Pregnancy test
When will I know if I am pregnant?
When the embryo has settled (implanted) in the uterus, the initially developing placenta (trophoblast) produces a hormone called -human chorionic gonadotrophin (-hCG). This hormone is detectable in the blood 10 days after the embryo transfer and in the urine of the pregnant woman some days later (pharmacy pregnancy test kit).
The test requires a blood sample and the result is obtained three hours later. If the test is positive it is repeated after 2 days.
The multiplication of the initial value indicates normal progression of pregnancy, which is termed 'biochemical' at this stage (as it is only demonstrated by the biochemical detection of -hCG).
Clinical pregnancy
Fifteen days after the positive pregnancy test, a transvaginal ultrasound confirms the clinical pregnancy by examining the endometrium, the number of sacs, the presence of one or more embryos and the heart beat.
The task of our Unit has now been completed. Once a pregnancy has been achieved its progression does not differ to a natural pregnancy and you can address your personal obstetrician for your further monitoring.
Ongoing pregnancy
Normal progression of pregnancy and ultrasound examination of embryo development after the 12th week describes the ongoing pregnancy.
Is there a chance of miscarriage?
Miscarriage rates following IVF are similar compared to pregnancies from natural conception. The chance of embryo loss after a positive pregnancy test is 15-18% of biochemical pregnancies.
Usually the causes are related to physical malfunctions or chromosomal abnormalities of the embryo, causes that are not possible to predict during the process of IVF. Increased age of the woman is another important factor, among others, responsible for this unfortunate result.
We remind you that the quality of embryos transferred is defined using only morphological criteria, which are not able to depict possible chromosomal abnormalities, with the exception of PGD (see previous section).
The chance of a clinical pregnancy not resulting in a live birth is small and statistically similar to natural conception. From the stage of ongoing pregnancy until birth the chance of embryo loss is estimated at around 1%.
Negative test
If the measurements of ?-hCG are found negative (?-hCG levels < 5 units), the drugs are discontinued following instructions from the doctors and menstruation (period) will follow a few days later.
We are aware of the unpleasant feelings that stem from a failed attempt. The only way to deal with this situation is to examine, together with the couple, all the parameters that may have lead to a negative result.
The interval between two consecutive IVF cycles must not be smaller than 3 months to give the ovaries time recover, and to yourselves time to recuperate psychologically.
It is important not to lose hope in the face of failure. We are here to help and support you in this difficult phase.
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