A womans medical history, current lifestyle, and general health all contribute to how much weight she may gain, if any. Usually, it isn't anything to worry about. The egg retrieval is an extremely safe and relatively simple procedure that averages 15 minutes from start to finish. 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. Advice will be readily available from your IVF clinic so dont hesitate to contact them. I was in some pain and discomfort all day because of it. Fertility specialists also conclude that follicle stimulating hormones (FSH) cause some bloating and weight gain. Drink up and keep reading. Also, opt for healthy choices when it comes to meals, and stick to whole foods with plenty of fruits and veggies. FAQ: Common Questions for Egg Donors - UCSF Health Bloating. The good news is that IVF weight gain is normal; its okay to experience it and to even feel a bit badly about it. In its basic form, its a simple process. I'll be on the lookout for your update! Swollen Stomach and Weight Gain: Causes of Abdominal Bloating - Healthline It can take a while for it to go down after the procedure. If you are a person that cannot rest easy then be sure to do tasks that are not too strenuous. The risk of severe hyperstimulation is currently very low. Please select a reason for escalating this post to the WTE moderators: Connect with our community members by starting a discussion. Congratulations, and good luck with your next steps! I think it just takes awhile for all the fluid to drain and for our ovaries to settle down. The hormone treatments that come with in vitro fertilization can cause weight gain. Will my retrieval hurt? Meals, prayer, check-ins, etc. Keep an eye on weight gain. The ovary stimulation protocol requires you to inject drugs into your system to ensure you have mature eggs upon retrieval. But keep in mind that fluid retention is temporary. I just wanted to lay down! Many of the treatments for OHSS can also be used for those who suffer from side effects but dont have full-blown OHSS: Please know that as our patient you are ALWAYS welcome to reach out to us with questions or concerns. Bloating After Egg Retrieval For the same reason cramping occurs after egg retrieval and during IVF, bloating may happen as well. Mild bloating and cramping are expected but if you notice any signs of OHSS then dont ignore it and contact your doctor, the sooner you recognize these symptoms the quicker you can recover. This is probably the one time I will ever tell a woman to weight herself twice a day. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. This is a medical complication that affects approximately 3% (or less) of women undergoing IVF each year. In hindsight, if they had gone ahead with the transfer whilst she was in so much pain her pregnancy may not have been viable. Here are 3 of my top picks for high-antioxidant foods to add in post retrieval: There is not a specific sodium amount to consume post retrieval. 3. This is perfect for that horrible bloating feeling you get with PMS or after a heavy weekend, or during IVF after egg collection. Here are 3 of my top picks for hydration to consider in post retrieval: OHSS symptoms usually appear a few days after ovulation. All rights reserved. So how to relieve bloating after egg retrieval, here are some ways you can help yourself. Its because ovulation will take place approximately 36 hours after the trigger injection gets into your system . Bloating and rapid weight gain are two common symptoms of that. Weight Gain During IVF Injections . hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(4000230, '767e49eb-a83d-45e7-a89a-cc81edc5369d', {"useNewLoader":"true","region":"na1"}); The egg retrieval procedure is fairly short, but the process leading up to the procedure is longer. On the other hand, some women do not experience any noticeable weight gain. Concerning symptoms and ones where we would definitely want to hear from you are listed above under the OHSS symptoms. The. It's very rare that a patient will need to be admitted to the hospital for around-the-clock monitoring (in fact, Ive only seen this twice in my 20+ years as a nurse). ; Smashed Baked Potato Nourish Bowl Vegan + Gluten Free. For most women, the procedure is not painful and results in mild cramping or discomfort afterward. Moderate or severe degrees of bloating are very rare. Lovely. It is a reaction to the hormonal drugs that you need to take to stimulate the follicles. Avoiding heavy carbohydrates like bread and pasta is recommended as they are known to hold water giving you a heavy feeling in your stomach. So, drastically reducing exercisecan definitely lead to IVF weight gain. Which included my first retrieval when I overstimulated. ), Related: IVF Dos and Donts: Your Guide to Diet, Exercise, Sex & More. And then she had her ovaries and fallopian tubes . 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. Egg retrieval doesnt affect your future fertility. I did call my nurse last night because I was so worried with the weight gain and bloating that they were symptoms of OHSS she wanted me to come into the office first thing this morning for an evaluation but I told her I weighed myself this morning and I dropped a few pounds already and the bloating as gone down a considerable amount. My bloating didnt really start deflating until about 3 days after the procedure and I really didnt feel myself until about a week after. 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. | More than likely, any significant IVF weight gain was caused by one of them. The more severe symptoms can zap your body. The first signs of ovarian cancer can be symptoms like abdominal bloating and pain. My name is Emma, a proud mother of FIVE, aged from 2 to 21. Please specify a reason for deleting this reply from the community. Dont go on a weight loss plan just to shed the few pounds you may gain during IVF! You may also have to take medication to prevent premature ovulation. Symptoms typically last a week and include mild abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. So, do your best to live as healthy a life as possible so that your eggs will also be healthy. | 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. 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. To help you feel more confident, let's walk through an egg retrieval and talk about what to expect in terms of side effects. Stomach swelling with weight gain can have many causes. I couldn't get air even though I was gasping. A Group Leader is a What to Expect community member who has been selected by our staff to help maintain a positive, supportive tone within a group. The first way involves bloating. One option for keeping your weight in check during IVF is to regulate stress with other things besides food. Your eggs need to go through one final stage before theyre ready to be collected: they need to complete a process of;maturing called meiosis, which in turn;causes ovulation to happen. Finally, if you have followed the above advice for relieving bloating after egg retrieval but are starting to experience increased pelvic pain, sudden weight gain, pain with urination, shortness of breath, or vomiting, call your fertility doctors office or after-hours service for more care. I had my egg retrieval 6 days ago and my stomach is still huge. Imagine there is a job opening at a company with ONE office available for ONE new employee to sit in. Most patients feel woozy (slightly disoriented) from the anesthesia, and some will experience a sense of fullness or mild menstrual cramp-like discomfort. Scared-What did you feel day BEFORE Egg Retrieval! Nothing about those specific steps directly causes weight gain. Gentle walking is fine. Drinking plenty of water will help flush out your system. It will feel/look so much better once your period arrives. Diarrhea. For this reason, we keep all our tanks on site where we can maintain quality control. Thats because they provide sodium and potassium which are being lost in the fluid from your blood leaking out of your capillaries. LoL! severe bloating and weight gain after egg retrieval - Los Feliz Ledger We can squeeze all 45 in the door, but they are scrunched tight, uncomfortable, literally pouring out into the hallway. If bloating and discomfort increases over the 7-10 days after your retrieval, or you experience pain and nausea, seek advice from your doctor as you may be developing OHSS. Also Check: Does Alka Seltzer Help With Bloating. Look at the common symptoms you need to be aware of: No one knows how you will feel afterward but it is a good idea to be prepared for all outcomes. There are two main types of trigger injection: Read about the IVF process from start to finish if you want to learn more about why different drugs are used for different protocols. So, dont be surprised if your specific results with it vary from others. 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. Remember, bloating and weight gain are two different things. 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. Are you doing a FET as well? ; You will be instructed to remain in an upright;position for 24 hours. I would be giving yourself 2 weeks recovery time. Group Leaders arent expected to spend any additional time in the community, and are not held to a set schedule. Another side effect includes enlarged ovaries, which can make your abdominal area feel heavier and bulkier. ; Ever wonder what the difference between a Reproductive Endocrinologist and Fertility Specialist is? Anti Bloating Green Juice. British doctors tend to;disagree with this advice. As long as an intact tank is available, the skilled staff at Kofinas Fertility Group monitors the liquid nitrogen level and replenishes it when needed. Here at Kofinas, the safety of your eggs and embryos are our utmost priority. The worst part is sleeping! With severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, you might have: Rapid weight gain more than 2.2 pounds (1 kilogram) in 24 hours Severe abdominal pain Severe, persistent nausea and vomiting Blood clots Decreased urination Shortness of breath Tight or enlarged abdomen When to see a doctor Your personal experience might vary slightly based on your fertility clinic's protocol, but regardless of clinic, the process should be very similar. IVF Egg Retrieval: Process, Procedure, Recovery, Risks, and More Read below for information about what causes the weight gain and what to do about it. However, dont be surprised if after your egg retrieval you dont feel totally back to normal until your first period, which generally occurs 10 days after retrieval. The process involves stimulating the ovaries, retrieving eggs, fertilizing eggs, and implanting embryos or blastocysts. The hormone surge also acts as a signal to the ovaries to produce new and temporary capillaries. Trigger Shot: What It Is, How It Works, Side Effects, More - Healthline N. NYRoseDid. Thanks Ladies! If you have at least ten follicles that are a decent size , chances are your doctor will be happy: thats enough follicles for there to be a good chance of at least one high-quality egg;inside, but not SO many that youre at risk of severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome . Look out for extreme vomiting, Significant swelling to your tummy, severe bloating and weight gain after egg retrieval, and feeling out of breath. We believe that transparency is key when explaining any of our processes, so let's dive into some of the most common topics we talk through with our patients: The egg retrieval procedure takes 10-20 minutes under twilight general anesthesia. 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. Picky is a word that comes to mind. IVF Risks and Complications | Pacific Fertility Center of Los Angeles familyweal.com is a participant of Amazon Associates Program. Although one of her friends whod also been through IVF had warned her that she might bloat after the egg retrieval, Victoria said she had no idea it would be so extreme. Weight gain is also normal for some women and is usually caused by water retention or extra fluid in the ovaries. Once youve been greeted by our front desk team, you will be taken back to our operating room, shown your private prep and recovery area (including a bed, chair, and locker), and given a gown and cozy socks to change into (we all know fun socks are one of the only perks of the whole process). Drink up! ; Expect pain and bloating to continue for a little while. Avoid alcohol or caffeine. Our doctors rotate through the operating room, covering all seven days of the week, so you may or may not see your primary doctor on egg retrieval day. I am a stomach sleeper so this brought me a lot of irritable discomfort. Other women gain and lose the weight much more slowly. Just likelate period after egg retrieval, bloating and cramping afteregg retrieval is totally normal in the first few days after egg retrieval and after transfer. 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. Find outstanding clinics from more than 400 fertility clinics in the USA. Hey, First of all I hope you are not too sore after egg retrieval. ; Dont Miss: Is Being Bloated A Sign Of Pregnancy. Similarly, bloating should reduce a few weeks after egg retrieval and transfer. One is temporary, while the other may be permanent or at least longer term. If we suspect you are at risk, we will use special medications and change your protocol to greatly reduce your risk. Luckily, it is rare for an OHSS case to catch us off guard. Once mature eggs are selected they are removed and put into an incubator to await fertilization. We strive to provide you with a high quality community experience. For this reason, your doctor will give you medications, either orally or through injections. OHSS happens when the ovaries become so swollen. Group Owners uphold the core values of the brand by reporting content that violates the community guidelines. Being uncomfortable from egg retrieval can last up to ten days post-procedure. 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. Finally, if you have followed the above advice for relieving bloating after egg retrieval but are starting to experience increased pelvic pain, sudden weight gain, pain with urination, shortness of breath, or vomiting, call your fertility doctor's office or after-hours service for more care. One of the most commonly lamented side effects of in vitro fertilization and its associated medications is weight gain. The condition can be quite serious. Hopefully, youre ready to celebrate producing beautiful follicles. While bloating is a common side effect of IVF treatment, weight gain varies. We are here to help! Your body is going to feel much more bloated and will hold onto to any available water until you drink enough to re-balance. Disclaimer: Ill be explaining how we do things here at Illume Fertility. The educational health content on What To Expect is reviewed by our medical review board and team of experts to be up-to-date and in line with the latest evidence-based medical information and accepted health guidelines, including the medically reviewed What to Expect books by Heidi Murkoff. Its a teeny tiny window of time, and you cant miss it. By doing so, youll ensure youre getting the proper nutrition your body needs, while helping moderate mood swings and cravings. Both times. Eat healthy foods such as chicken noodle soup, lean proteins, and fruit and vegetables after egg retrieval. But, dont worry! However, dont be surprised if after your egg retrieval you dont feel totally back to normal until your first period, which generally occurs 10 days after retrieval. Still, IVF weight gain is possible. 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. Also Check: How To Get Rid Of Bloating Immediately, EGG RETRIEVAL | HOW MANY EGGS? Your ovaries are still enlarged because of the stimulation and may have some fluid in them which will go down with your next period. For the process of egg retrieval, your body will need to produce more eggs so that they can all be extracted at once. Aim for about half of your body weight in pounds to ounces of water. Group Black's collective includes Essence, The Shade Room and Naturally Curly. Victoria has also been using her couple account to educate her followers about how the IVF process works. I had horrible bloating and some pulling, cramping on one side. This can be potentially life-threatening. There are a number of great low-sugar products to choose from these days, including but not limited to, EmergenC sports powder, Nuun tablets, and Ultima powder. his article will answer many of your questions about the preparation, procedure, and recovery from egg retrieval. However, call the clinic with any doubts. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Everything you need to know to get started. Every womans experience with IVF weight gain is different. 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. Not everyone experiences the same thing with progesterone shots. Aim to include foods with insoluble fiber like whole grains, broccoli, cabbage, nuts, and seeds. The ovaries have become . The cramping and bloating usually lasts for 7-10 days, after which your ovaries should return to their normal size. Only you will know your body and whilst it is not a natural method of conceiving you will be able to decipher whether you need to seek medical advice. This is what happens during OHSS. Imagine NOW, that instead of 12 employees being hired and squeezing into one office, that all 45 are hired! However, if you become pregnant, implantation and pregnancy may also cause bloating! truly MD | What Goes up Must Come Down: What to Expect AFTER an Egg Now there are 12 new employees that we need to find space for in one office. The egg retrieval procedure is fairly short, but the process leading up to the procedure is longer. However, its important to speak directly with your healthcare team to ensure they provide you with the best recommendations for your health profile. So, the more you go, the more those fluids are being flushed out. Helpful FAQ, PGD vs PGS testing with IVF: benefits, risks, procedures and costs, Egg Donation Age: How old do you have to be to donate eggs, Your Guide to Taking an IVF Pregnancy Test, 16 Top Encouraging and Supportive IVF Blogs and Forums, What Is Mini IVF? There ate simple things you can do to make bloating go away such as watching your diet, ensuring that you are drinking plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated, and ensuring that you are eating plenty of fiber to keep those bowels moving. Avoid heavy lifting and vigorous exercise, as ovaries are still enlarged during this time and may be tender. After egg retrieval, your hormones will go back to regulating on their own. For those who are simply freezing their own eggs for future use, they will be safely stored until you need them. If you are an egg donor, your eggs may be frozen or prepared to become embryos. If youre going on to continue IVF treatment, you may need to continue taking hormones to prepare your uterus for implantation. | Online Privacy Policy. This is what happens during OHSS. Then, well combine those with the sperm in order to create embryos. Then, egg retrieval happened and you expected all of this to resolve and return to your normal you. Water will help to rehydrate you and bring some fluid back into the blood. The medications themselves do not directly cause weight gain; it tends to be a change caused by other, more direct side effects. When To Call Your Doctor About OHSS Symptoms, IVF Dos and Donts: Your Guide to Diet, Exercise, Sex & More, 11 Ways to Manage Stress During Fertility Treatment, [DOWNLOAD] Your Step-by-Step Guide to IVF (eBook), Why Do We Need So Many Eggs for IVF? It occurs when the ovaries have an abnormally robust response to the fertility medications that we prescribe. So, while severe cases of OHSS are not common, it's good to be aware of what symptoms to look out for. As you get further from egg retrieval, these side effects decrease rather quickly. However, the symptoms of bloating and weight gain are usually temporary and should disappear within about a week. ; Concerning symptoms and ones where we would definitely want to hear from you are listed above under the OHSS symptoms. Pain After Egg Retrieval - Is It Common Experience? When your ovaries respond in this way they can leak fluids into the abdomen leaving you with lower and upper abdominal bloating after egg retrieval, as you can imagine this can leave you feeling super uncomfortable and delay the transfer process. After speaking with a nurse, we will generally bring you in to perform an ultrasound and bloodwork. This could be caused by hormone treatments, or it could be situational. Even when its not very serious, some side effects include very fast weight gain and stomach pain. If hormone treatments caused the weight gain, you can expect to lose that weight once the treatments stop. This is the time to look after yourself and give yourself some well deserved rest. In fact, rapid weight gain can indicate/suggest OHSS, so women who experience it should contact their fertility clinic to rule it out. Im glad youre feeling better! OHSS generally occurs after the egg retrieval and involves swelling of the ovaries, bloating, weight gain and abdominal pain. On the other hand, some women experience actual weight gain not bloating. This encourages some women to rest more and focus on staying stress free and healthy. First, drink sufficient amounts of water. Whether youre considering or already started the process of egg donation, egg freezing, embryo cryopreservation, or in vitro fertilization (IVF), you might be left feeling unsure and overwhelmed by the idea of egg retrieval. If you experience vomiting or other severe symptoms, seek out medical help or get in touch with your doctor. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. It is intense, and you probably have felt more fatigued through this process, put certain activities on hold, followed a calendar of medications, and endured many dos and donts. The good news is that bloating is a sign your body is responding to your IVF drugs and hormones that you are putting into place. Victoria went on to explain that although it may not look that bad, it felt a lot worse than it looked., I couldnt sit or stand or even move for the first three days without wincing in pain or bracing myself, she said. 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? Avoid all strenuous activity to make sure you dont accidentally get your now-MASSIVE ovaries in a twist . Not only that, but some of the procedures, like the egg retrieval process, can be slightly uncomfortable. I notified my nurse because I was worried about OHSS even though I didn't have that many follicles, and she said it was all normal. Based on your physical characteristics and hormonal bloodwork, we will know if you are at risk for OHSS before you even get started. Check out the following articles to feel more empowered and prepared for what lies ahead. You could also stock up on isotonic drinks. In vitro fertilization (IVF) - Mayo Clinic The protein is to support the recovery of your ovaries. In Vitro Fertilization Procedures and Facts, Donor Egg IVF: Procedure, Cost, Application and Faqs, Why Does IVF Fail? Its her first round of IVF, but shed done two IUIs before. Did anyone start to feel LESS pressure/fullness after trigger? Third, if you have managed water and/or electrolyte intake but still experience lower abdominal bloating, schedule a visit with your acupuncturist. I look 5 months pregnant and worried that its not going down. That's exciting!! ; I forewarned my support group that I would likely be resting so they didnt get their panties in a bunch when I didnt respond right away to texts/Facebook & Instagram posts. I was exactly the same. The doctor will use the needle to suction out some of your eggs. Yoga and exercise remain a couple of the top stress management techniques. If this happens to you, eat mild, bland foods until you feel better again. Its actually caused by the extra hormones women take to ensure a successful IVF cycle. Specifically, though, keep an eye out for: These are all signs that your ovaries are swelling and putting pressure on your diaphragm. I'm hoping it's not OHSS I've been chugging watered down gatorade for days. Thats why its important to understand that womens responses to the stimulants and procedures differ. I definitely made all the difference in my comfort as I had to remain upright even while sleeping. Monitor how often youre urinating, and what colour your urine is: dehydration is a sign of OHSS. The;RE told us that the salt will help pull excess fluid build up into the bloodstream and that will help remove them from the body. Pain and bloating are normal. Salt also makes your body retain water so ensure healthy meals are prepared and stored for post procedure. With OHSS, patients experience swollen, painful ovaries as a result of the stimulation process. Combine that with additional rest necessary after egg retrieval, or the fatigue the hormone treatments can cause. Use our. As a result, youll get your period within about 2 weeks of the procedure. Resting a heating pad on your abdomen will help with any vaginal soreness and/or cramping from the egg retrieval process. These medications will help your body produce multiple eggs and help them mature. hyperstimulation. These drinks have added electrolytes to give you an energy boost.