QuestionQUESTION: Hi Dr. Ramirez,
I'm 37 y/o with four young children (5, 3, and 1-year old twins). My 3-year old was conceived from an IUI, and my 1-year old twins via IVF. I just had an embryo transfer on day 3, which was Sunday 7/26 with three high quality 8-cell embryos. Yes, I'm rushing to complete a big family. Today is 4 days post-transfer. My RE told me that if the embryos are going to "stick", it will happen within the first 12-24 hours, because that's how they feed. So, that's why he told me to take it easy for 1-2 days. He explained that if they don't stick within that time, they won't at all and start degenerating because they have nothing to "feed on". However, there's conflicting information on the internet about "implantation" time lines after an embryo transfer (3-day embryos). Can you help clarify? I took it easy for 2 days, but was back full-swing yesterday (which was 3 days post-transfer). I'm constantly lifting my 33lbs 1-year twins all day and lifting my 3-year old on the toilet for potty training.....basically running around and lifting all day. Will this activity decrease my chances of implantation? Thank you!
ANSWER: Hello,
In fact, the embryos will not "implant" for three days post a 3-day transfer because they need two more days to develop to the next stage "blastocyst" then hatch and implant. It is good that you took it easy for those days. At this point, returning to normal activity is fine. It is basically like trying naturally for most women and they do their normal activities without knowing that they could be pregnant. So, don't worry, your activities will not have an affect on your potential for success.
Sincerely,
Edward J. Ramirez, M.D., FACOG
Executive Medical Director
The Fertility and Gynecology Center
Monterey Bay IVF Program
www.montereybayivf.com
Monterey, California, U.S.A.
check out my blog at http://womenshealthandfertility.blogspot.com for more information and answers
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thank you, Dr. Ramirez, for answering my questions. I've been obsessing and reading a lot on different forums. It seems like the majority of the ladies who have become pregnant after an embryo transfer had cramping during the two week weight. I had only the slighest of cramping that day of the transfer and a little the next morning, and that was it. NO cramping day 2, day 3, day 4, etc. I don't have symptoms. I've read that other women have tender boobs, etc. My breasts are small and not-tender like they always are. I'm losing hope, especialy with no cramping at all. It's now 5 days post a three-day embryo transfer (5dp3dt), and I feel nothing. Is that atypical and an indication that I might not get my positive pregnancy test next week?
Thanks, Dr!
AnswerHello Again,
First of all, the symptoms that you describe are consistent with either pregnancy OR progesterone, and are NOT universal. Many patients have NO pregnancy symptoms until after 6 weeks gestational age.
Secondly, implantation is just occurring so, if pregnancy has occurred, it is barely getting established and would not be producing enough hormone to cause the symptoms.
Be leery of what you read on forums. There is a lot of misinformation, especially coming from other patients. Every person is unique and responds uniquely.
Sincerely,
Edward J. Ramirez, M.D., FACOG
Executive Medical Director
The Fertility and Gynecology Center
Monterey Bay IVF Program
www.montereybayivf.com
Monterey, California, U.S.A.
check out my blog at http://womenshealthandfertility.blogspot.com for more information and answers
