Is my Embryo Transfer Successful ?

Jun 28, 2024By shradhaivf IVF & Maternity
shradhaivf IVF & Maternity

Waiting for the results of a pregnancy test for two weeks can be very stressful. Is there any way to know if it will be successful pregnancy?

The 2-week wait from an embryo transfer to when you can take a pregnancy test can feel like an eternity.

No definite sign indicates the success of embryo transfer after IVF treatment. Some symptom may indicate the high chance of success during fertility journey. 
You may feel anxious and stressed while checking for signs of pregnancy.

However, many people continue to monitor any favorable signs that may signal a successful embryo transfer. While you may not experience all of these symptoms, it is critical to recognize their significance in the process.

Some feature which may indicate successful embryo implantation are
-Slight Spotting
-Cramp
-Sore Breast
-Feeling and fatigued
-Nausea & Vomiting
-Increased Vaginal Discharge
-Increased frequency of micturation
-No Symptom

Spotting

Very slight bleeding or spotting is often the first sign of pregnancy.

If you see blood in your underwear or on toilet paper when you wipe, it could be a sign of implantation. Implantation is when the embryo attaches to the lining of your uterus.

Dr Shradha Chakhaiyar cautions that some bleeding after 1 week may be a good sign, but it may also be a sign of concern due to risk of abortion. Expecting mother are advised rest , and avoidance of exertional activity and to have faith on God. 

Also, spotting is normal when taking hormone medicines like progesterone during the first two weeks after the embryo transfer.

Most likely, your doctor will tell you to keep taking progesterone so that your body can make the same amount of hormones it did in the early weeks of pregnancy. This means that spotting might or might not mean that the egg transfer went well.

Cramp

Cramping is one among the earliest indicators that "Aunt Flow" is on its way. It may also indicate that an embryo transfer was successful.

However, before you rush to get a pregnancy test, keep in mind that mild discomfort could be caused by the progesterone you're taking during the 2-week waiting period, according to the National Infertility Association.

And for some people, mild cramping can also occur immediately following any pelvic procedure.

Breast Tenderness

Sore breasts are an early indicative sign of pregnancy for some women.

If your breasts are tender or swollen to the touch and cause discomfort when you jostle them, this may indicate a successful embryo transfer.

Dr Shradha Chakhaiyar, Senior IVF consultant at Shradha IVF says breast tenderness is usually due to the effect of pregnancy hormones and it may not be a confirmed indicator of early sign of pregnancy.

However, the hormone medication you are taking during the two-week delay may also cause sore breasts as a side effect. Breast tenderness is also a known side effect of oral and injectable progesterone.

Tired & fatigued

Feeling tired & fatigued seems to be a part of pregnancy from day 1 till delivery and even after that. . But you may feel extra sleepy early on when your progesterone levels soar.

In general, most people experience fatigue around the time they are due for their period. While this may signal a successful embryo transfer, it could also be a side effect of the fertility medications you're taking. 

The most prevalent reason of exhaustion is an increase in progesterone levels, which can occur during pregnancy or as a result of prescribed drugs.

Nausea & Morning sickness 

Nausea or morning sickness usually begins in the second month of pregnancy, so it's not something you'd notice in the two weeks after an embryo transfer. 

Many people who experience this terrible symptom report feeling ill to their stomach around two weeks after missing their period.

However, if you suffer nausea or vomiting throughout the two-week period, make a note of it, especially if it becomes regular, and consult your doctor. 

The additional bloating around your stomach can be attributed to an increase in progesterone levels. When this hormone levels rise, as they can when you're pregnant or using fertility medicines, it might slow down your digestive system and make you feel more bloated than usual. 

This can occur before your period, when pregnant, or while taking progesterone and other medications during in vitro fertilization or after an embryo transfer. 

If your doctor prescribes progesterone in a vaginal preparation (suppositories, gel, or vaginal tablets) for use during the two-week waiting period, you may observe changes in vaginal discharge that are unrelated to a positive pregnancy test. 

Side effects of utilizing vaginal capsules or suppositories include burning, irritation, discharge, and yeast infections.

Increased Vaginal Discharge

An increase in vaginal discharge may potentially be an early indicator of pregnancy. If the changes are the result of a successful embryo transfer (and, ultimately, a positive pregnancy test), you may notice a thin, white, mild-smelling discharge during the first few weeks of pregnancy. 

Late-night toilet trips and an increasing need for pit stops may indicate an early pregnancy. 

Frequent Micturation

Some people even notice the need to urinate more frequently before their period. However, this is most likely another symptom you will experience after missing a period. 

The frequent bathroom visits are caused by an increase in the pregnancy hormone hCG, as well as a surge in progesterone. If the embryo transfer was successful, the increased need to pee is due to the excess blood in your body. 

Unfortunately, excessive urination can also be an indication of a urinary tract infection, so consult your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms: 

Symptoms may include painful urination, urgent need to pee, bleeding, fever, nausea, and vomiting. 

A missed period may indicate pregnancy, especially if your cycle is regular. For people who can count on having their period at the same time every month, being late may suggest that it's time to get a pregnancy test. 

No Symptoms

If you read this list and realize that none of these apply to you, don't worry. Just because you don't have specific symptoms doesn't mean the embryo transfer was unsuccessful.

"The presence or absence of these symptoms are nonspecific and do not predict pregnancy outcome," according to Dr. Chakhaiyar. According to him, the symptoms indicated above are most usually caused by estrogen and progesterone therapy. 

"In fact, 10 to 15 percent of patients have no symptoms at all, but still thankfully have a positive pregnancy test," the doctor states. 

Positive Pregnancy test

A positive pregnancy test is the only way to know for sure that your embryo transfer was successful. 

We know you want to see those two lines or the plus sign. However, if you test too soon after an embryo transfer, you risk being disappointed, as well as losing $15 for the test. 

Ideally, wait until you have missed your period. This will provide the most accurate results. 

But, let's be honest: patience is difficult to maintain. So, if you're eager to test, wait at least ten days after the transfer. 

Dr Shradha said the embryo will attach within 48 to 72 hours of transplantation. The growing embryo will then grow in size and metabolic activity, producing more hCG until it is consistently detectable 9 to 10 days following embryo transfer. This is why your clinic is likely to schedule an hCG blood test around this time. 

The two-week journey following an embryo transfer is frequently packed with emotional, stressful, and taxing ups and downs. 

Although some early indicators, like as light bleeding, spotting, and cramps, may indicate that the operation was successful, the only way to know for certain is to take a positive pregnancy test.