The pregnancy hormone is one of the criteria by which pregnancy is confirmed, but when does the pregnancy hormone rise after the embryos are returned? In the next article, we'll learn more about this.
When the embryos implant in the uterine lining, the pregnancy hormone (Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin) rises, but when does it do so after the embryos are returned?
When does pregnancy hormone rise after embryo transfer?
What time does the pregnancy hormone start to increase after embryo retrieval? We have to know that the pregnancy hormone rises gradually from the moment of implantation of the embryos after their retrieval , but it is necessary that at least two weeks pass so that the pregnancy test devices can detect the presence of pregnancy, as if a pregnancy test is done two weeks before the retrieval of the embryos, the result They are often not accurate.
Although the presence of pregnancy is confirmed following embryo retrieval when the pregnancy hormone level is equal to or greater than 5 million IU/milliliter, most pregnancy tests are unable to identify the hormone at levels below 25 million IU/milliliter.
The first examination of hCG levels after embryo retrieval is important, as doctors rely on it as a reference for hormone levels in the days following the first examination. Despite its significance, a low hCG reading at the initial examination following embryo retrieval does not prove that a pregnancy has not yet occurred.
Now let's talk about when the pregnancy hormone starts to increase following embryo transfer. The pregnancy hormone doubles in concentration every two to three days during the first four weeks of pregnancy after the embryos are returned, but after six weeks of pregnancy, it doubles every 96 hours.
The hCG level is too high or too low
How soon after embryo retrieval does the pregnancy hormone start to rise? We have to identify the reasons that may lead to an increase or decrease in the value of this hormone after the embryos are returned, but it is worth noting that relying on the readings of the levels of this hormone alone is not sufficient to reach any diagnosis of pregnancy, and a specialist doctor must be reviewed to diagnose the condition, the details are as follows:
1. Low pregnancy hormone
The inability of the pregnancy hormone level to double every 2-3 days during the first 4 weeks of pregnancy, or the low level of the pregnancy hormone, may be caused by a number of factors, including abortion, which is one of the reasons why the level of the pregnancy hormone does not rise naturally after the embryos are returned. Abortion results from the death of the foetus before entering the 20th week of pregnancy.
2. High pregnancy hormone
The pregnancy with twins or triplets, which may cause the percentage of the pregnancy hormone to double after the embryos are returned to the percentage that is normal for it to be, may be the cause of the increase in the level of the pregnancy hormone that is more than double the normal reading.
General advice after embryo transfer
Following the embryo retrieval procedure, particularly in the two weeks that follow, there are general guidelines that must be followed. Among these guidelines are the following:
- Get plenty of rest and sleep enough hours.
- Not engaging in strenuous physical activity that engages the body's muscles, with the potential to gradually engage in light exercise.
- Eat healthy and balanced food, and drink plenty of water.
- lowering stress levels through relaxation techniques or engaging in amusing activities.