After you’ve chosen an egg donor, waited for fertilization, and undergone an embryo transfer, the wait to find out whether the process was successful can be frustrating. Don’t automatically assume that light bleeding means you aren’t pregnant—it might not be your period. Implantation bleeding or spotting occurs when a fertilized egg is implanted in the uterine lining. It doesn’t require medical treatment, but a celebration of your mom-to-be status may be in order.

Comparing Implantation Bleeding to Menstruation

Implantation bleeding is often confused as being menstrual bleeding, but there are subtle differences. Typically, spotting from a period turns into a heavier flow after a couple of days, although every woman is a little different. Implantation bleeding will remain very light. This spotting doesn’t contain blood clots, and it usually looks light pink or brownish, whereas menstrual blood tends to be a brighter shade of red. If you did become pregnant with egg donation, you’ll notice that the spotting occurs intermittently, and only lasts a couple of days.

Identifying the Accompanying Symptoms

Menstruation is characterized by cramping that might initially be mild before becoming severe. Implantation spotting can also cause cramps, but they tend to be faint, and they don’t become more severe. Implantation bleeding can be accompanied by sore breasts, sensitivity to smells, mood swings, headaches, and an elevated basal body temperature.

Assessing the Timing of the Bleeding

About 10 days to two weeks after ovulation, the fertilized egg can attach to the uterine wall. Implantation bleeding occurs when the attachment of the egg breaks down small blood vessels within the tissue. Since menstruation occurs 14 days after ovulation, it’s easy to see why women often get the two mixed up.

Knowing When to Test

After having an embryo transfer during your IVF cycle , the clinic will let you know when to return for a blood pregnancy test. Usually, this appointment will be in two weeks. Some clinics advise women to avoid home pregnancy tests, as these aren’t as accurate.

For fertility solutions near Houston, Texas, call (877) 983-0046. Fertility Resources of Houston implements thorough donor screening processes to help couples benefit from anonymous egg donation. We pride ourselves on personalized, sensitive care and a strict adherence to patient confidentiality.

An egg donor is a healthy, young woman who chooses to have a doctor remove some of her eggs so that others can experience the blessings of parenthood. A future mother can choose donor eggs if she is unable to have a child with her own eggs, or if she has a genetic condition that could be inherited by the child. Same sex male couples and single men can also become parents with donor eggs and a surrogate mother.

When you watch this featured video, you’ll hear about some of the common fertility problems that can be overcome with donor eggs. In most cases, this option is used because the woman is 35 years or older, which indicates that her own egg quality has declined.

Fertility Resources of Houston is a liaison service that connects future parents with egg donors in the Houston, Texas area. Call (877) 983-0046 to request a comprehensive and compassionate fertility consultation .

You only have a few chances to give someone a gift that can truly change their life. For a couple that struggles with infertility, egg donation can be just that. You, as an egg donor, have an opportunity to give a couple something they desperately want but may not be able to have naturally.

Egg donations are a great option for women who want to have a baby but have experienced premature ovarian failure, have absent ovaries, have genetic disorders that diminish fertility, or have survived cancers by undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy. If you are a healthy woman in between the ages of 19 and 32, you may be able to help a couple struggling to add to their family. After receiving “fertility medication,” having a minor outpatient procedure, completing a psychological evaluation, and undergoing a genetic consultation, you can give the gift that keeps on giving.

Fertility Resources of Houston will help you during the entire process to answer your questions and explain all the necessary procedures. You can get started today by completing our Preliminary Egg Donor Application on our website . All the information you provide to our clinic is strictly confidential, so nothing should hold you back from applying. For more information, you can call us today at (877) 983-0046.

When you are trying to improve your fertility, it is good to focus on establishing healthy dieting habits. Doing so will help improve the likelihood of a healthy pregnancy and child development. Read on for tips from our nutritional services team at Fertility Resources of Houston.

Raw fruits and vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are essential to one’s health, especially when focusing on fertility. Try to get in five servings of vegetables and three servings of fruit each day. You can snack on fruits in between meals, incorporate veggies into your meals, and blend nutrient-rich smoothies.

Protein

Although red beef and chicken are delicious, try to limit consumption of these proteins. Instead, opt for proteins rich in omega 3 fatty acids. Try eating fish, beans, lentils, and nuts.

Whole grains

Avoid consuming processed grains as much as possible. Instead, replace with fiber-rich grains like millet, quinoa, oats, and rice.

Water, water, water

Healthy adults need to be sure to drink eight glasses of water a day, so it is very important to do so for improving fertility. Limit caffeine intake and avoid alcohol as well.

Fertility Resources of Houston is here to help you each step of the way. You can find more information about nutritional services by visiting our website .