Spotting After Embryo Transfer

Light spotting after embryo transfer can be a positive sign of early pregnancy, but it can also be caused by other factors..

Understanding when spotting is normal and when to consult your doctor can help you manage this experience with confidence.

The two week wait can feel uncertain, but you can get support to navigate it with confidence. Your health is the top priority as a surrogate. Learn more about how your needs are covered as a surrogate.

Spotting After Embryo Transfer

Spotting after embryo transfer is generally a small amount of brownish or pinkish discharge. It can be caused by vaginal irritation during transfer, hormonal medications like progesterone taken before transfer, or can be caused by implantation a few days after the embryo transfer.

When to Expect Spotting After IVF Embryo Transfer

Some women experience spotting after embryo transfer day 1, while others experience spotting several days after transfer. Around 6-10 days after transfer, when you are most likely to have embryo implantation, spotting after embryo transfer may mean your embryo is becoming a pregnancy.

You can also experience spotting after embryo transfer day 7 or later in some cases due to hormone fluctuations and vaginal changes.

Curious about what to expect during your two-week wait? Check out our comprehensive guide to help you manage this anxious time.

Is spotting a good sign after embryo transfer?

Spotting after an embryo transfer can be a sign of implantation, which is a positive outcome in IVF, as it indicates that the embryo may be attaching to the uterine wall.

However, it can also occur due to the hormonal medications used in the IVF process (like progesterone and estrogen), and sometimes it is just a side effect of the procedure.

What if I have No Spotting After Embryo Transfer?

It is common to experience implantation spotting after embryo transfer, however, not all women experience implantation bleeding.

If you do not have any spotting or bleeding after embryo transfer, that doesn’t mean that the transfer was unsuccessful.

What to Do About Spotting After Embryo Transfer

1. Monitor the Spotting

Keep track of the amount and color of the spotting. Light spotting or brownish/pinkish discharge is generally normal and it often resolves within a day or two.

 Heavy bleeding (similar to a period) or bright red blood should be noted and reported to your fertility clinic, as it may indicate a potential problem such as a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy.

2. Avoid Stress (As Much As Possible)

Mental stress can amplify physical symptoms and make the experience of spotting feel more concerning. Take deep breaths, practice relaxation techniques like yoga, deep breathing, or meditation, and try to stay calm.

Stress reduction is also good for overall fertility health, so anything you can do to stay as calm as possible can benefit both your emotional and physical well-being.

3. Rest and Relax

Rest is important after an embryo transfer, but there’s no need for complete bed rest unless instructed by your doctor. Avoid any heavy lifting, intense physical activity, or anything that could cause unnecessary strain. Taking it easy will help your body relax, which may reduce any discomfort or spotting.

4. Avoid Vaginal Insertion or Irritation

Avoid vaginal irritation that could cause spotting, such as douching, using tampons, or engaging in sexual intercourse (unless otherwise instructed by your doctor). Sometimes, gentle contact or stress on the cervix can lead to spotting after an embryo transfer.

5. Hydrate and Eat Well

Drink plenty of water and maintain a balanced diet. Hydration helps with overall health and energy, while eating well can ensure your body is getting the nutrients it needs to support the pregnancy if implantation has occurred.

6. Check Your Medications

Spotting can sometimes be caused by the hormonal medications used in IVF, such as progesterone or estrogen. If you’re concerned, contact your doctor to discuss whether any changes need to be made to your medication regimen.

7. Contact Your Fertility Clinic if Necessary

Notify your doctor if you experience:

• Heavy bleeding or bright red blood (as opposed to light spotting).
• Pain or severe cramping.
• Increased spotting over time.
• Fever or chills, which could indicate infection.

Your fertility clinic may advise you to go for a blood test to measure your hCG levels and check if the pregnancy has implanted successfully.

8. Wait for the Official Blood Test

Spotting is common and doesn’t always indicate a problem, but the only way to confirm pregnancy is through the blood test (usually 10–14 days after the embryo transfer). This test will measure hCG levels to determine whether implantation has occurred and whether the pregnancy is progressing.

9. Stay Positive (As Much As Possible)

The two-week wait can be a stressful period, and spotting can increase the anxiety. It’s important to stay as positive as you can, focusing on self-care and listening to your body. Not every symptom means something is wrong, and some spotting can be part of the normal process.

Call Your Doctor If

Other Common Symptoms After Embryo Transfer

In addition to spotting after embryo transfer, you may experience symptoms like cramping, upset stomach, breast tenderness, and mood changes. Read more about symptoms here.

While light spotting can be normal, it’s important to monitor your symptoms and consult with your fertility clinic if needed. If you’re a surrogate, our surrogacy professionals can help you navigate your health and communication with the intended family. Contact us now for support.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much spotting is normal after embryo transfer?

Spotting after embryo transfer should generally be very light, such as a few drops of blood or brown discharge.

If you notice heavier bleeding (like a period), this might indicate a problem, such as miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, but it can also be related to other factors like cervical irritation or the medications used. Light spotting (a few drops to light streaks) is usually normal, while anything heavier should be checked with your doctor.

How many days after embryo transfer do you get implantation bleeding?

Implantation bleeding typically occurs about 6-10 days after embryo transfer, as the embryo embeds itself into the uterine lining. For a fresh embryo transfer, implantation bleeding might happen anywhere within that range, with some women experiencing it a little earlier or later. In some cases, women may become pregnant without implantation bleeding.

How do you know if you are pregnant after an IVF transfer?

The only definitive way to know if you are pregnant after an IVF transfer is through a blood test to measure hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin). This test is usually done 10-14 days after the embryo transfer.

Why is there blood when I wipe after embryo transfer?

Seeing blood when you wipe after embryo transfer can be due to a few reasons:

• Implantation bleeding: Implantation bleeding is a common cause of light bleeding after embryo transfer and can happen when the embryo attaches to the uterine wall. This blood is typically light, brownish, or pink, and may last for a short time.
• Cervical irritation: During the IVF procedure, instruments are inserted into the cervix and uterus, which can sometimes cause mild irritation or minor bleeding afterward. This type of bleeding is usually light and should resolve on its own.
• Hormonal changes: The hormonal medications (progesterone and estrogen) used during IVF can cause some mild spotting or irregular bleeding in the early stages of pregnancy or in the time before it is confirmed.