Dr. Aruna Ashok MBBS, MS OG, DNB OG
- Clinical Director
Aruna Ashok | 10 June 2025
Embryo transfer is indeed a stage of hope for couples in the IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) process. It is a moment of anticipation and excitement to see the results of their efforts. Even though the procedure takes only a few minutes to place the embryo within the woman’s uterus, it is filled with hope as it could be the potential beginning of a successful pregnancy.
This blog brings you the details of what you can expect after the embryo transfer, the positive signs to notice if the implantation is successful, and the negative signs if it doesn’t happen.
Soon after the transfer of an embryo into the uterus, a woman’s body may exhibit specific physiological changes. The changes happen as it gets adjusted to the hormonal fluctuations because of implantation or the effects of fertility medications.
Your fertility specialist may generally provide detailed instructions on what to do and what not to do during the two-week waiting period. Some specialists suggest taking bed rest, while others may mean continuing with your routine. This may widely depend on the individual’s specific conditions.
However, it is essential not to lift weights and have sex during this waiting period. Maintaining a positive outlook as if you are pregnant may significantly help to manifest the process.
Successful implantation may generally exhibit certain early signs. The signs may include mild cramping, implantation bleeding, breast tenderness, nausea and more.
Note that having no symptoms during this time can also sometimes be an early sign of successful implantation.
Even though it is tempting to take a pregnancy test before 14 days, being patient is appreciated.
This period is highly significant as it allows hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) levels in the blood to increase as soon as implantation occurs. If the tests are conducted before 14 days, they may most often exhibit false negatives. This is why the fertility specialist strongly suggests patiently waiting for those 14 days after the embryo transfer. This will undoubtedly produce reliable and authentic results.
After the two long weeks, the fertility clinics usually recommend performing the beta hCG blood test in the laboratory. This will determine the most accurate and quantitative levels of the hCG hormone. The surging levels of hCG in the test reports are significant indicators of a successful pregnancy. After this, you may need to have a consultation with the fertility expert to further confirm the pregnancy with scan reports.
While many women may closely monitor the positive signs of successful implantation, it’s important to understand that not all women experience the same symptoms.
Listed below are some of the common positive signs of embryo transfer:
Noticing mild cramps can be a symptom of successful conception. The sign may arise as a result of the embryo being attached to the uterine lining (endometrium). Still, the increased levels of progesterone hormones from IVF medications may also be a contributing factor to the symptoms.
Spotting or light bleeding after an embryo transfer can be another significant positive sign of successful implantation. The sign may arise as the result of the embryo being attached to the uterine lining (endometrium), potentially rupturing tiny blood vessels.
Breast tenderness after an embryo transfer can be another significant positive sign of successful implantation. This happens either because of fertility drugs or successful implantation. Studies show that swollen breasts or sensitivity to the touch can be a potential indicator of a positive embryo transfer.
Feeling extremely tired (increased fatigue) can be a sign of a positive embryo transfer. This is due to increased levels of the progesterone hormone in the body. These levels may increase throughout the pregnancy until childbirth. Progesterone levels may also surge when a woman is expecting her period. Or it could be the side effect of fertility drugs in the IVF process. Whatever the reason is, feeling fatigued requires adequate rest.
Urging to urinate more frequently after an embryo transfer can be a positive sign of successful implantation. This occurs due to the surge in pregnancy hormone levels and increased blood circulation in the body. Still, it is essential to monitor if the symptom is accompanied by blood, fever, or vomiting. This is because they can indicate the possibility of infections in the urinary tract system.
Mood swings can be a sign of successful implantation, especially after embryo transfer. This happens either because of hormonal changes, which take place after implantation or the side effects of fertility drugs in the IVF process. This emotional instability can manifest as irritability, anxiety, sadness, and happiness, but all at once.
Food aversions can often be a sign of a successful embryo transfer. It is most often associated with hormonal changes, particularly hCG and progesterone. These hormones are the primary contributors to affecting a woman’s sense of taste and smell during early pregnancy. This may also lead to nausea at times.
Feeling bloated can also be another sign of a positive embryo transfer. This occurs due to the surging levels of the progesterone hormone in the body. The levels may get elevated either because of fertility drugs or successful implantation. Whatever the reason is, it somehow makes the digestive system slow down and leads to bloating.
Noticing the absence of any of these symptoms doesn’t mean that the process is unsuccessful. Some women may not get early physiological indications of being pregnant. Studies show that 10 – 15 % of women do not exhibit the so-called common early pregnancy symptoms, yet have a positive outcome in embryo transfer.
The following is a detailed breakdown of negative signs of embryo transfer, which may include:
A negative pregnancy test after embryo transfer can be disheartening. However, fertility experts claim that many couples who have undergone a failed embryo transfer in their first IVF cycle have achieved their dream of becoming parents in their second cycle, sometimes in the third.
Even though the absence of pregnancy symptoms is not an indicator of negative embryo transfer, they can sometimes be associated with negative implantation. In particular, if negative test results and bleeding accompany it. At the same time, studies show that several women have become pregnant even without exhibiting any symptoms. However, the complete absence of pregnancy symptoms could indicate a negative embryo transfer, especially with other negative signs.
Menstrual-like cramps are a common occurrence, especially after embryo transfer. This may happen due to hormonal drugs in the fertility treatment or other factors. However, the persistent menstrual-like cramps may require medical help to diagnose the issue.
Heavy bleeding after an embryo transfer can predominantly indicate failed implantation in the IVF process. While spotting or light bleeding could signify the implantation or hormone fluctuations, heavy bleeding may denote the requirement for medical help. Especially if the sanitary pad is soaked within an hour, or large blood clots are passed during menstruation.
A persistent drop in basal body temperature (BBT) after embryo transfer can be another sign of failed implantation. Whereas, the constant rise in BBT can be a potential indicator of successful implantation. This may happen due to the progesterone hormones, which are elevated to prepare the body for pregnancy. The significant drop in BBT could denote that the hormones are not elevated, meaning the failed implantation.
The increased levels of hCG hormones are the primary indicator of a successful pregnancy. This can be identified through a beta blood test, which is recommended by fertility experts to be performed after 14 days of embryo transfer. The low levels of hCG hormone in the blood test may strongly indicate that implantation has not occurred.
It is entirely normal for couples to go through many ups and downs in the fertility journey. Particularly, the two-week waiting period after embryo transfer can trigger your emotions vastly. It is also understandable that the failed IVF cycles are intimidating.
Fertility experts claim that many couples who have undergone a failed embryo transfer in their first IVF cycle have achieved their dream of becoming parents in their second cycle, sometimes in the third. Hence, it is suggested that one should never lose hope and look for fertility clinics like A4 Fertility Centre that can provide honest assessments. Working together with such experts can significantly help with identifying the next step in your fertility journey.
1. Does the symptom of positive embryo transfer begin soon after the procedure?
While the implantation occurs between 3 and 4 days of embryo transfer, the symptoms may tend to begin typically after 6 to 12 days following the procedure.
2. Is it possible to show increased hCG levels in the test without being pregnant?
The answer to the question is yes. It is certainly possible to have increased hCG levels even without being pregnant. Even though increased hCG levels in the blood are significant indicators of pregnancy, this can happen due to certain medical conditions as well as medications.
3. Apart from the signs, are there any ways to identify the status of embryo transfer?
Other than the signs of early pregnancy, the only way to identify the status of embryo transfer (ET) is through blood tests. Still, this test can be done only after two weeks of the procedure to attain reliable results.
4. Is the procedure of embryo transfer painful?
The answer to the question is no. The embryo transfer procedure is generally not painful. However, it may cause mild discomfort in women, which is usually manageable.
5. What are the foods that can enhance the chances of successful implantation after embryo transfer?
To enhance the chances of successful implantation after embryo transfer, you can consume foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, folate, and antioxidants. You can also focus on including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins in your diet.
