Let’s get started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bleeding after an IVF pregnancy is quite common. First trimester bleeding occurs in approximately 30-40% of all pregnancies<\/a> and can begin at any point after the transfer. The good news is the majority of bleeding in the first trimester will stop on its own and not lead to miscarriage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bleeding or spotting after an IVF embryo transfer does not always indicate that the transfer has failed. If your spotting is light, minimal, and not associated with other symptoms, there is no cause for concern. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Many patients who have first trimester bleeding have normal healthy pregnancies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do your best to remain calm and avoid anything that can aggravate the bleeding, such as sexual intercourse or strenuous exercise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bleeding in the first trimester is often caused by <\/p>\n\n\n\n Let’s go over them one by one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Implantation bleeding occurs during the first few days after the embryo implants into the lining of the uterus. The placenta has to burrow its way into the uterine lining to establish a blood supply with the maternal circulation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The placenta grows rapidly during this period and produces large amounts of blood. Some blood vessels can rupture, and blood will escape from the uterus and present as light bleeding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So what does implantation bleeding look like? <\/p>\n\n\n\n – light (pinkish) or brown-tinged<\/p>\n\n\n\n – minimal in quantity<\/p>\n\n\n\n Implantation bleeding will typically last a few days. It may also be associated with other pregnancy symptoms like mild cramping and breast tenderness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A subchorionic hemorrhage occurs when a portion of the placenta slightly detaches from the uterine wall. A collection of blood will accumulate between the placenta and the uterus and can sometimes be seen on ultrasound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The blood eventually clots, and some will come out of the uterus. Subchorionic hemorrhages are usually small and resolve without intervention. In addition, one study of 450 women with subchorionic hemorrhages (SCH) found no association between SCH and pregnancy loss.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Polyps are benign growths that form in the cervix or endometrium. They are very common in the reproductive tract and often asymptomatic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, they can become enlarged in response to hormonal changes during pregnancy and can bleed if they are irritated or traumatized. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Lastly, anything that can irritate the vagina or cervix can lead to light bleeding, such as frequent examinations, tampon use, sexual activity, etc. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Even frequent transvaginal ultrasounds can aggravate bleeding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unfortunately, there are no therapies or interventions available to treat or prevent early pregnancy bleeding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We can perform an ultrasound and b-hCG blood test to reassure you, but the best thing to do is wait it out. The majority of cases of bleeding will stop on their own within a week or two.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do your best to remain calm and continue monitoring your symptoms. There is nothing for you to do as long as the bleeding is not heavy and you aren’t experiencing significant cramping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Stay well hydrated, avoid strenuous activity, and avoid putting anything in your vagina.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After an IVF embryo transfer, bleeding is usually very light spotting (pink-tinged or brown). It can also be normal to see a small amount of bright red blood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Either way, this type of bleeding is typically very mild and self-limiting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is possible to bleed heavily after IVF while passing clots and still be pregnant. I have personally seen several cases of heavy first trimester bleeding go on to have a normal healthy pregnancy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With that said, heavy bleeding with blood clots is associated with an increased risk for impending miscarriage.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Unfortunately, there is no intervention that can prevent this from happening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is also important to know when you should seek care immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you experience heavy bleeding, which is defined as soaking one normal-sized pad in an hour, you should go to the emergency room immediately. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You should also go to the emergency room right away if you develop other signs of significant blood loss, which include<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unexplained shoulder pain is also concerning and can indicate a ruptured ectopic pregnancy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n IVF pregnancies tend to bleed more commonly than spontaneous pregnancies. One study of over 1400 pregnancies demonstrates that bleeding in early pregnancy is more common in IVF than spontaneous conceptions (20-25% vs. 30-40% respectively).<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Some reports even indicate that up to two-thirds of women who undergo fertility treatment will have early pregnancy bleeding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Implantation bleeding occurs during the first week after transfer<\/a>. It usually starts around day four or five after the transfer and only lasts a few days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Implantation bleeding is usually light red to pink or sometimes brown. Brown blood is a good sign as it indicates that the blood is old and not coming from an actively bleeding source.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Progesterone supplementation does not cause bleeding in early pregnancy. On the contrary, progesterone is essential for allowing your pregnancy to grow and develop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In fact, the sudden decrease in your progesterone levels (which is what happens in a natural menstrual cycle) is what triggers menstruation to occur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bleeding after an IVF embryo transfer is common and can be quite scary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The good news is most of these bleeds are minor and inconsequential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you experience any early pregnancy bleeding, let your fertility specialist know, but rest assured that most of them will resolve without any intervention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Other Related Articles:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Make An Appointment With Dr. Robles To Discuss Your Fertility Options Today!<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"bleeding](\"https:\/\/alexroblesmd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/ivf-pregnancy-bleeding.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\nIs bleeding common with IVF pregnancies?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Does bleeding mean IVF has failed?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What causes bleeding in IVF pregnancy?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Implantation bleeding<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Subchorionic Hemorrhage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Polyps<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"cartoon](\"https:\/\/alexroblesmd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/cervical-polyp.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nVaginal\/Cervical Irritation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What happens if you bleed after an IVF transfer?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How much bleeding is normal after IVF?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Can you bleed heavily after IVF and still be pregnant?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
When should I be worried about bleeding during pregnancy?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Other Related Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Is bleeding in early pregnancy more common with IVF?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
When does implantation bleeding occur after IVF?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"cartoon](\"https:\/\/alexroblesmd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/implantation-bleeding.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhat color is implantation bleeding?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Can progesterone cause bleeding in early pregnancy?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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![\"alex](\"https:\/\/alexroblesmd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/alex-robles-md.jpeg\")
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