A human embryo that has been developing for 5-6 days is known as a blastocyst. In the early years of IVF, day 3 embryos were transferred in IVF cycles. But today, most clinics prefer the blastocyst transfer – as the embryo is then better-developed and makes the pregnancy more likely.

What happens in a normal conception is that the egg travels to the uterus and is fertilized there. Once it is fertilized, it implants or latches onto the endometrium. With the blastocyst, we can directly transfer it into the uterus that is medicated well and hormonally primed for a conception.

The other advantage of transferring a blastocyst is that it is more developed and has more chances of implantation. It also allows embryologists to select the best embryo that has better potential for implantation. It also reduces the risk of multiple pregnancies, as the experts are only transferring one embryo.

We have also seen that the success rate is much higher with a frozen blastocyst transfer. Experts have noted that the pregnancy rates are about 20% more in case of a blastocyst transfer.

Positive signs after embryo transfer

Once the implantation occurs, which means that the embryo has attached itself to the uterus lining, the body begins to prepare itself for the upcoming pregnancy. Though in most cases there are no signs or symptoms even in case of normal pregnancies, here are some positive signs after embryo transfer that a handful of women may experience.

•Spotting or vaginal discharge
Some women may experience slight bleeding with IVF. It is nothing compared to the period flow – it will be scant and spotty and may appear brownish. This could even occur due to the progesterone application or may result due to sexual intercourse.

•Abdominal cramps
The cramps or discomfort may actually occur due to hormonal shifts. The discomfort could also be due to the hormones introduced in the body, the ovum picks up or blastocyst transfer procedure.

•Breast changes
The body begins to prepare for pregnancy and childbirth after implantation. And changes in the breast is a normal part of it. You may feel your breasts have become heavy, sore and tender to touch.

•Morning sickness
Morning sickness or nausea is a normal part of a regular pregnancy, but it doesn’t appear so soon. But since we are injecting more hormones into the body, it may cause morning sickness.

•Fatigue
Due to higher levels of progesterone used in IVF procedures, it increases the metabolism and thus drains the woman. Hence, she feels tired.

•Pregnancy Test
We do not recommend doing a home pregnancy test immediately as we already give the woman beta-hCG to help in ovulation. This may interfere with the test and give a false-positive result. It is best to wait till the next awaited period is missed to carry out a home pregnancy test or a test done by a laboratory.

•Missing the period
As per the cycle, the menstrual period would come anytime after 14-18 days after the frozen blastocyst transfer. You must wait till you actually miss the period before you do urine or a blood test to confirm pregnancy.

•High temperature
It is normal for women who are pregnant to have their basic body temperature about 1 degree higher. A high body temperature may be an indication of ongoing successful implantation. Though a drop in body temperature suggests that the period may be on its way.

https://www.indiraivf.com/services/blastocyst-culture-and-transfer/