One of nature’s most stunning examples of life-sustaining is a woman’s body preparing or getting ready to welcome a pregnancy. The embryo transfer is the final and most important phase in the in vitro fertilization procedure (IVF). With the use of a transfer cannula, an embryo or embryos are put in the uterus of the future mother. An ultrasound scan can help guide the safe placement of the embryo, ensuring the transfer’s success.

After the embryo transfer, it will take another 14 days to see if the result is good and if the pregnancy has taken place. Some women may experience symptoms that are similar to those of pregnancy as a result of the hormone medication that is part of the IVF process. When it comes to recognizing indicators of a successful embryo transfer, it is critical that the woman is not left in the dark.

Early Process and its Effect on Health 

It might be stressful to wait two weeks between an embryo transfer and a pregnancy test because it is indeed a slow and crucial process. Treatment for in vitro fertilization (IVF) may be an emotionally draining experience, with hormones running high and expectations on the line. It’s no surprise, however, that the two-week period between an embryo transfer and a pregnancy test may wreak havoc on your nerves.

IVF patients are aware that there is no certainty that it will result in a successful pregnancy, which contributes to their worry. You may find yourself scrutinizing every sensation in the two weeks following your embryo transfer, hoping for a sign that the procedure has succeeded. That’s a perfectly typical reaction, but try to maintain your composure. Instead, keep in mind that while some people who have had a successful embryo transfer may have early pregnancy symptoms like bloating and nausea in the first several weeks, others may not.

Following the embryo transfer

While a frozen embryo transfer is a common medical treatment, it’s critical to look after yourself afterward to ensure your safety, minimize potential adverse effects, and improve your chances of fertilization and pregnancy.

After the embryo transfer, you will be asked to lie down on your back for about an hour and relax. Because embryo transfer is a minimally invasive process, there may not be a requirement for such a long rest period thereafter.

Read Also: Embryo Freezing Process

Signs that indicate a positive response

1. Soreness in the breasts

Keep an eye out for painful or swollen breasts as one of the earliest symptoms of a successful embryo transfer. Early in pregnancy, breast soreness is common. Some women, however, have cyclical breast pain as a result of fluctuations in hormone levels during their menstrual periods. It could also be due to the oestrogen you’ve been taking during your IVF cycle, so this isn’t necessarily a good indicator of a successful transfer.

2. Spotting

The embryo embedding itself into the uterine lining, signalling the start of a pregnancy, may cause a little quantity of blood in your underwear or be noted when going to the bathroom.

3. Bloating

Another encouraging indicator is if you feel bloated in your lower belly, similar to how you might feel at the start of your period. This is because progesterone levels rise during early pregnancy, and high levels of progesterone have been linked to bloating symptoms.

However, any bloating should be monitored, especially if it is accompanied by pain. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a potentially serious condition that occurs when the ovaries swell due to excess hormones from injectable fertility medication. While rare and unlikely, this combination of symptoms could be an indication of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).

4. Cramping

Mild cramping is a frequent symptom that your period has arrived, but it can also be a hopeful sign that an embryo transfer went well. Early in pregnancy, progesterone causes muscles and ligaments to loosen and become more flexible to accommodate a baby, which can cause cramping.

5. Nausea

Although nausea is unpleasant, it can be a sign of a successful transfer as your body begins to respond to pregnancy hormones. It’s important to note that nausea from a successful embryo transfer is not the same as ordinary pregnancy nausea and vomiting, which usually doesn’t start until four to six weeks into the pregnancy.

6. Increased vaginal discharge

Following your embryo transfer, you may notice an increase in vaginal discharge. This rise is frequent during early pregnancy because it helps to prevent infections from spreading from the vaginal area to the uterus. Vaginal discharge from a healthy woman is thin, transparent, or milky white, and has a moderate odour. If you’re concerned about an odd discharge, make an appointment with your doctor.

7. Fatigue and exhaustion

Fatigue is a common complaint among pregnant women, and it can begin as early as day one due to a rapid rise in progesterone levels. So if you’ve been nodding asleep in front of the TV earlier than usual, it could be a sign of a successful embryo transfer.

8. Frequent Urination

Early signs of pregnancy include frequent bathroom visits during the night and an increased need for pit stops.

Before missing their period, many women feel compelled to urinate more regularly. However, this is frequently a sign that you haven’t had your period in a while. A surge in the amounts of the pregnancy hormones hCG and progesterone causes frequent toilet visits. The increased need to urinate is caused by the extra blood in your body if your embryo transfer was successful. 

Getting some rest

While some doctors recommend that patients rest for a full day after the surgery, others recommend that patients move around in low-impact ways to promote blood flow to the womb and increase their chances of becoming pregnant.

Read Also: Embryo Grading Process

There’s no proof that you need to stay in bed following the treatment, so do what you believe is best for you, whether it’s going for a short stroll or napping to relax.

After the embryo transfer operation, however, high or even moderate levels of exercise are not recommended. Many patients take time off from work or school to unwind at home before returning to their regular routine the next day.