IVF success rates in India vary from 30% to 35% per cycle, depending on age and clinic standards. Most pregnancies after IVF progress safely, but complications can occur in a small percentage of cases.
In this article:
What is OHSS and Why Does It Happen After IVF?
Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) is a reaction to fertility injections used during IVF. It usually develops 5–10 days after egg retrieval and is more common when the ovaries produce many follicles.- Mild OHSS affects about 1 in 3 IVF cycles.
- Severe OHSS occurs in 1–2% of cases
You may notice symptoms if excess fluid leaks into the abdomen. Common signs include bloating and abdominal discomfort, nausea or vomiting, rapid weight gain of over 2–3 kg in 24–48 hours, and reduced urine output.
When Should You Contact a Doctor Immediately?
Seek urgent medical care if you have:
- Sharp abdominal pain
- breathlessness
- dizziness
- swelling in the legs
- No urine for 12 hours or longer
Higher chances are seen in people over 30, those with PCOS, people having high AMH levels, and more than 20 follicles during stimulation.
How Can You Care for Yourself at Home?
Mild OHSS is often monitored without hospitalisation. Helpful steps:
- Drink 2–3 litres of oral fluids daily unless advised otherwise
- Include ORS for electrolyte balance
- Avoid strenuous exercise
- Choose light walking
- Track weight and urine output
- Monitor symptoms twice daily
- Stay hydrated
- Inform your IVF team if symptoms increase
- Do not take painkillers without approval
- Avoid travel until cleared
Can IVF Lead to an Ectopic Pregnancy?
An ectopic pregnancy happens when an embryo implants outside the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube. It is rare but can be serious. It occurs in 2–5% of IVF pregnancies and is slightly more common in IVF pregnancies than in natural conception.Why Can It Happen Even After IVF?
Possible reasons include previous pelvic infections, endometriosis, blocked or damaged tubes, past ectopic pregnancy, or even embryo movement after transfer.
What Symptoms Should You Watch For?
Symptoms often appear between 5–7 weeks of pregnancy. Early signs include bleeding or spotting, sharp one-sided abdominal pain, shoulder pain, or dizziness or fainting.
Emergency Warning Signs
Call emergency care if you experience severe abdominal pain, heavy bleeding, you collapse or faint, or sudden shoulder pain.
How Is It Diagnosed?
Doctors may use serial beta-hCG blood tests every 48 hours or an early transvaginal ultrasound at 6 weeks.
Emotional Support Matters
Ectopic pregnancy can be frightening. A few ways you can deal with it include giving yourself time to rest and heal from this loss. Your family is the best shoulder you can lean on. You can also join support groups (online or offline), connect with a counsellor, and ask your doctor questions without any hesitation.
Why Does Early Miscarriage Happen After IVF?
An early miscarriage occurs in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. It is more common than most people realise. The risks after IVF stand at 15–25%, which is similar to natural conception. The chance of miscarriage increases with age, especially if you’re over 35.Common Causes
Most early miscarriages occur due to chromosomal abnormalities, embryo development issues, uterine lining problems, uncontrolled thyroid or diabetes, and even lifestyle factors such as smoking or low sleep.
What Symptoms Should You Look For?
Possible signs include bleeding with clots, cramping like menstrual pain, or sudden loss of pregnancy symptoms.
When to Get Urgent Help
Contact your doctor if you notice heavy bleeding, soaking one pad per hour, severe pain, fever or foul-smelling discharge.
How Can You Support Your Health?
Practical steps include:
- Maintain 7–8 hours of sleep
- Include iron-rich Indian foods: spinach, jaggery, ragi
- Avoid smoking and alcohol
- Continue prescribed progesterone
- Manage stress with breathing exercises
Recovery depends on the situation. Your doctor may suggest:
- Rest for 1–2 weeks
- Avoiding intercourse until bleeding stops
- Repeating tests for thyroid, sugar, or clotting disorders
- Waiting at least one menstrual cycle before the next IVF attempt unless advised earlier
How To Stay Emotionally Steady Through This Phase
IVF brings physical strain and emotional weight. Feeling anxious does not mean something is wrong with you.Simple Coping Practices
- Limit online symptom-checking
- Practise 10-minute slow breathing
- Write daily thoughts
- Set small routines
- Speak openly with your IVF team
You may find comfort in:
- Counselling services available at fertility centres
- Community support groups
- Close family involvement
- Spiritual or mindfulness practices
IVF can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. Join our IVF support group, where stories, guidance, and strength are shared daily.
FAQs on After IVF: Signs, Risks, and Care for OHSS, Ectopic Pregnancy, and Early Miscarriage
- How long should symptoms be monitored after IVF to rule out complications?
Symptoms should be monitored closely for the first 2–3 weeks after embryo transfer, especially for OHSS and ectopic pregnancy. Early scans at 6 weeks and serial beta-hCG tests help confirm a healthy pregnancy. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice severe pain, heavy bleeding, dizziness, or rapid weight gain. - Can lifestyle changes reduce the risk of post-IVF complications?
Healthy habits may support recovery and reduce stress. Helpful steps include 7–8 hours of sleep, light walking, staying hydrated, and avoiding smoking or alcohol. Managing thyroid or sugar levels, eating balanced Indian meals, and following your doctor’s instructions can support a safer post-IVF experience