Pregnancy Symptoms After Embryo Transfer

Pregnancy symptoms after embryo transfer can be an early sign of pregnancy success, but they vary for everyone. Knowing what to expect can provide reassurance during this exciting phase.

This guide will explain common implantation symptoms, when they typically occur, and how to cope with them.”

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

In this article, we will share common pregnancy symptoms after embryo transfer and help you navigate the first steps after embryo transfer.

Pregnancy Symptoms After Embryo Transfer

Pregnancy symptoms begin a few weeks after implantation and persist throughout the pregnancy, while embryo transfer symptoms may happen in the first two weeks after embryo transfer and won’t persist in most cases.

Symptoms may vary from person to person and aren’t a good indicator of whether or not embryo transfer was successful.

Learn more about when to test for pregnancy after frozen embryo transfer here.

Symptoms of pregnancy may be:

Nausea/Vomiting

One of the common symptoms of positive pregnancy after embryo transfer is upset stomach or nausea/vomiting.

What Causes It: Hormonal changes after embryo transfer, particularly increased progesterone levels, can cause nausea and vomiting.

When it Happens: It may occur a few days to a couple of weeks after the transfer, often around the time of implantation.

What to Do: Stay hydrated, eat small, frequent meals, avoid strong smells, and try ginger tea or acupressure bands for relief.

Frequent Urination

Another early pregnancy symptom after embryo transfer is frequent urination.

What Causes It: Early pregnancy hormones increase blood flow to the kidneys and bladder, causing more frequent urination.

When it Happens: This symptom may appear around the time of implantation or within a few weeks after embryo transfer.

What to Do: Drink plenty of water, but avoid consuming too much before bed to minimize nighttime trips to the bathroom.

Missed Period

One of the first symptoms of pregnancy after embryo transfer is missed period.

What Causes It: A missed period is a common early sign of pregnancy due to the embryo implanting and progesterone preventing menstruation.

When it Happens: It typically occurs 1–2 weeks after the embryo transfer, coinciding with the expected time of your period.

What to Do: Wait for a pregnancy test to confirm; if you’re concerned; consult your doctor to check hormone levels.

Tender Breasts

What Causes It: Increased levels of estrogen and progesterone during early pregnancy can cause your breasts to feel sore or tender.

When it Happens: This can occur shortly after embryo transfer, often within a few days to a week.

What to Do: Wear a supportive bra, avoid tight clothing, and apply warm or cold compresses for relief.

Bloating

What Causes It: Progesterone can slow down digestion, causing bloating, while ovarian stimulation from IVF may also contribute.

When it Happens: Bloating can begin within a few days after embryo transfer and may persist for a couple of weeks.

What to Do: Eat smaller meals, avoid carbonated drinks and foods that cause gas, and drink plenty of water to ease bloating.

Fatigue

What Causes It: Increased levels of progesterone and the body’s adjustment to early pregnancy can cause tiredness and low energy.

When it Happens: Fatigue can set in as early as a few days after embryo transfer and may last for several weeks.

What to Do: Get plenty of rest, listen to your body, and avoid overexertion. If fatigue is severe, consult your doctor for advice.

When do you start having pregnancy symptoms after embryo transfer?

Pregnancy symptoms after an embryo transfer can begin to appear anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks after the procedure. Some women may experience early signs like mild cramping, bloating, or breast tenderness as early as 3 to 5 days post-transfer.

Other women may not notice any symptoms until closer to the time of their pregnancy test, around 10–14 days after the transfer. It’s important to remember that these symptoms can vary widely from person to person, and some women may not experience noticeable symptoms at all during this early stage.

What if I don’t feel pregnancy symptoms after embryo transfer? Experiencing no pregnancy symptoms after an embryo transfer doesn’t necessarily mean you’re not pregnant, as many women may not feel any noticeable changes in the early stages.

It’s important to follow your clinic’s recommended testing time frame for the most accurate results, as symptoms can vary greatly from person to person, and a pregnancy test will give a clearer answer.

When to Contact Your Doctor

You should contact your doctor if you experience:

• Severe cramping
• Heavy bleeding
• Sharp abdominal pain
• Fever
• Chills
• Unusual swelling or redness around injection sites
• Persistent nausea and vomiting,
• Dizziness
• Unusual changes

Whether you’re considering surrogacy or already on your journey, we are ready to help. Contact us today to get the support you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do you start having pregnancy symptoms after embryo transfer?

Pregnancy symptoms after an embryo transfer can vary, but many women start experiencing symptoms around 5-7 days after the transfer, as implantation occurs and hCG levels begin to rise.

However, some women may not notice symptoms until 10-14 days after the transfer, especially if they are waiting for the blood test to confirm pregnancy. Early symptoms may include fatigue, breast tenderness, mild cramping, and bloating.

Can implantation fail due to stress?

While stress can affect overall health and well-being, there is no direct evidence that stress causes implantation failure. It’s important to manage stress, but the main factors influencing implantation are the embryo’s quality and the health of the uterine lining.

Do IVF pregnancies have less symptoms?

IVF pregnancies do not necessarily have fewer symptoms than pregnancies conceived naturally. However, the hormonal treatments involved in IVF (such as progesterone) can cause symptoms similar to those of early pregnancy, such as fatigue, bloating, and mood swings, which might make it harder to distinguish between pregnancy symptoms and medication side effects.

 IVF pregnancies can experience typical pregnancy symptoms like nausea, fatigue, and breast tenderness, but every woman’s experience is different.

Can you get pregnant naturally during an IVF cycle?

It’s unlikely to get pregnant naturally during an IVF cycle, especially if you are undergoing ovarian stimulation or embryo transfer. However, in some rare cases, women have become pregnant naturally during an IVF cycle if they ovulate unexpectedly.

IVF generally aims to control the timing of ovulation and fertilization to ensure the best possible outcome.