Embryo transfer (ET) plays a pivotal role in the IVF process as it is that moment when an embryo fertilized in an IVF lab is transferred into a woman’s uterus for a successful implantation.
After the transfer, patients commonly look out for any signs and symptoms, sometimes becoming anxious about early pregnancy signs or possible signs that could point to failure.
Knowing what are the good and bad signs post embryo transfer is crucial for the management of expectations and aiding decisions.
In this article, we would look at positive signs and negative signs after embryo transfer, as well as some specific symptoms that may show during the first few days post-procedure.
We will cover what to expect day by day and how changes occurring in the body may hold clues to predicting the outcome.
Positive Signs After Embryo Transfer
While the waiting period can be stressful, several positive signs may indicate that the embryo transfer was successful and pregnancy is progressing.
1. Mild Spotting (Implantation Bleeding)
Light spotting can be a sign of embryo implantation into the uterine lining. The process is called implantation bleeding, which occurs around the 6th to the 10th day after transfer
It’s typically very light, lasting only a day or two, and should not be mistaken for a full menstrual period.
2. Breast Tenderness or Swelling
Most of the women show changes in their breasts during the first month of pregnancy.
These may include tenderness, swelling, or deepening in color of the areolas.
These features are due to increased levels of estrogen and progesterone, factors of the IVF treatment but may also be indicative of successful pregnancy.
3. Increased Fatigue
Extreme fatigue can be one of the most common early symptoms of pregnancy.
If you just cannot seem to get enough rest or if you feel more tired than usual, it may be an indicator that you are pregnant as your body attempts to adjust to the changes in hormones that form the essence of pregnancy.
4. Morning Sickness
While it is more common in the early weeks of pregnancy, some women may experience nausea or vomiting within the first week after embryo transfer.
This symptom is linked to rising levels of pregnancy hormones, particularly human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG).
5. Positive Pregnancy Test
An obvious and the most confirming positive sign is the pregnancy blood test. This checks hCG levels in the blood and will confirm implantation has taken place. A positive result on this would mean the embryo transfer was likely a success.
Negative Signs After Embryo Transfer
While a positive outcome is desired, not every sign following embryo transfer necessarily indicates a successful pregnancy.
There are several negative signs that may suggest the procedure did not result in pregnancy.
It’s important to remember that some of these signs could overlap with normal side effects of hormone medications used during the IVF process.
1. Heavy Bleeding or Spotting
Spotting may be noticed for a day or two after embryo transfer, indicating either implantation or cervical irritation.
However, if bleeding occurs in heavier amounts, that is comparable to a menstrual flow, the situation is a cause for concern.
Heavy bleeding can indicate a miscarriage or that the embryo could not implant successfully into the uterine lining.
2. Severe Abdominal Pain
Mild cramping is likely to occur after embryo transfer while the uterus adjusts to the embryo and the hormones introduced.
However, intense pain with heavy bleeding could signify an ectopic pregnancy or complications such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), both of which require prompt medical attention.
3. Lack of Symptoms
It’s also possible that you may not experience the expected pregnancy signs such as morning sickness, breast tenderness, or fatigue.
While there are women who can escape feeling any sign of pregnancy, the complete lack of any notable sign with other symptoms like spotting or cramping, for example, should alert you to the red flag that the embryo hasn’t implanted.
4. Negative Pregnancy Test
IVF clinics generally advise patients to take a blood pregnancy test approximately 10-14 days after the embryo transfer.
A negative result is the most definitive indication that the embryo did not implant.
While false negatives are rare in such tests, they can occur if the test is done too early.
5. Infection
Fever or chills or an unpleasant discharge are signs of serious infection that need to be attended to urgently.
Any evidence or symptoms of infection would endanger the inside structure of the uterus and adversely affect the progression of pregnancy.
No White Discharge After Embryo Transfer
Vaginal discharge is a normal aspect of one’s reproductive system and can alter after an embryo transfer due to changing hormones.
Some women may even find increased vaginal discharge after their transfer, whereas some may complain about little to no discharge.
The lack of whitish discharge does not signify embryo transfer failure. However, one has to learn about what normal discharge would look like.
Why White Discharge Happens
Vaginal discharge increases, particularly white or creamy, are often a direct result of hormonal changes within the body, usually stimulants of estrogen and progesterone hormones which are often administered during IVF treatment.
These hormones have also been known to cause increased cervical mucus thickening which may go on to increase one’s discharge.
Discharge which is either white and odor-free is, for the most part, referred to as within normal range, since it may serve even as a possible early sign of pregnancy while the uterus is provided with protection.
Lack of White Discharge
The absence of white discharge does not mean the procedure of embryo transfer has failed.
Some women do not dispense too much after embryo transfer, and this may be due to slightly higher estrogen levels or may even be the case if the woman is on different medications
If there is no discharge and there are no accompanying unpleasant symptoms such as cramping or bleeding, it should not be seen as too negative.
But if the other symptoms reprieve, including loss of pregnancy symptoms, cramping, or bleeding, then it warrants visiting the doctor to get a further evaluation.
7 Days After Embryo Transfer: Symptoms to Watch
After embryo transfer, the first week is usually the most vital and filled with a lot of anxiety.
This is the time when the embryo could be attempting to implant itself in the lining of the uterus, causing some very early symptoms of pregnancy.
Day 1-2: Post-Transfer Recovery
You might not notice any changes in the first couple of days just after embryo transfer.
Most women will just take it easy and refrain from strenuous activities during this period.
A person may feel the body’s adjustments, which usually involve some slight cramping, a bit bloated, or a feeling of fullness.
Some women may also experience slight fresh spotting and it might be due to the procedure itself or implantation.
Day 3-4: Implantation Window
Around this time, the embryo may start the implantation process, but it can take a few days for the embryo to fully implant in the uterine lining.
Cramping during implantation, when the embryo is embedding itself into the lining, is a common occurrence and is usually accompanied by mild spotting.
There might also be an increased amount of vaginal discharge at this time which is completely normal.
Day 5-6: Early Pregnancy Signs
On day five or six, several women may start to experience early signs of pregnancy such as breast tenderness, fatigue, and mild nausea.
However, some of these signs and symptoms may be due to the hormonal treatments (such as progesterone) used in the IVF procedure and, therefore, cannot be relied upon solely as a sign of pregnancy.
Day 7: The Wait for the Pregnancy Test
By day 7, implantation should be complete, and it is usually the time when a pregnancy test is scheduled.
By now, you may be noticing some slight bodily changes like slight puffiness, mood swings, and, for some, more swollen, tender breasts.
Many women at this stage notice a metallic taste in their mouths, or a heightened sense of smell.
While these signs are definitely positive and should give you hope, only a blood pregnancy test will tell you if the transfer was successful.
Body Changes After Embryo Transfer
Following embryo transfer, the body goes through several hormonal and physical changes due to the medication used for stimulating the ovaries and preparing the uterus for implantation as well as by the changes that occur in a natural way during the early stages of pregnancy in case of a successful implantation.
Hormonal Changes
The first factor is the hormonal medications that have been used in this IVF treatment- progesterone and estrogen.
These hormones will be responsible for making your uterine lining thicker and sustaining an early pregnancy if implantation occurs.
Here are a few of the changes that might occur:
● Breast changes: Tenderness, swelling, or darkened areolas.
● Bloating: Increased progesterone can lead to a feeling of fullness or bloating.
● Mood swings: Hormonal fluctuations can cause irritability or emotional highs and lows.
● Increased cervical mucus: Some women notice more discharge, which is usually white or creamy in texture.
Physical Changes
Apart from hormonal changes, there are physical changes that take place in the body as well after embryo transfer which are often mild but may include:
● Mild cramping: As the uterus adjusts to the presence of the embryo, mild cramps may be felt, similar to those experienced before a menstrual period.
● Fatigue: Increased progesterone levels can lead to feelings of tiredness and fatigue.
● Increased appetite: Some women report an increased appetite during this time.
After Embryo Transfer: Day by Day Symptoms
The first week following embryo transfer is filled with anticipation and many physical changes. Here’s what to expect day by day after the procedure:
Day 1 & 2
Expect minimal symptoms, but some mild cramping or bloating can occur. It is important to take care of your body along with proper rest.
Day 3 & 4
Implantation may be started with light spotting or cramps felt by the patient.
Increased discharges may be noticed as well.
Day 5 & 6
Expect more apparent symptoms of early pregnancy, such as fatigue, sore breasts, and mood swings.
Some women may also feel mild nausea.
Day 7
The pregnancy test is usually performed on the 7th day.
Symptoms might become more pronounced and one may be feeling signs of early pregnancy such as tiredness, change in appetite, and changes in the breast.
Conclusion
Once the embryo transfer is done, the period after that is filled with uncertainty, and both positive and negative signs may emerge.
It is essential to note any signals your body may be giving, and likewise, it is equally important to convey any concern, however small it may be, to your doctor.
Whether you experience mild cramping or early pregnancy symptoms, remember that each IVF journey is unique, and the most definitive sign of success will be the results of your pregnancy test.
