Intrauterine insemination (IUI) pregnancy is a type of pregnancy in which the sperm is placed into the uterus by a fertility specialist. This procedure is mainly used when a couple cannot conceive on their own. In this process, the sperm is given a headstart to travel its course and fertilize the egg in the fallopian tube. This is done by increasing the mobility of the sperms and by also increasing the sperm count to further increase the chances of fertilization leading to pregnancy. However, this process entails certain risks as well. Learn more about IUI, the procedure, benefits, and possible risks in this post.
What Is IUI Pregnancy?
For women who face challenges conceiving in a natural way, Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) has proven to be one of the most effective procedures in recent times (1). It is a method of artificial insemination and helps in getting pregnant faster. During an IUI, the sperm is inserted and placed in the uterus with a fine catheter for further fertilization of the egg and conception (2). The process involves placing the sperm quite close to the vicinity of the egg so that the chances of interaction between the both are higher. IUI is still done with human interference using procedure-related instruments. Hence it is usual to develop certain symptoms post the event. Research shows that the success rate of IUI treatment increases with each cycle. However, the rate appears to plateau from the 8th IUI cycle (7).
Cumulative live birth/ ongoing pregnancy rate through IUI
Symptoms Of IUI Pregnancy
If you are planning to opt for an IUI method of conception, it is good to understand these symptoms well in advance so that you are well prepared and there are no sudden surprises (3). Here are some pregnancy symptoms after IUI procedure that usually develop as close as two weeks:
1. Implantation bleeding
Implantation bleeding occurs while the embryo itself gets into the walls of the uterus.
This implantation causes bleeding that looks exactly like spotting before menstruating. Implantation bleeding may or may not occur in all cases. You are likely to see the bleeding after two weeks of the procedure. This is completely normal as the process is working to get your pregnant. You may experience similar bleeding after 6 to 12 days of conception. There could also be a minor cramping felt.
2. Menstrual delay
Just like in a normal pregnancy, your menstrual cycle can get delayed as stress and several hormonal changes take a toll on your body.
If you do not have your regular periods for the month, it is likely that you may have conceived. Consult your doctor regarding the same. You may continue to experience spotting and cramping even after getting pregnant. However normal this is, discuss the same with your gynecologist.
3. Tenderness in breasts
Your breasts tend to feel sensitive, tender and sore after the procedure.
If the feeling continues after a delayed period cycle, you should take a pregnancy test to check the status. Sore breasts are a symptom that is experienced even during normal menstrual periods.
4. Weakness and fatigue
You have just undergone an artificial insemination, and your body may react differently or not react at all.
It is but quite natural for you to feel stressed out, weak and fatigued as there is a great amount of anxiety involved from your side as time unfolds. There are also hormonal changes added to the pre-existing fears that spur the feeling. High levels of progesterone are likely to make you feel sleepy and tired all the time. There is also a lot of energy used up to increase the blood production in your body.
5. Nausea
You are likely to experience the same kind of nausea that you would encounter with the morning sickness period of a normal pregnancy.
Nausea is caused due to the increasing levels of estrogen hormone which drains your stomach. You will feel nausea any time of the day, with foul smells and odors making you want to throw up. On the flip side, you may not have nausea at all.
6. Food cravings and aversions
Just like in normal pregnancy, you will develop strange aversions or cravings for certain kinds of food.
This is also attributed to the shifting hormones. Often certain smells and appearance of foods can make you want to puke. A sudden fondness for select foods will also be on the rise.
