When would I come to know after IVF if I am pregnant? And what to do if I am not?

IVF Thinking Women

After the embryo transfer, you have to wait for two weeks before taking the pregnancy test. Between checking your underwear for implantation bleeding to checking the tenderness of your breast, you put yourself into lots of stress and anxiety, wondering if you are getting any positive symptoms of pregnancy. Although few symptoms may indicate a successful IVF procedure, they can also be the side effects of fertility drugs and other medicines you are taking to get pregnant.

However, lots of women keep a close eye on every positive sign that may be a symptom of a successful embryo transfer. While you may experience few or none of these symptoms, it is important to understand the role in the process.

 

  1. Spotting or Bleeding –

Light spotting or bleeding is often the first symptom of pregnancy. Spotting on toilet paper or in your underwear could indicate implantation, meaning the embryo has been implanted into the lining of the uterine wall. But spotting or bleeding is also a common symptom while taking hormone medicines like fertility drugs and progesterone during the second week period after the transfer.

  1. Cramping –

Cramping is the first sign that your baby is on the way and it may also be a sign for a successful embryo transfer. But mild cramping before the pregnancy test can also be related to the progesterone you are taking during the two weeks.

For some women, mild cramping occurs immediately after the pelvic procedure.

  1. Tender Breasts –

If your breasts are tender or swollen to the touch and hurt when you poke them, this could be an early sign of pregnancy and sometimes it also indicates a successful embryo transfer. Also, it can be a side effect of hormone medications.

  1. Fatigued or Tiredness –

Tiredness and fatigue are normal during pregnancy but you may feel extra sleepy during your hormone medication period. The most common cause of tiredness is the heightened progesterone level either for the pregnancy or the medicines your doctor prescribed.

  1. Nausea –

Generally, nausea starts in the second month of the pregnancy, so you might not get this symptom on your second week of embryo transfer. However, if you are experiencing nausea or vomiting during the second week, you should contact your doctor.

  1. Bloating

Bloating can cause due to an increased level of progesterone. This can happen before your period, if you are pregnant or while taking progesterone and other fertility drugs during IVF and after embryo transfer.

  1. Increased Need to Urinate –

Late-night bathroom trips and an increased need to pee could be a sign of early pregnancy but some women notice an increased need to urinate after missing their period. The frequent need to pee can be a result of an increase in the pregnancy hormone HCG and a spike in progesterone. This can also happen after a successful embryo transfer.

  1. Missed Period –

Women with a regular menstrual cycle can prepare themselves for a pregnancy test if they miss their period.

  1. No Symptoms –

If you are not encountering any specific symptoms, that doesn’t mean your embryo transfer was unsuccessful. The only way to know if your embryo transfer was successful or not is a positive pregnancy test.

See also  5 tips for a successful IVF pregnancy after embryo transfer

When Will I Get to Know If I am Pregnant or Not?

Usually, you have to wait until you have missed your period because this will give you the most exact results. Your doctor will perform a beta HCG hormone test to confirm your pregnancy.

What to Do If I Am Not Pregnant?

When you wish to see a positive result and receive negative news, lots of emotions will run through your body at that time. Having invested energy, money, emotions, plans, etc., can make you feel frustrated in this delicate time. But you are allowed to make your decisions with calmness and let your ovaries rest after the first stimulation.

Many women want to perform another ovarian stimulation after receiving a negative result but in that case, the doctor may recommend getting rest for at least two to three months. During this time, your doctor will work with your embryologists to find out the reason behind the negative beta HCG.

On the other hand, without any doubt, it is not necessary to wait if you plan to perform a frozen embryo transfer after the negative In-Vitro Fertilization. Consult with your doctor at every step and thoroughly understand the reason behind the negative result.

Conclusion:

The probability of getting pregnant through IVF depends on various factors like the age of the woman, the quality of egg retrieved, cause of infertility, and the quality of semen. But the treatment also depends upon the type of treatment and the fertility centre. When you plan for having a baby through IVF, search for the best IVF centres near you and get the details like the success rate of IVF from the centre.

See also  10 Reasons Why You Might Need An IVF?
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