Bleeding after Embryo Transfer

Light bleeding or spotting can be normal soon after embryo transfer and is often harmless, but heavier bleeding can indicate a problem, espeically when accompanied by other symptoms.

Understanding the causes, timing and management of bleeding during this crucial phase of your IVF journey is essential.

As a surrogate, health concerns should always be shared with your medical team. Contact a surrogacy professional to help you keep your intended family informed.

Bleeding after IVF Embryo Transfer: What You Need to Know

Light bleeding or spotting after an IVF embryo transfer usually looks pinkish or light brown and may come along with light vaginal discharge.

Spotting is not usually a concern, but heavier bleeding that is closer to a period may indicate an issue. If you have any concerns about bleeding amount or if you have any other bothersome symptoms, you should address this with your doctor.

What Causes Bleeding after Embryo Transfer?

Light bleeding after embryo transfer can be caused by hormone changes, vaginal or cervical irritation during transfer, or implantation. Heavier bleeding can be an indication of a problem and should be evaluated by your doctor.

When Does Implantation Bleeding Occur After Embryo Transfer?

Bleeding can happen before embryo transfer, soon after, or later after embryo transfer. Light bleeding before or soon after transfer can be because of hormone fluctuations from medications or the embryo transfer itself. Implantation bleeding after embryo transfer usually happens around 6-10 days after embryo transfer, when the embryo is most likely to implant. Light bleeding around 7 days after embryo transfer is not usually a concern, and in some cases you may have some spotting or light bleeding before or after.

Does everyone have implantation bleeding after embryo transfer?

No, not everyone gets implantation bleeding after embryo transfer, and some women experience some bleeding without implantation, so bleeding after embryo transfer it is not a predictor of pregnancy.

The best way to determine pregnancy is through a blood test administered by your doctor.

What to Do About Bleeding After Embryo Transfer

1. Identify the Type of Bleeding

• Light Spotting: If you notice only a small amount of blood, it could be implantation bleeding or light bleeding caused by the medications you’re taking (e.g., progesterone or estrogen). Implantation bleeding happens when the embryo embeds itself in the uterine lining and is typically light and short-lived.
• Heavy Bleeding: If you experience heavier bleeding (similar to a period), this could indicate a more serious issue, such as a miscarriage, an ectopic pregnancy, or a complication related to the embryo transfer.
• Bright Red or Dark Brown Blood: Bright red blood may suggest more active bleeding, while dark brown blood may indicate older blood that’s being expelled. Both can be normal in certain cases, but it’s important to monitor them.

2. Stay Calm and Monitor the Bleeding

• Track the Amount and Duration: Keep an eye on the amount and color of the blood. If it’s light and resolves within a short time, it may be harmless. If the bleeding increases or persists, it could indicate a problem.
• Note Accompanying Symptoms: Pay attention to whether the bleeding is accompanied by severe cramping, pain, or clots, as these symptoms require immediate medical attention.

3. Rest and Avoid Strenuous Activity

• Rest: Rest is crucial after an embryo transfer. If you’re bleeding, it may be beneficial to avoid physical activity or stress to reduce the risk of further irritation to the uterus.
• Avoid Lifting Heavy Objects and intense activities, as these could potentially increase bleeding or cause additional strain on your body.

4. Avoid Vaginal Insertion

No douching, tampon use, or sexual intercourse unless otherwise instructed by your doctor. These activities can cause further irritation or bleeding and should be avoided during this time.

5. Stay Hydrated and Eat Well

Drink plenty of water and eat nutritious meals to support your body while it navigates the IVF process and hormone treatment. Proper hydration and nutrition can help minimize the effects of bleeding and discomfort.

How much bleeding is normal after embryo transfer?

Light bleeding or spotting after embryo transfer can be normal, especially if it is not accompanied by other symptoms. However, heavier bleeding, similar to a period or heavier, should be addressed with your medical team.

Call Your Doctor If

Light bleeding after embryo transfer is common and may not be cause for alarm, but it’s always best to be cautious and keep your fertility clinic informed.

If the bleeding is heavy (like a period or worse), or if you’re experiencing severe pain or other concerning symptoms, call your fertility clinic.

If you notice severe cramping, intense pain, or dizziness, or if you experience heavy bleeding after embryo transfer, it could be a sign of a more serious complication. Seek immediate medical attention in these cases.

Fever, chills, or pain in the shoulder (which could indicate an ectopic pregnancy) should also prompt an urgent call to your doctor.

Other Common Symptoms After Embryo Transfer

In addition to light bleeding, you may experience mood changes, fatigue, upset stomach, mild cramping, and breast tenderness. Read more about symptoms here.

As a surrogate, sharing symptoms with the intended family can be a significant step in your pregnancy. Learn more about communicating with intended parents here, or get help from a surrogacy specialist now.

If you are considering becoming a surrogate, fill out this form and a surrogacy professional can help you navigate the medical process.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much bleeding is normal after IVF transfer?

A few drops or light streaks of blood, often brownish or pinkish, is typically normal after IVF transfer. This kind of bleeding usually lasts for a short time—a day or two—and is not typically a cause for concern.

If you experience heavier bleeding (similar to a period), especially if it’s combined with pain or cramping, you should contact your fertility clinic immediately as it could indicate complications.

Can you bleed after IVF and still be pregnant?

Yes, it is possible to bleed after IVF and still be pregnant. Light spotting or bleeding can be due to implantation or hormonal fluctuations. Heavier bleeding (like a period) during the two-week wait or afterward is not typically a good sign and should be reported to your doctor.

How many days after embryo transfer implantation bleeding?

Implantation bleeding typically occurs 6–10 days after embryo transfer, when the embryo embeds itself into the uterine lining. This timing can vary slightly depending on the individual and the timing of embryo transfer.

Not everyone experiences implantation bleeding, so its absence doesn’t necessarily mean the transfer wasn’t successful.

Do you bleed if an embryo transfer fails?

Bleeding can occur if an embryo transfer fails, but it is not guaranteed. In the case of an unsuccessful embryo transfer, a few things can happen:

• No bleeding: Some women may not bleed at all after a failed transfer, especially if the failure occurs early (before implantation or shortly after).
• Light bleeding or spotting: This might occur due to hormonal changes, the process of the embryo not implanting, or after the hCG levels drop.
• Heavy bleeding: If the failure is accompanied by a miscarriage (in case of a biochemical pregnancy, where implantation occurs but the pregnancy is not viable), heavy bleeding may follow.

If you experience heavy bleeding or have concerns about bleeding after an IVF transfer, it’s important to contact your doctor. They will likely conduct a blood test to check hCG levels and determine whether you are pregnant or not.