Overview
IVF is a journey full of twists and turns, but nothing can be more overwhelming than a potential miscarriage. After
putting so much effort, time, hope, and emotions into it, even the tiniest hint of this mishappening can be
heartbreaking. However, miscarriage can happen even after IVF due to certain medical complications.
But the good thing is that before everything can go wrong, a miscarriage may show some subtle symptoms. And
recognising these signals early, along with medical support, can turn the tables for you, not just emotionally but
also outcome-wise. Therefore, we bring you this article not just to help but also to alert you to these subtle
signs. So let’s get started!
What is a Miscarriage?
Medically, a miscarriage is defined as the unplanned loss of pregnancy before 20 weeks of pregnancy, which is the most common pregnancy complication in early pregnancy. This happens when the embryo or foetus stops developing in the uterus. In the case of IVF pregnancy, a miscarriage happens when the embryo has appropriately implanted in the uterus but fails to grow as expected. And even in IVF, a high-quality embryo can fail to grow into a fully grown baby due to hormonal, genetic, or uterine factors.
Why Does Miscarriage Occur After IVF Transfer?
Miscarriage in IVF after embryo transfer does not happen just by chance; in fact, it has several biological, medical, and lifestyle-related causes, some of which may include:
- Chromosomal abnormalities in the embryo are the most common cause of a miscarriage, and the worst thing is that even the best-looking embryos can possess these abnormalities.
- Hormonal deficiency, especially of the progesterone hormone, can make it difficult for the implanted embryo to survive a full term and early pregnancy growth.
- Conditions such as fibroids, polyps, adhesions, or endometriosis can interfere with the nourishment of the embryo after implantation.
- Sometimes your immune system can make it difficult to sustain a full-term pregnancy, resulting in miscarriage.
- Specific medical issues, such as PCOS, thyroid disorders, and diabetes, can interfere with hormonal balance or even overall reproductive health, weakening pregnancy stability.
- Long-term stress and unhealthy lifestyles, like smoking, alcohol consumption, and a diet lacking nutrients, can contribute towards an early pregnancy termination.
Early Signs of Miscarriage After IVF Transfer
As mentioned earlier, miscarriage leaves some subtle signs even before it occurs in full strength, which is not different for IVF transfer miscarriage as well. These signs can be a lifesaver for you if you seek timely medical help:
- Vaginal Bleeding : Note that light spotting is common in early pregnancy, but if you experience bright red bleeding, especially with clots, it can indicate a potential miscarriage.
- Abdominal or Pelvic Cramps : Mild cramping is normal in early pregnancy, but if this pain is growing stronger, then it can be a miscarriage.
- Discharge of Fluid or Tissue from the Vagina : An unusual greyish fluid or tissue, or clot discharge from the vagina is not normal and must be immediately reported to the doctor.
- Falling hCG levels : hCG is a hormone that increases quite fastly in the blood during pregnancy, but if it becomes constant and starts to decline, then it may indicate a miscarriage.
- Sudden Disappearance of Pregnancy Symptoms : If the pregnancy symptoms like nausea, fatigue, and breast swelling disappear out of the blue, then stay alert, as this may be a miscarriage.
Difference Between Miscarriage and Implantation Failure
When understanding miscarriage, note that this and implantation failure in IVF are two completely different terms, yet they are often used interchangeably due to their similar early symptoms. Medically, these terms are defined as:
- Implantation failure happens when the embryo never gets the chance to attach to the uterine wall, meaning a pregnancy has never actually begun.
- Opposite to that, in miscarriage, the embryo stops developing, even after the implantation has occurred.
You can also distinguish these two with a very subtle but prominent sign, which is: in implantation failure, mild bleeding and negligible pain are the symptoms, while in miscarriage, heavier bleeding and extreme pain are experienced.
How is Miscarriage Diagnosed After IVF?
Apart from analysing the visible symptoms of miscarriage, certain medical techniques are also used to confirm it, which generally include:
- Ultrasound Scan : An ultrasound scan is usually used to assess the growth of the embryo and gestational sac and, of course, the presence of a fetal heartbeat. Abnormality in any of these three is generally diagnosed as a Miscarriage.
- hCG Blood Test : hCG is a hormone that supports the growth of the embryo until the placenta takes over. During miscarriage diagnosis, hCG levels are analysed to confirm it.
- Physical Examination : Apart from these visible and quantitative tests, a complete clinical assessment is also done to analyse the uterus condition, cervix’s mucus concentration, and classify vaginal bleeding into miscarriage and implantation failure.
How to Prevent Miscarriage After IVF
As miscarriage is spontaneous, prevention for all is not possible. However, certain lifestyle choices and medical precautions can surely help to support a healthy IVF pregnancy:
- Take medications as prescribed by your doctor to stabilise hormonal balance and pregnancy.
- Try not to take stress, and to do this, manage it with help from your doctor, if needed.
- Have a balanced diet rich in nutrients like folic acid, iron, and protein for you and your growing baby’s development.
- Skip smoking, caffeine, and alcohol during the pregnancy phase, from implantation to delivery.
- Lastly, go for regular follow-ups to track your progress and any warning signs.
Conclusion
Miscarriage can be beyond our hands, but timely intervention can help. Therefore, identifying the early symptoms of miscarriage after an IVF becomes a necessity to avoid complicating the situation for future pregnancy. You should also be aware that facing such a situation can really be overwhelming, physically and emotionally, but it should not get you stuck in your fertility journey. So stay informed, stay connected with your fertility specialist to move forward.
Common Questions Asked
When does a miscarriage typically occur in relation to an IVF transfer?
Generally, it takes place in the first 1-2 weeks, usually before the first ultrasound.
Is it normal to have light bleeding after an embryo transfer?
Some women may experience mild bleeding due to implantation or progesterone therapy following embryo transfer.
Can I start another IVF cycle after a miscarriage?
Most women can start an IVF cycle again after receiving medical clearance.
How long does the physical recovery take after having a miscarriage?
Rehabilitative recovery will take approximately 2-4 weeks, but emotional healing may differ from woman to woman.
How can I lower my chances of having another miscarriage during my next IVF cycle?
Be sure to take all medication, manage your stress, live a healthy lifestyle and have closer monitoring.