period), in 2/3 of cases the embryo dies. During the period of organogenesis and placentation, malformations often occur or intrauterine death of the embryo or fetus occurs.

At 7-8 weeks of pregnancy, the reverse development of the corpus luteum in the ovary usually begins: figuratively speaking, the ovaries transfer the function of hormonal support of pregnancy to the chorion (future placenta), and if the chorion is underdeveloped and inactive, then there is a threat of termination of pregnancy.

7-8 weeks is also a critical period for the development of pregnancy. Very often, a miscarriage, an undeveloped pregnancy, or a threatened miscarriage (bloody discharge from the genital tract, pain in the lower abdomen and lower back) appear precisely at this time. If this happens, the woman needs hospitalization. In the hospital, various medications are used that will help maintain pregnancy, if possible.

So, as we have seen, the 1st trimester of pregnancy consists almost entirely of critical periods, so at this time it is especially important:

if possible, eliminate the negative impact of hazardous production;
change the set of physical exercises during active training in the period before pregnancy, postpone extreme sports for the postpartum period;
spend enough time outdoors;
devote enough time (8-10 hours) to sleep;
do not take an active part in the renovation of premises;
give up bad habits, especially such as drinking alcohol, drugs, smoking.

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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.

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.

HCG analysis - rules for delivery

The concentration of hormones in the body of the expectant mother is determined by collecting venous blood. Reproductologists recommend taking tests in the morning on an empty stomach - at least 8-9 hours should pass between the last meal and blood donation. If a woman is taking over-the-counter medications, she should tell her doctor a few days before the tests.

Enzyme immunoassay must be performed not only to determine gestation. The hCG test should also be taken in the 2nd trimester of pregnancy in order to identify defects in the development of the child. Correction of maintenance therapy can prevent up to 25% of congenital pathologies and anomalies.

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.