Published on: April 9, 2025
Author: Admin
If you are scrolling this page, then it’s most likely that you are undergoing the in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. The treatment is where the sperm and eggs are fertilized in the laboratory. The fertilized eggs are then transferred into the uterus. Everybody knows about the process until this. But, have you ever wondered what will happen after the embryo transfer, apart from the two-week waiting period?
Here we are with a comprehensive guide that includes what happens after embryo transfer day by day symptoms, the positive and negative signs of implantation, and reasons for the two weeks of the waiting period after the embryo transfer in the in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. Let’s get started!
After Embryo Transfer Day By Day Symptoms
While implantation symptoms after embryo transfer in IVF treatment may generally differ from person to person, the following table lists details of the implantation process and its symptoms.
Days | Process | Symptoms |
---|---|---|
Day 0 | The embryo is transferred. | Mild cramping and discomfort are caused because of the embryo transfer procedure. |
Day 1–2 | The embryo begins to shed its outer shell and tries to attach itself to the uterus. | You may feel more tired or exhausted due to the effects of fertility medications. |
Day 3 | The embryo begins to implant. | Some women report that they experience mild bloating or the feeling of fullness during this period. |
Day 4 | Implantation continues. | You may notice the light spotting as implantation continues. |
Day 5 | Implantation is completed. Cells start to become placenta. The fetus continues to grow. | You may experience breast tenderness, mild cramping, or changes in the cervical mucus. |
Day 6 | hCG hormone starts to signal the body of the growing fetus. The hormone also starts to rush into the bloodstream. | You may have mood swings because of the hormonal shifts in the maternal body. |
Day 7–8 | As fetal growth continues, the placenta continues to secrete hCG hormone. | The rising hormones may cause a heightened sense of smell, and morning sickness. |
Day 9–10 | Noticeable symptoms may start to appear. | Food aversions, mood swings, heightened sense of smell, and morning sickness can all be the sign of implantation. |
Day 11–12 | hCG hormone levels are high enough to be detected in the blood test. | You may experience increased hunger or thirst because of the rising hormones in the maternal body. |
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Call Now: 80047 80048Positive Signs After Embryo Transfer
While a woman’s body changes after embryo transfer drastically in an IVF procedure, remember that it’s not mandatory to experience all signs and symptoms after implantation. The absence of symptoms can also indicate the successful implantation. However, the early pregnancy symptoms and premenstrual symptoms can be confusing and are hard to distinguish. Hence, it is highly suggested to wait patiently for those two weeks until your healthcare physician confirms the pregnancy through the beta blood test.
Following are some of the common positive signs after embryo transfer. They are:
Light Spotting or Bleeding
Light spotting is often caused by the implantation bleeding. The spotting happens when the embryo attaches to the uterine lining or endometrium. This is the earliest possible sign of a successful pregnancy.
Cramping and Pelvic Pain
Cramping and pelvic pain are the other most common positive signs of early pregnancy. These happen as the maternal uterus is getting adjusted with the implanted embryo.
Fatigue and Tiredness
Fatigue and tiredness are caused by the rapid hormonal shifts in the maternal body. They are one of the most common positive signs of successful implantation.
Tender or Sore Breasts
Tender or sore breasts are also among the common early signs of pregnancy. These happen as the maternal body is getting prepared for breastfeeding. This is caused by hormonal changes and the enhanced blood flow to the breasts.
Nausea
Nausea is otherwise known as morning sickness. These happen because of the hormonal shifts due to the successful pregnancy.
Frequent Urination
The hormonal fluctuations and an increased blood flow to the kidneys during pregnancy enhance the production of urine. This consequently leads you to urinate more frequently.
Changes in Vaginal Discharge
Noticeable changes in vaginal discharge are one of the after embryo transfer symptoms. The discharge may appear to be white in colour and slightly odorous. This can indicate the positive sign of successful implantation. However, if you notice the discharge because of infection, and have a sense of burning, or itching, this might have been caused by fertility medications. In such scenarios, seeking medical help is recommended.
Missed Periods
Missing your menstrual cycle or periods, especially if you have a regular cycle, can indicate a sign of successful implantation.
No Symptoms after your Embryo Transfer
Even if you experience no symptoms after embryo transfer in in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment can still indicate the sign of successful implantation. The absence of above-mentioned embryo transfer day by day symptoms doesn’t necessarily need to be exhibited to confirm your pregnancy.
Negative Signs After Embryo Transfer
After an embryo transfer in an IVF procedure, just like positive signs of implantation, there are certain potential signs that indicate the sign of unsuccessful implantation. These are considered negative signs after embryo transfer and may include:
Absence of Pregnancy Symptoms
Even though the lack of pregnancy symptoms can still indicate successful implantation, it is not the case in every scenario. If a woman doesn’t notice any pregnancy symptoms within a few weeks after the embryo transfer, it can sometimes be an indication that the implantation is unsuccessful. In such cases, it is recommended to seek medical help and discuss further treatment plans with your physician.
Vaginal Bleeding
While light spotting is an indication of implantation bleeding, heavy bleeding can be an indication of unsuccessful implantation.
Intense Cramping or Discomfort
Though mild cramping is normal, more intense cramping or severe discomfort needs to be evaluated by the fertility expert. This can be a troubling symptom of unsuccessful implantation.
Negative Pregnancy Test
The negative pregnancy test result after the two-week waiting period of the IVF procedure can significantly indicate the sign of unsuccessful implantation. However, it is highly recommended to have a consultation with your fertility expert and confirm the result through the blood test.
Reasons for the Two-Week Wait for a Blood Test
The first pregnancy test after the two-week waiting period of embryo transfer in IVF treatment!
After the waiting period, the first thing your fertility expert performs is the blood test. The blood test is performed to detect the presence of beta hCG in your blood. As you know, the hCG is an essential hormone that confirms your pregnancy. In addition, its increasing level determines the strength and progress of the growing fetus.
Following are the tabular details of the normal range for human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormone levels throughout the pregnancy.
Gestational Age | hCG Value (mIU/mL) |
---|---|
1 week | 5 – 50 |
2 weeks | 40 – 1,000 |
3 weeks | 100 – 5,000 |
4 weeks | 600 – 10,000 |
5 – 6 weeks | 1,500 – 100,000 |
7 – 8 weeks | 16,000 – 200,000 |
2 – 3 months | 12,000 – 300,000 |
There are certain reasons why your fertility expert recommends you wait for those two weeks. They are:
Higher Accuracy
The two-week waiting period after the embryo transfer in the IVF procedure can significantly provide the most accurate results. This is because the hCG levels in your blood can be detected as low as 1-5 mIU/mL in the blood test. The home pregnancy test, which is detected through urine cannot detect the lowest level of hCG in your blood.
Early Detection
Since the blood test can detect the lowest level of hCG hormones, it ensures to confirm the successful implantation much prior.
Comprehensive Monitoring
Furthermore, the comprehensive monitoring of implantation through hCG blood test can help to determine the health of the growing fetus. This facilitates the fertility expert to make the most informed decisions regarding potential interventions and pregnancy management.