After an embryo transfer, the 2-week wait before a pregnancy test can feel
like an eternity for several women. Most women experience a lot of stress
and usually experience different symptoms. There are no specific
symptoms of pregnancy until a pregnancy test is carried out. Some
symptoms such as abdominal bloating, nausea, or tender nipples may be
side effects of the drugs being administered.
SIGNS OF A SUCCESSFUL IVF TRANSFER
Most women look out for any symptoms that may indicate a successful
embryo transfer. They include:
No symptoms
About 2 out of 10 women may not experience any symptoms of pregnancy
during the 2 weeks wait after the embryo transfer. The absence of
symptoms does not mean you are not pregnant. The only sure sign of a
pregnancy is a positive pregnancy test.
Vaginal bleeding or spotting
Scanty vaginal bleeding may be a sign of implantation of the embryo.
However, spotting is also common due to progesterone administration
during the 2 weeks after the embryo transfer.
Sore breasts
This is also a pregnancy symptom but could also be a side effect of the
hormone progesterone administered to support the pregnancy.
Abdominal Cramp
This is a feared symptom among women because it could be a sign that
menses is near. It may also be a sign that an embryo transfer was
successful. Abdominal cramping can also occur during the intake of
progesterone.
Nausea
Nausea could occur when taking oral progesterone. It is not usually an
early sign of pregnancy. However, some women who get pregnant report
this feeling before the pregnancy test.
Tiredness or fatigue
Tiredness is not a specific symptom as it could be caused by the rising
progesterone levels following progesterone administration. It is also a
pregnancy symptom.
Increased frequency of urination
Increased urination is one of the early signs of pregnancy. It could also be
a sign of increased levels of progesterone.
However, if the urination is painful, with associated fever and vomiting, it
could be a sign of a urinary tract infection.
Abdominal Bloating
This is another non-specific symptom as the progesterone administered
could be responsible. Pregnancy also causes bloating.
Missed period
A missed period can be a sign of pregnancy, especially in women with
regular menses.
WHEN TO TAKE THE PREGNANCY TEST
The blood pregnancy test is carried out 2 weeks after the implantation. A
blood test is done. It is the only guaranteed way to determine if you’re
pregnant.
While we understand the challenges faced by women while waiting for their
tests, we counsel our clients to remain calm while awaiting the test results.
