Pregnancy is a wonderful journey that every couple enjoys going through. The small kicks and the baby bumps will be exciting and overwhelming. This is especially so if you get pregnant through IVF.
IVF pregnancy can be very exciting, but simultaneously, it is more challenging. The hormonal changes your body underwent during the procedure can sometimes make your pregnancy symptoms more intense than a natural pregnancy.
In such a scenario, you should know what symptoms you will experience to take the necessary precautions and avoid complications. This article discusses some of the most common symptoms you will experience during your pregnancy. Read till the end to learn more about your IVF pregnancy symptoms.
First Two Weeks After IVF Pregnancy Symptoms
You can consider the first two weeks after embryo transfer as the most crucial period of the IVF pregnancy. The difficulties you had during the procedure will be nothing compared to the anxiousness and fear you will feel when waiting for the pregnancy result.
You will experience several symptoms during this period and might wonder if it is a positive or negative sign of pregnancy. So, you should understand what each symptom means for your pregnancy. Below are some early IVF pregnancy symptoms you should be aware of.
Abdominal cramps
Changes in breasts
Around one week after embryo transfer, you might start experiencing slight cramps in your abdomen. These cramps are a sign of embryo implantation.
These implantation cramps occur when the embryo implants itself into the uterine lining. The embryo will burrow deep into the uterus, causing discomfort in your abdomen and pelvis.
However, you might also get cramps due to the fertility medications you took during the IVF cycle or due to OHSS (Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome). So, pay attention and seek your doctor if you feel cramps for several days.
The hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy will cause your breasts to become tender and sore. This pain will also last for only a short while and will reduce after your body gets accustomed to the hormone levels.
Breast tenderness may also happen as a result of your fertility medication. So, wait a few days before determining pregnancy.
Light bleeding or spotting
Light bleeding or spotting is one of the main symptoms of a positive IVF pregnancy. This is also called implantation bleeding, which happens when the embryo successfully implants in the uterus.
This is one of the most important signs of pregnancy. However, it is also a sign that you might mistake for a negative pregnancy.
Wonder why? Well, sometimes you might mistake implantation bleeding for your menstrual cycle.
Remember, implantation bleeding will mostly be in a pinkish-brown color. Meanwhile, your menstrual blood may start off pink or brown and turn into a blood-red color.
Missed periods
If you are someone who gets your periods on time every month, then a missed period might be an indication of pregnancy. If you have irregular periods, then having no periods after embryo transfer can either be due to pregnancy or other medical conditions. Either way, it is best to take a pregnancy test to confirm your pregnancy.
Know that the above symptoms do not confirm pregnancy, as they might also be caused by the hormonal changes occurring in your body. It is best to confirm through a pregnancy test or visit your fertility doctor to confirm pregnancy.
Two to Eight Weeks After IVF Pregnancy Symptoms
Your pregnancy will most likely be confirmed after two weeks of embryo transfer. If it is positive, you will start experiencing a new set of symptoms like the ones below.
Bloating
As your baby starts growing, your womb will expand to accommodate the embryo. This can cause slight bloating or cramps in the abdomen.
Light bleeding or spotting
Not all women are the same. Some women will also experience implantation bleeding during their third or fourth week of pregnancy. So, you don’t have to panic if you don’t have bleeding during the first two weeks of pregnancy.
Mood swings
Get ready for mood swings, as they will come in full swing in the upcoming days. The hormonal changes that occur in your body during pregnancy cause you to be cranky and moody.
These mood swings increase as months pass by. You can do relaxing activities like mild exercise, yoga, massages, etc., to calm yourself.
Tender breasts
Your milk glands start developing during this period. This will cause the breasts to grow in size and feel sore and tender.
Ten Weeks and Beyond After IVF Pregnancy
An IVF pregnancy can be confirmed and considered successful if you can safely pass through 12 weeks (first trimester) of pregnancy. So, your pregnancy will more or less be confirmed during this time.
Your baby will start developing its vital organs and take shape during this period. Your hormones will also be high. So, you might experience some severe symptoms during this period.
Morning sickness
It is normal for you to start feeling nausea and vomiting after ten weeks. However, If it is prolonged then it is necessary to consult with Fertility Hospital and take a basic checkup.
Slight weight gain
It is normal for pregnant women to gain weight during pregnancy. So, don’t worry if you start gaining weight during this period. Remember that you are not a single person anymore. You carry the weight of two or more lives. If you feel like you are gaining too much weight, consult your fertility doctor.
Exhaustion
Lack of proper sleep, hormone changes, and pregnancy symptoms can make you more exhausted than ever. You might feel like you want to sleep always but won’t be able to sleep peacefully. Consult your fertility doctor if you are losing sleep frequently.
Mood swings
Your mood swings will become more intense as months pass by. So, do relaxing activities, watch your favorite show, or spend time with your friends and family to distract yourself.
Acne
Acne is one of the most common symptoms of pregnancy. It is caused by hormonal changes in the body. Don’t worry if you get acne. You can treat it and recover your past look after delivering your baby.
After How Many Weeks Is IVF Pregnancy Safe?
IVF pregnancy has a higher risk of miscarriage than natural pregnancy. You will most likely be choosing IVF due to some health or fertility issues. This makes the embryo even more fragile and has difficulty developing till childbirth.
According to fertility specialists, your pregnancy through the IVF treatment is considered safe if you successfully cross the 12th week (first trimester).
Conclusion
IVF is a crucial period, and you should be aware of every symptom you might experience during this period. This can help you assess the situation and take the necessary precautions.
Don’t panic if you don’t experience the symptoms that another pregnant woman experiences. Pregnancy is a unique experience, and your symptoms will differ based on your health condition. You can consult your doctor if you do or don’t have any of those symptoms.
It is best to wait for at least 10–14 days before taking a pregnancy test. Your embryo needs time to implant in the uterus and release the pregnancy hormones. So, wait for around 2 weeks to know your pregnancy result.
Yes, it is absolutely normal for you to have no pregnancy symptoms and still be pregnant. Every woman experiences pregnancy differently, so some might not have many symptoms after embryo transfer. However, you don’t have to worry; you will eventually start experiencing common symptoms.
Yes, for some women, the intensity of pregnancy symptoms can be higher if they do an IVF. However, this is just during the initial stages. After the first trimester, the pregnancy symptoms will be almost the same as natural pregnancy.
