Monthly Archives: November, 2022

After in vitro fertilization, the fertilized eggs (already embryos) are grown in a special medium for 2 to 6 days (liquid containing nutrients), after which they are ready to be transferred into the patient’s uterus. This procedure is known as embryo transfer (ET).

WHAT DOES EMBRYO TRANSFER LOOK LIKE?

Embryo transfer is a quick and painless procedure lasting 15-30 minutes. A speculum is inserted into the patient’s vagina and the cervix is ​​cleaned.

After confirming the patient’s identity, the embryologist aspirates the embryos into a catheter. Then they give the catheter to the gynecologist, who inserts it through the cervical canal into the uterine cavity while visualizing it with an ultrasound.

Once the tip of the catheter reaches the optimal position for ET, the gynecologist deposits the embryos into the uterine cavity. The catheter is then withdrawn and the embryologist checks it to make sure all the embryos have been transferred.

After the procedure, the patient remains for observation in the gynecological chair for about 30 minutes.

WHAT CAN I DO AFTER MY EMBRYO TRANSFER?

 After embryo transfer, you don’t need to make any  huge changes to your lifestyle. However, it is important to get enough rest, but not to lie down all the time. Avoid strenuous exercise, sex, and hot temperatures (bath, sauna, sunbathing, etc.). Stop drinking alcohol and smoking, and take your prescribed medications.

 And most importantly, take time for yourself and your partner, because you deserve it.

SYMPTOMS OF A SUCCESSFUL EMBRYO TRANSFER

 The only certain way to know if the embryo transfer was successful is through a pregnancy test. Many women experience pregnancy-like symptoms about a week after ET. However, this is not a guarantee of a positive result, because it may be caused by the hormonal medications that are taken before and after the procedure.

 The most common symptoms after ET are:

light vaginal bleeding

breast tenderness

frequent urination

mild abdominal cramping or lower back pain

fatigue

It is also possible to feel absolutely nothing different and still be pregnant.

WHEN SHOULD I TAKE A PREGNANCY TEST?

 Many women are tempted to take a pregnancy test the day after the procedure. This is not recommended because you can get a false negative result. The production of hCG (the hormone we test to confirm a pregnancy) begins around the 6th day after embryo transfer.

 We advise you to take a pregnancy test no earlier than the 16th day after the procedure, when the hCG level is high enough for the result to be reliable. You can take either a blood test or an at-home pregnancy test. It is important to notify your fertility clinic immediately, even if the result is negative.

The skin, which is the largest organ in the human body, is composed of three layers – epidermis, dermis and hypodermis, as in the newborn it undergoes development during the first few months of life. At birth, its top layer is still very thin, not fully mature and easily injured. During the first weeks or longer for premature babies, the skin matures and develops its natural protective barrier and adapts to the new environment. You may notice that it is more sensitive and dry at times, but this is normal with adequate care and should calm down within three months.

Good skin care practices will help maintain the integrity of the baby’s skin barrier and can help prevent skin problems in the future. This includes proper cleansing, moisturizing and sun protection.

Bathing – how often?

Bathing frequency and time of day are based on your newborn’s individual needs. Use a mild soap-free cleanser if needed. Choose products that do not contain fragrances, botanicals and antibacterial agents, as these can be irritating to sensitive baby skin. After the bath, pat the skin dry, paying attention to skin folds. The use of baby powder or talc is not recommended.

Moisturizing and hydration

Apply a thick, unscented moisturizer daily at the first sign of dryness. Thicker creams are more effective than lotions.

Changing diapers

The diaper area is exposed to constant moisture, clogging and friction, which can irritate and damage the skin, causing a rash. To prevent this: Change your baby’s diapers often. Cleaning when changing is done with lukewarm water and soft disposable towels or a cotton swab. If necessary, a soap-free cleanser with a neutral pH can be used. If possible, leave your baby as much diaper time as possible

The clothes

Light, loose, soft clothes and cotton bedding are best. Be careful not to overheat your baby. Avoid rough, prickly fabrics that come into direct contact with the skin. To wash your baby’s clothes, use a mild, unscented detergent.

Sun protection – important and necessary

Baby skin is sensitive to the harmful effects of UV light. Babies under 6 months of age should be kept out of direct sunlight. When outdoors, light clothing, hats, stroller shades, and shade are the best protection against the sun’s harmful UV rays. When we have direct exposure to sunlight, a broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen should be applied. Choose a sunscreen suitable for babies or those with sensitive skin. Apply sunscreen 15-20 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours. If the sunscreen causes a reaction on your baby’s skin, stop using the product.

Cosmetics

There is a wide variety of products on the market, which often leads us to the question „What should I choose?“

Generally speaking, it is recommended that baby cosmetics be as free from dyes, fragrances and aggressive chemical components as possible, as well as having a neutral ph.

SOURCE: APTEKI ZAPAD

Normally pregnancy lasts 40 weeks starting from the date of your last period. Additionally, those 40 weeks are divided into 3 trimesters: first trimester – from the beginning to the 13th week of gestation; second trimester – from 14 to 27 weeks of gestation; third trimester – from 28 weeks of gestation until birth.

 Each stage of pregnancy is associated with many and mostly positive emotions, but it has its own peculiarities . However, sometimes problems can  occur for which every woman should be prepared.

 GENITAL BLEEDING

 Light bleeding or spotting is common during the first trimester. In most cases, it is not a cause for concern, especially if it is not accompanied by other symptoms (for example, abdominal pain). However, it is absolutely necessary that you get examined by an obstetrician-gynecologist to rule out some serious complications.

NAUSEA AND VOMITING

 Almost all pregnant women experience nausea or vomiting during the first trimester. This is due to increased levels of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin). Sometimes the vomiting is so intense that it poses a serious risk to the mother (extreme dehydration and inability to take in nutrients), which in turn affects the baby. Such a condition is called hyperemesis gravidarum and is fortunately rare.

MISCARRIAGE

 Most miscarriages occur in the first trimester. The reasons for them are plenty: chromosomal abnormalities in the embryo, infections, endocrine and autoimmune disorders, etc. Symptoms of miscarriage include severe abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, nausea and/or vomiting.

ECTOPIC PREGNANCY

 An ectopic pregnancy is implantation of the embryo outside the uterine cavity, most often in one of the fallopian tubes. Because the fallopian tubes cannot increase in size like the uterus, the growth of the implanted embryo can cause them to rupture. The characteristic symptoms are amenorrhea (absence of menstruation for a few months), severe pain on one side of the abdomen, bleeding. Ruptured ectopic pregnancy as well as miscarriage require urgent medical intervention.

CAN I PREVENT SOME PROBLEMS?

Unfortunately, most first trimester complications are beyond the pregnant woman’s control. What you can do is take care of both your emotional and physical health: stick to a balanced diet and exercise regime, stop smoking and alcohol consumption. And most importantly – if you have concerns that something is wrong, seek promptly medical help!

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