Surrogates

What to Expect After the Embryo Transfer

After embryo transfer, day-by-day symptoms can vary from person to person, but some surrogates may experience symptoms like cramping and light bleeding along with mood changes.

During this time, there are numerous changes happening within the body as the embryo begins to implant in the uterus. It’s important to understand what to expect during this critical time and how to distinguish between normal symptoms, positive signs, and potential red flags.

In this article, we will guide you through what happens after embryo transfer day-by-day with symptoms to look for, a list of positive and negative signs, and useful tips on self-care.

Interested in becoming a surrogate? Find out if you’re eligible when you fill out this simple form.

Read more about what symptoms to expect after the embryo transfer in this article.

After Embryo Transfer: Day-By-Day Symptoms

Day 1: The Day of Transfer

On the day of the embryo transfer process, you might not feel much immediately after the procedure, but it’s normal to experience some mild cramping or a full feeling in your abdomen. The embryo has been placed in the uterus, and now the waiting game begins. It’s important to take it easy this day and rest to help minimize any stress on your body.

Possible Symptoms: Mild cramping, bloating, or a feeling of fullness in the abdomen.
What You Can Do: Relax, stay hydrated, and follow your doctor’s advice on activity levels.

Days 2-3 After Embryo Transfer Process: Hormonal Changes

During the first few days after the embryo transfer, you may not notice any significant symptoms. However, your body is beginning to adjust to the hormone medications, which may cause mild discomfort. Hormones like estrogen and progesterone are working to prepare the uterine lining for implantation.

Possible Symptoms: Mild cramping, bloating, tender breasts, fatigue, or mood swings due to hormonal fluctuations.
What You Can Do: Focus on maintaining hydration, eating well, and avoiding strenuous activities. Take it easy, and try to stay positive.

Days 4-7 After Embryo Transfer Process : Early Signs of Implantation

This is the usual window when implantation could occur. The embryo is attempting to burrow into the uterine lining. Some surrogates may begin to feel the effects of early implantation, though this varies from person to person.

Possible Symptoms: Spotting (light pink or brown discharge), cramping, or changes in cervical mucus. Some women may also experience nausea, though this is rare at this stage.
What to Do: Continue to take prescribed medications, stay hydrated, and rest. If you notice any spotting or mild cramping, it may be due to implantation, but always contact your healthcare provider if you are concerned.

Days 8-10 After Embryo Transfer Process: More Noticeable Symptoms

At this stage, some women begin to experience more noticeable symptoms related to implantation or the hormonal medications. If implantation has occurred, you might start to feel different changes in your body, but nothing is guaranteed.

Possible Symptoms: Light spotting or implantation bleeding, bloating, tender breasts, slight cramping, or fatigue. Some women also experience mood swings.
What You Can Do: Continue your regular medications and take time for self-care. This can be an emotional time, so lean on your support system and continue to rest.

Days 11-13 After Embryo Transfer Process: Pregnancy May be Detectable

By this point, you may have noticed various symptoms, but it’s still too early to confirm pregnancy. Your body is likely adjusting to hormonal changes, and the embryo is in the early stages of implantation.

Possible Symptoms: Cramping, fatigue, nausea, or breast tenderness. Some women may feel bloated or have increased urination.

What You Can Do: Rest and stay hydrated, avoid excessive physical activity, and reduce stress as much as possible. This is a critical time, so support from family or a counselor can help ease anxiety.

Day 14 After Embryo Transfer Process: Test for Pregnancy

The two-week wait culminates in the pregnancy test, which typically involves a blood test to check for the hormone hCG. A positive result means that the embryo has implanted successfully, but further testing will be necessary to confirm a healthy pregnancy.

Possible Symptoms: By this time, you may have more noticeable symptoms like nausea, breast tenderness, or light spotting. These are positive signs that implantation may have been successful.
What You Can Do: Stay calm and patient. Your doctor will confirm the results and schedule follow-up appointments.

Positive Signs After Embryo Transfer

While positive signs after embryo transfer are not definitive, some symptoms may indicate that implantation has occurred and pregnancy is progressing. These include:

Spotting or Light Bleeding: Light spotting or implantation bleeding may occur between days 6 and 12, typically a sign of implantation.
No Period: Missing your period is one of the most common early signs of pregnancy.
Morning Sickness: Nausea or vomiting may begin as early as day 12-14 after the transfer.
Breast Changes: Breast tenderness, swelling, or darkening of the nipples can indicate the early stages of pregnancy.
Fatigue: Increased fatigue is common as your body adjusts to pregnancy hormones.

It’s important to note that while these positive signs after embryo transfer can suggest pregnancy, they are not 100% reliable, and a blood test is the only way to confirm pregnancy.

How many days after embryo transfer do you feel symptoms?

Symptoms can begin to appear as early as 3-5 days after embryo transfer, though some women may not feel anything until later in the two-week wait.

Negative Signs After Embryo Transfer

While mild cramping and spotting are common, there are certain negative signs after embryo transfer that could indicate a problem. If you experience any of the following symptoms, it’s important to contact your fertility clinic:

Heavy Bleeding: Heavy bleeding, similar to a period, is a cause for concern and may indicate a miscarriage or an issue with the embryo.
Severe Pain: Intense pain, especially if it is sharp or one-sided, could indicate an ectopic pregnancy or ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).
Severe Bloating: Extreme bloating, along with nausea and vomiting could also be a sign of OHSS.

In any case of heavy bleeding, severe pain or unusual symptoms, always contact a medical professional immediately.

Practical Advice for Surrogates During the Two-Week Wait

Waiting for the embryo implantation process after transfer can be stressful, but there are steps you can take to support your well-being. Here are some tips to help you take care of yourself during this critical time:

Hydration: Stay hydrated to support your body’s recovery and maintain proper hormonal balance.
Rest: Resting and avoiding strenuous physical activity can help reduce stress and give your body the best chance to focus on the implantation process.
Reduce Stress: Stress can negatively impact fertility, so try to relax and avoid anxiety. Meditation, deep breathing, and other relaxation techniques can help.
Balanced Nutrition: Eating a healthy, balanced diet can help keep your body nourished and strong.
Emotional Support: This period can be emotionally challenging, so it’s important to lean on your support network, whether that’s family, friends, or a therapist.

Next Steps

After embryo transfer, pregnancy can begin, or you may reassess to determine next steps after you take a pregnancy test.

Learn more about the medical process of surrogacy and find out if you’re eligible to become a surrogate when you fill out this simple form.