IVF (In vitro fertilization) is a huge step for women who have difficulty getting pregnant. IVF involves a series of complex procedures, starting from ovarian stimulation to the final embryo transfer procedure.
Most people consider embryo transfer (transferring embryos into the uterus) as the most difficult part of the entire IVF treatment. But, they don’t realize that the real difficult period is the two weeks between embryo transfer and taking a pregnancy test.
You might have gone through so much physical and mental stress during the IVF procedure, and not experiencing any pregnancy symptoms after the embryo transfer can take a toll on you.
In this article, we’ll discuss if it is normal to not have any symptoms 13 days(approximately 2 weeks) after an embryo transfer and the usual symptoms you can look out for to confirm pregnancy. This can help you get insights on what to expect after embryo transfer.
Is It Normal to Have No Symptoms 13 Days After Embryo Transfer?
And the answer to this question is, YES, it is absolutely normal to have no symptoms 13 days after an embryo transfer procedure. Most doctors recommend couples wait at least two weeks before taking a pregnancy test.
This is to give the embryo time to implant in the uterine lining and produce the hCG hormones (pregnancy hormones). Your home pregnancy test (urine test) or blood test confirms pregnancy by measuring the hCG levels in your urine or blood to determine your pregnancy.
You will usually start experiencing pregnancy symptoms around this time. But there are also times when you won’t experience any symptoms. This delay is probably due to the hormonal imbalance caused by the fertility medications you took during ovulation stimulation.
Here is what you can do if you don’t experience any symptoms 13 days after embryo transfer.
1. Take a pregnancy test
Taking a pregnancy test two weeks after embryo transfer will most likely answer whether you are pregnant or not. A positive result means you are pregnant, and the symptoms are just taking some days to appear. But what do you do if you get a negative result?
2. Take a pregnancy test again after some days
Sometimes, your pregnancy test result might turn out negative. This may be because your body has not realized the pregnancy and started producing hCG hormones. Or, it might be because the embryo did not implant in the uterus, and your IVF cycle failed.
It is best to visit your fertility doctor for a blood test and an ultrasound to confirm your pregnancy.Â
Symptoms to Expect 13 Days After Embryo Transfer
Now that we know that it is normal for you not to have any pregnancy symptoms after embryo transfer let’s look at what usual symptoms one would get 13 days after an embryo transfer.Â
1. Light spotting or bleeding
This is the first and most important sign of a successful IVF cycle. Light spotting or bleeding around 1 or 2 weeks after embryo transfer often happens when the embryo successfully implants in the uterine lining.Â
Note: Menstrual bleeding is different from implantation bleeding. So, don’t confuse them.Â
To know about bleeding during ivf pregnancy read the linked article
2. Cramping and pelvic pain
Mild cramping and pelvic pain might also indicate a successful implantation and pregnancy. However, it might also happen because of your menstruation. So, cramps and pelvic pain are not definite symptoms of pregnancy.Â
3. Delayed periods
If you have been getting regular monthly periods before the treatment, then having a delay in your period might be a good sign for you. Delay in periods often indicates pregnancy.Â
4. Tender or sore breasts
Your breasts might become sore and tender if embryo implantation is successful. It might indicate that your breasts are getting ready to produce milk for the baby.Â
5. Fatigue and tiredness
Fatigue and tiredness are usual symptoms of pregnancy, whether it is through IVF or natural pregnancy. Women who underwent IVF might feel more fatigue and tiredness due to the hormonal medications.Â
It is best to take adequate rest during the period to nourish your body for pregnancy.Â
6. Nausea & vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are also normal during pregnancy. So, you can expect some nausea followed by vomiting if you had a successful implantation.Â
7. Vaginal discharge
Women often experience some changes in the consistency, color, and odor of their vaginal discharge during the beginning stages of their pregnancy. This often happens during the first two weeks of pregnancy.
8. Wanting to pee often
The increase in hCG and progesterone hormones in the body might increase your need to pee during pregnancy. This is also one of the early signs of pregnancy.Â
What Do Experts Say About It?
You don’t have to worry too much about not having any symptoms after embryo transfer. According to experts, 10–15% of women don’t experience any symptoms 13 days after embryo transfer.Â
They also say that each woman’s body is different and no one woman experiences pregnancy like the other. Each pregnancy is different, and the symptom one get may not be experienced by the other.Â
They often suggest women wait for a few days or visit their fertility doctor to get a blood test to confirm pregnancy.Â
Conclusion
The first two weeks after embryo transfer can be an emotional roller coaster for most couples. You might be eagerly expecting to get those pregnancy symptoms, and not having them can be upsetting.Â
Remember that not having those symptoms 13 days after embryo transfer does not confirm a failed pregnancy. It might just be your body delaying to show them. Wait a few days and consult your fertility doctor if you don’t experience any symptoms.
FAQs
Most women start experiencing their pregnancy symptoms around 2 weeks after embryo transfer. But it is also possible for women to experience no symptoms and still be pregnant. It might be because their body is taking some time to realize the pregnancy and produce the pregnancy hormones.
It is recommended to wait for around 2 weeks before you take a pregnancy test after embryo transfer. This is to give the embryo time to implant in the uterus and start releasing the hCG hormones.
No, stress doesn’t actually impact IVF results, but it can affect your hormonal balance and emotional well-being. So, stay calm and believe that you will get a positive result.Â
