Embryo transfer, the final phase of an IVF cycle, is also a phase followed by loads of hope and anticipation. You begin to look out for signs that indicate a positive result of pregnancy.
Sometimes, you sense how your body changes after embryo transfer. Sometimes you do not. Both are normal. But changes are going on in your body after embryo transfer, even if you sense it or not.
These bodily changes may be hormonal or physical but are indicators of the embryo implantation process taking place inside the uterus.
So, embrace the bodily changes after embryo transfer gladly. Contact your fertility doctor only if you find your body changes to be unusual or severe.
What Bodily Changes to Expect After Embryo Transfer?
As far as hormonal changes are concerned, you will find a surge in hormones such as hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), progesterone, and other pregnancy-related hormones. These hormones, in turn, cause physical reactions such as nausea, vomiting, breast soreness, cramping, etc.
You may also encounter changes in the texture of vaginal discharge and light spotting if the embryo transfer has been a success.
Day-by-Day Symptoms After Embryo Transfer
Tracking down the symptoms or changes your body undergoes after embryo transfer can help monitor the day-by-day progress of the embryo implantation case.
However, it is to be noted that the body changes can vary from person to person, and even the days of the symptoms’ occurrence differ. Also, the symptoms after embryo transfer are similar to those of early pregnancy symptoms.
Days 1-2 After Embryo Transfer
The embryo does not get implanted right after embryo transfer. It takes a day or two before the implantation process gets done.
The embryo may get transferred during the cleavage stage or the blastocyst stage. If the embryo is transferred during the cleavage stage, it progresses to the blastocyst stage before the inner cell mass (ICM) or embryoblast hatches to implant on the uterine lining.
During the initial days after embryo transfer, since there is no attachment of the embryoblast to the uterine wall taking place, there are no changes that the body undergoes as well.
Days 3-5 After Embryo Transfer
This is the period of implantation, also called the ‘implantation window,’ when the embryoblast attaches itself to the uterine lining. Fetal and placenta cells begin to develop.
With the attachment of the embryo to the uterus, bodily changes begin to take place. You may experience spotting or light bleeding, mild cramping, and bloating of the lower abdomen region.
Spotting or light bleeding is nothing to be afraid of. It only means that the embryo implantation has been successful. The rupture of the tiny blood cells while the embryo attaches itself to the uterus is the reason for the light bleeding or spotting.
Cramping and bloating of the abdominal region are caused by the intrusion of the foreign cell (the embryo) inside the body (uterus). Cramping and bloating will wear off over time.
Day 6-8 After Embryo Transfer
Had the embryo implantation taken place after the initial days of embryo transfer, you may encounter early pregnancy symptoms around this period.
After embryo implantation, the hCG begins to be produced, and the level increases in blood. The hCG hormone causes tender and sore breasts and fatigue.
Day 9-12 After Embryo Transfer
The level of hCG hormone begins to increase with every day of embryo development. Also, the hCG hormone is administered during IVF treatment through injections. So, with increasing levels of hCG in blood and uterine, you may begin to experience sensitive breasts, the need to urinate frequently, heightened senses of taste and smell, mood swings, etc.
Day 13-15 After Embryo Transfer
You will miss your menses around this period if the embryo implantation has been successful. Symptoms of nausea, fatigue, sore breasts, and mood swings begin to continue.
When to Reach Out to Your Doctor
Consult the best fertility doctor if you encounter any of the above-mentioned symptoms in a severe form. Also, consult your doctor if you encounter heavy bleeding.
If your IVF specialist has recommended, visit the clinic after the two-week mark to take a proper pregnancy test.
Conclusion
Bodily changes are inevitable after embryo transfer. But do not be more focussed on encountering pregnancy symptoms because these symptoms do not occur for everyone.
Even if you do not encounter any symptoms because of bodily changes after embryo transfer, you may still be positive for pregnancy. So consult your doctor to confirm your pregnancy status and also if you face extreme discomfort due to the symptoms.
To know more about body changes after embryo transfer and how to cope with it, contact a fertility specialist.
Stay away from caffeine, alcohol and tobacco. Avoid unpasteurized milk and raw eggs as they carry the risk of food-borne illnesses that can harm the embryo.
Eat green leafy vegetables and lean proteins. Prefer fresh and organic foods over processed foods. Make sure that your body gets enough essential micro and macro-nutrients.
You may experience pregnancy symptoms a few days after the embryo gets implanted in the uterus or after two weeks when the hCG level increases in blood and urine due to pregnancy.
