Can An Early Pregnancy Be Detected In IVF

As a couple, you visit a fertility or IVF centre in Delhi or your neighbourhood to have medical intervention in your parenthood journey. Usually, you do it when your effort to conceive naturally is not helpful to you. And after your fertility assessment report, the doctor there advises IVF treatment to you. As a first-timer, you have numerous questions about conception and its detection. The detection of early pregnancy in IVF is one of them. 

IVF or in vitro fertilisation is a type of assisted reproductive technology (ART) that involves fertilising eggs with sperm outside the body and transferring resulting embryos into the uterus. Because of the nature of the procedure, it is possible to detect pregnancy earlier than with natural conception. Here are some ways that an early pregnancy can be detected in IVF:

Blood test

A blood test can be used to detect pregnancy hormones, such as human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which are produced by the developing embryo. Blood tests can detect hCG as early as 8-10 days after ovulation, or about 6-8 days after the embryo transfer in an IVF cycle.

Urine test

Like blood tests, urine tests can detect hCG in the body and can be used to confirm pregnancy. However, urine tests are typically less sensitive than blood tests and may not be able to detect pregnancy as early. It's recommended to wait at least 10 days after embryo transfer before taking a home pregnancy test.

Ultrasound

An ultrasound can be used to visualise the developing embryo and confirm pregnancy. In IVF, an ultrasound is typically performed 2-3 weeks after embryo transfer. This can be done transvaginally, where a probe is inserted into the vagina to produce images, or abdominally, where a wand-like device is moved over the abdomen to produce images.

Embryo monitoring

During an IVF cycle, embryos are closely monitored for signs of development and quality. The embryos are typically transferred into the uterus at the blastocyst stage, which is around 5-6 days after fertilisation. If the embryos continue to develop and grow, this can be a sign of a viable pregnancy.

Progesterone levels

Progesterone is a hormone that helps to support pregnancy by preparing the uterus for implantation and maintaining the pregnancy. In IVF, progesterone supplements are often given to support the early stages of pregnancy. Progesterone levels can be monitored through blood tests to ensure that they are at a healthy level for pregnancy.

It's important to note that not all IVF cycles will result in pregnancy, and some may result in an early miscarriage. It's also important to follow up with a healthcare provider for prenatal care to ensure a healthy pregnancy.

Conclusion

It is possible to detect an early pregnancy in IVF through blood or urine tests, ultrasound, embryo monitoring, and monitoring of progesterone levels. These methods can help to confirm pregnancy earlier than with natural conception and allow for early monitoring and management of the pregnancy. It's important to follow up with a healthcare provider for prenatal care and to ensure a healthy pregnancy.