BLEEDING IN IVF PREGNANCY

Bleeding during pregnancy can be incredibly scary. Bleeding while in a surrogate IVF pregnancy can be doubly worrisome as so much care has already been taken to attain the pregnancy. 

IS BLEEDING NORMAL DURING IVF PREGNANCY?

Pregnancies achieved through IVF often have a higher rate of bleeding than a conventional pregnancy. Roughly 40% of women carrying an IVF pregnancy will experience bleeding. The elevated instance of bleeding could be attributed to a number of factors, including more vaginal exams and the medications being taken to increase blood flow. This type of bleeding can range from light pink to dark brown and everything from light spotting to menstrual-like flow. 

IVF PREGNANCY AND BLEEDING: POTENTIAL CAUSES

The first thing to realize is that many women experience bleeding in pregnancy and continue to have perfectly healthy pregnancies. Women often assume that the appearance of blood means an inevitable miscarriage is looming. Contrary to that misconception, there are several reasons a woman might experience bleeding during pregnancy, and not all of them are bad. Common causes for bleeding in pregnancy include: 

Implantation Bleeding 

Implantation bleeding or spotting after an IVF cycle is common. Light bleeding or spotting is often the first sign of pregnancy, or may be a side effect of hormone medications.

Sub-chorionic Hemorrhage/Hematoma

Most hematomas heal on their own and are not a reason for concern because they are small or cause light bleeding. Your doctor likely will perform an ultrasound to assess the size and location of the hematoma and determine if any treatment is necessary. Heavier bleeding should be monitored.

Vaginal Infection

Very common in early pregnancy, vaginal infections are treatable. Common diagnoses include both yeast and urinary tract infections.

Irritation From Intercourse

Other times, bleeding may be present that is unexplained by any obvious cause. Sometimes, the bleeding is indeed a sign of a troubled pregnancy.

WHAT IF I EXPERIENCE BLEEDING AT 4, 6, OR 8 WEEKS? 

Bleeding farther along in your pregnancy can be unsettling. Call or email your case specialist and nurse representative right away. If you begin bleeding at 4 weeks, it's important to remain calm and monitor the amount and duration of bleeding. As the pregnancy progresses, bleeding can trigger concern. At 6 weeks, bleeding accompanied by severe pain requires immediate attention. If you notice any bleeding at 8 weeks, you should contact your doctor and avoid any strenuous activities.

We're here with you every step of the way. Contact Growing Generations to learn more about surrogacy.