Kirsten is a Nurse Practitioner who joined the Illume Fertility team in 2014 after working in women's health in the USA, United Kingdom and other countries. If we suspect you are at risk, we will use special medications and change your protocol to greatly reduce your risk. FX. As you prepare for this big fertility milestone, let's walk through the biggest side effects of IVF egg retrieval - what to expect, what symptoms to look out for, and what comes next. For example, consider the fact that numerous IVF appointments can make finding the time to workout a challenge. Even the bloating leading up to the retrieval wasnt that bad. When suffering from OHSS some women report a significant weight gain. You may become dehydrated and pressure in your abdomen may increase from too much fluid. These things result in a strong potential for weight gain, even if the amount is small. Take paracetamol or codeine to manage the pain . What is it & What Are the Benefits, Everything You Need to Know about IVF Medications, Should You Exercise During IVF? IVFauthority.com does not provide medical advice. Are you doing a FET as well? However, it wont catch us off guard, and we have lots of helpful ways to get you through it safely and swiftly. Other women gain and lose the weight much more slowly. While approximately 15% of IVF patients experience mild hyperstimulation symptoms, such as bloating and menstrual like cramping, most will never suffer from moderate or severe OHSS. Here are some common, mild symptoms you may experience after an egg retrieval: Patients often have questions about a very rare condition that can develop during the egg retrieval phase of IVF called Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome, or OHSS for short. Causes of IVF Failure and Complications, Embryo Transfer Process, Risks, Considerations and FAQ, Use ICSI with IVF Treatment Benefits, Process and Risks, Is Gestational Surrogacy Right For You? I gained 10 lbs in about 24 hours time. Another side effect includes enlarged ovaries, which can make your abdominal area feel heavier and bulkier. Weight gained after treatments begin, but before IVF transfer, could technically be considered IVF weight gain. In other words, youll be able to breathe on your own without the need for help from a machine. Remember, bloating and weight gain are two different things. For most women, the egg retrieval procedure brings only mild pain after it is over. That can be painful! These side effects are all normal, and they typically disappear after a few days. In its mild form, OHSS can be uncomfortable but resolves on its own over several days. What if, however, after interviewing 45 candidates, human resources decides to hire 12 employees instead of just the one! This is to keep the excess fluids in your abdomen and not allow them to travel into your upper torso. After egg retrieval, your hormones will go back to regulating on their own. Keeping in mind that IVF treatment is also very stressful, some women going through it may be prone to overeating or eating to fight stress. What To Expect Before, During, and After Egg Retrieval. I had OHSS so I couldnt do a fresh transfer but felt SO much better after my period! OK so this is bloomin complicated and it appears that;medical specialists still arent entirely clear on whats going on, but heres the general gist: At the ovulation stage of every menstrual cycle, theres a hormone surge that causes the egg to break free from its follicle so that;it can travel into the fallopian tube, ready to be fertilised. ; In relation to number 2, a neck pillow was such a lifesaver! This process of piercing the follicles with needles, draining fluid, and counting eggs, continues until all visible follicles are drained and the procedure is complete. familyweal.com is a participant of Amazon Associates Program. My bloating didnt really start deflating until about 3 days after the procedure and I really didnt feel myself until about a week after. I always hear about lots of pelvic pressure before the ER. This means that if you're considering freezing your eggs before you begin your injections, its beneficial to: There are also external factors that can affect the quality of your eggs, such as air quality. Once youve been greeted by our front desk staff, you will be taken back to our operating room, shown your private prep and recovery area , and given a gown and cozy socks to change into . Picky is a word that comes to mind. Being uncomfortable from egg retrieval can last up to ten days post-procedure. High-antioxidant foods have shown to help rid your body of the bad guys that can cause inflammation in your body and affect your fertility. The first way involves bloating. Based on your physical characteristics and hormonal bloodwork, we will know if you are at risk for OHSS before you even get started. We can squeeze all 45 in the door, but they are scrunched tight, uncomfortable, literally pouring out into the hallway. 761 Main Avenue, Suite 200 Norwalk, CT 06851. Related: 11 Ways to Manage Stress During Fertility Treatment. Ask Nurse Monica. In its basic form, its a simple process. In addition, some women eat more or change their eating habits. When the embryos are ready, they will be implanted into your uterus. You will then meet with our OR nurses who will go over your paperwork and start your IV. These complications can usually be avoided by recognizing the signs, symptoms, and laboratory evidence that OHSS is getting worse and getting appropriate treatment. I'll be on the lookout for your update! Rarely, it's possible to develop a more severe form of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome that can also cause rapid weight gain and shortness of breath. I am a stomach sleeper so this brought me a lot of irritable discomfort. So, remain sitting up for an entire day. I look 5 months pregnant and worried that its not going down. Nothing about those specific steps directly causes weight gain. Your ovaries are being stimulated which can make them swell. Third, if you have managed water and/or electrolyte intake but still experience lower abdominal bloating, schedule a visit with your acupuncturist. Water retention might mean that you see a higher number on the scale around ovulation, but never fear: your weight will return to normal shortly after you ovulate as your body gets rid of this excess water. I couldn't get air even though I was gasping. =/ seriously yesterday was one day after and I looked 5 months pregnant and gained 5 pounds in water weight I was SO uncomfortable. Most comments from women indicate a very small IVF weight gain of around 3 pounds. Find outstanding clinics from more than 400 fertility clinics in the USA. In order to decrease the amount of fluid that is collecting in your belly, we will ask you to avoid drinking large quantities of water/clear fluids, and instead stick with thick liquids (think: milkshakes and V8 juice) that you cant see through. If your egg retrieval doesnt happen with your primary doctor, know that you are still in great hands and that your doctor will be monitoring your progress remotely and getting updates throughout the day. A womans medical history, current lifestyle, and general health all contribute to how much weight she may gain, if any. ; Concerning symptoms and ones where we would definitely want to hear from you are listed above under the OHSS symptoms. Also, you could consider any weight gained, but not lost, after IVF transfer that did not result in pregnancy to be IVF weight gain, too. wow thats terrifying! Are you ready to learn more about egg retrieval and how it fits into your fertility plans? hyperstimulation. You walk in the door and they already know who you are. There are varying levels of OHSS, with mild symptoms resolving in a matter of two to three days and more severe symptoms, which can require an abdominal drainage of accumulated fluid (ascites) and occasional hospitalization. Youve got enough to stress about right now, I like to make this part as simple as possible! For example, if Izzie weighs 140 lbs., they need to drink about 70 ounces of water. After speaking with a nurse, we will generally bring you in to perform an ultrasound and bloodwork and discuss next steps. (We will always call you to make sure you're feeling well after your procedure. The worst part is sleeping! So even if you are still bloated 5 days after egg retrieval take note it is normal. Your body is going to feel much more bloated and will hold onto to any available water until you drink enough to re-balance. Be proud of yourself! The ovaries have become . Use our. Dizziness. Signs include rapid weight gain (over 2 pounds a day) and abdominal bloating, as well as extreme discomfort in your abdomen or extreme nausea/vomiting. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. In fact, rapid weight gain can indicate/suggest OHSS, so women who experience it should contact their fertility clinic to rule it out. There is no test to see if you are at a higher risk of developing OHSS but ensuring your diary is cleared and you have set aside time for good old-fashioned rest is always the best protocol. The bloating is a result of your ovaries filling with liquid after the retrieval, and I was told to eat a high sodium, high protein, low carb diet and to drink a lot of electrolytes to prevent my body from holding onto the liquid. Specifically, though, keep an eye out for: These are all signs that your ovaries are swelling and putting pressure on your diaphragm. Please whitelist our site to get all the best deals and offers from our partners. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. As always, listen to your body though. From the never-ending blood draws to the self-injections, you are doing your best, and your entire fertility team is so proud of you. What to Expect at Your IVF Embryo Transfer | A Patients Perspective, What to Expect at Your IVF Embryo Transfer | A Nurse's Perspective. Bloating eventually reduces with rest, cold compresses, or time. If you experience vomiting or other severe symptoms, seek out medical help or get in touch with your doctor. I found that lemon water. . I'm hoping it's not OHSS I've been chugging watered down gatorade for days. We respect everyones right to express their thoughts and opinions as long as they remain respectful of other community members, and meet What to Expects Terms of Use. After careful monitoring, well be able to see if the eggs have been successfully fertilized. Using Surrogacy with IVF, IVF Pregnancy: 9 Very Important Things To Expect. Unsubscribe at any time. My energy levels have been so down in the dumps, she said. The discomfort from these procedures may leave you feeling as if your body is working against the IVF process but it is a way your body responds to the drugs, and success is not dependent on the amount of discomfort you feel. Get yourself to a doctor if your weight is increasing significantly and youre not urinating anywhere near as often as normal. Progesterone impacts everyone a little differently. Both modalities can also benefit your digestion and help to relieve pelvic or abdominal pain you might want support for all of the above post-egg retrieval. | IVF WITH PCOS | TTC BABY #1, IVF Update | 5 days after Egg Retrieval: Symptoms & Results, What is Retrieval Day | Day 1 Fertilization Report | IVF Cycle | How to survive egg retrieval, What Can You Take For Diarrhea While Pregnant, Is Apple Cider Vinegar A Prebiotic Or A Probiotic, How Much Bone Broth To Drink For Leaky Gut, How To Relieve Constipation During Pregnancy Immediately, how to avoid OHSS or treat it if you do;end up getting it, you are ALWAYS welcome to reach out to us with questions or concerns, the IVF process from start to finish if you want to learn more about why different drugs are used for different protocols, Traditional Medicines Weightless cranberry tea, How To Get Rid Of Bloating After Tubal Ligation, Can Probiotics Cause Stomach Pain And Bloating, Will Taking Probiotics Help Prevent Yeast Infections, What To Give A 4 Month Old For Constipation.