In vitro fertilisation (IVF) has become a relatively common path to pregnancy for many couples struggling with infertility in recent decades. While the basic IVF procedure of fertilising eggs with sperm in a lab, growing viable embryos, and transferring them into the uterus remains scientifically complex, it is increasingly well-understood. However, what happens in the days immediately following the embryo transfer as women wait anxiously to learn if implantation has occurred still feels mysterious for most.
As the embryos implant, the body begins undergoing rapid changes that can cause various symptoms, some similar to typical early pregnancy symptoms. Knowing what to expect within 7 days after embryo transfer symptoms can provide reassurance during this anxious two-week wait. This blog outlines the most common symptoms seen 7 days after an embryo transfer procedure.
7 Days After Embryo Transfer Symptoms:
Implantation Bleeding
Anything that involves bleeding may sound troublesome, but this is common for most patients and isn’t anything to worry about. This happens when the fetus implants itself into the uterus lining.
- The bleeding is less and subsides in a few days.
- This spotting is usually light pink or brown and lasts only briefly.
- Even though most patients don’t report pain or excessive bleeding, it’s vital to see a doctor if any of those problems persist.
- Although it is one of the most common 7 days after embryo transfer symptoms, it may still not necessarily affect everyone.
Read Also: After Embryo Transfer Day by Day Symptoms
Pain/Tenderness in Breasts
Breast tenderness is a common symptom about 7 days after an embryo transfer.
- It occurs when rising hormones like estrogen and progesterone prepare the breasts for potential milk production to nourish a growing embryo.
- The swelling, heaviness, or soreness felt in the breasts provides reassuring evidence of appropriate hormonal shifts in the early stages of pregnancy.
- Some patients even experience their nipples sticking out more. These symptoms subside in a few days.
Constant Urination
Constant urination is very common for 7 days after embryo transfer symptoms as the body ramps up blood production to supply the developing embryo.
- The extra blood circulating through the system filters through the kidneys more often, leading to frequent bathroom trips.
- While having to urinate more frequently can feel disruptive, it provides reassuring evidence that pregnancy-related changes are underway after the embryo transfer.
- As long as the urine appears normal and urination isn’t painful, it’s no cause for concern.
- Painful urination, excessive bleeding, and fever may be huge red flags and must be checked out by a doctor right away.
Read Also: Positive Signs After Embryo Transfer
Fatigue
This is another common problem that may not be painful or as inconvenient as some of the other things mentioned earlier, but it’s still dreaded by many. Fatigue is common for 7 days after embryo transfer symptoms.
- This exhaustion reflects the dramatic rise in progesterone secretion from the corpus luteum, essential for supporting early embryo development.
- Hormonal changes and several other changes your body goes through cause heavy bouts of fatigue.
- While this is commonly not something to worry about, you can always consult your doctor to resolve any doubts.
Nausea
While nausea can be hectic, it may not seem like a red herring for people looking to start a new family. This is because nausea and/or vomiting isn’t just one among the 7 days after embryo transfer symptoms, but it’s also the earliest indicators of pregnancy.
- The rapidly shifting hormonal environment in the week after embryo transfer can cause nausea for some women.
- Despite nausea causing discomfort, feelings of nausea after an embryo transfer is seen as a positive development, and the medical community even sees it as the first concrete sign of pregnancy.
Read Also: The Science Behind No Symptoms After Embryo Transfer: Exploring the Possibilities
Shift in Appetite
This is one of the typical 7 days after embryo transfer symptoms because it affects pretty much everyone.
- Some may have a decreased appetite, and some may experience an increased appetite.
- The reasons for pregnancy cravings are due to hormonal changes and nutritional deficits.
- Although a shift in appetite is common, it’s still essential to maintain a well-balanced and nutritious diet.
Digestive Problems
Digestive problems are common for 7 days after embryo transfer symptoms.
- Women who face this symptom may usually experience many digestive issues, and some may even have only one or two problems.
- While this isn’t anything to worry about, it’s important to seek emergency medical help if it gets too unbearable or painful.
- Most of these digestive issues could be heartburn, bloating, excess gas, and constipation. Some may even experience weight gain to a certain degree.
- Mainly, hormonal changes and fluid retention cause these problems.
Read Also: What Foods to Avoid After Embryo Transfer: A Guide
Shift in Weight
While a lot is known about weight gain as a common symptom after 7 days of embryo transfer, an often neglected fact is that it isn’t the only change in weight your body may go through.
- Fluctuation in the weight of a pregnant person is normal, and the severity of these fluctuations increases later in pregnancy.
- There may be noticeable weight gain and even weight loss.
- Other factors like pregnancy cravings or a decreased appetite may also affect this. This may be discomforting, but nothing to worry about. Your doctor will usually inform you when to worry about massive fluctuations in weight.
Read Also: What To Eat After Embryo Transfer IVF?
The Bottom Line
Starting a new family by welcoming a child can be daunting. It can be even more daunting for people who choose to go with an embryo transfer. There are many common 7 days after embryo transfer symptoms. Most of these symptoms are also harmless and are faced by most pregnant people because of the several bodily changes that occur before, during, and after pregnancy.
Try to take care of yourself physically and emotionally as best as possible, asking for support if needed. These symptoms are simply signs of changing hormones from implantation and early pregnancy.
Undergoing IVF treatment? The two-week wait after embryo transfer can feel full of anxiety and uncertainty. Our experts guide patients through this period, providing reliable information on what symptoms to expect at 7 days post-transfer and offering prompt medical advice when needed. Call today to discuss our embryo transfer process and compassionate aftercare.
Read Also: Embryos – What You Need To Know About Them