Have you recently undergone an IVF embryo transfer? Then, first, congratulations on getting this far. You are very close to reaching your dream destination: becoming a parent.
When you are going through the IVF procedures, you might have heard many people say that on;y the IVF procedures are painful and you can be free and relaxed after embryo transfer. But, as the one who has completed embryo transfer, you know that is not really the case.
The 2-week wait after embryo transfer, where you are not sure whether IVF was a success or not, and waiting to get the results is the most crucial and stressful period of IVF.
In this article, we will look into the significance of this 2-week wait and what tips you can follow to reduce stress and anxiety during this period.
Why Should One Wait For Two Weeks To Take A Pregnancy Test After IVF?
After an embryo transfer, you might have heard your doctor frequently remind you to wait for at least two weeks before taking a pregnancy test. They would have said that taking a pregnancy test after two weeks can increase your chances of getting an accurate result.
But do you know why? Here is the answer.
The two-week break between embryo transfer and taking a pregnancy test is to give time for embryo implantation and the pregnancy hormones to be released into the bloodstream.
After an embryo transfer, your embryo will implant into the uterus within a few days. After it has been implanted, your body will realize the pregnancy and start releasing hCG hormones into the body. These hormones will support pregnancy and help with fetal development.
Your urine pregnancy test kit will measure the amount of hCG levels in your urine to determine pregnancy. If your levels are higher than normal, you will given a positive result and vice versa.
Your body will take at least two weeks to release a sufficient amount of hCG hormones to be detected by the pregnancy kit. This is why it is essential to wait for two weeks to test for pregnancy.
Taking the test earlier might give you a negative result even if you are pregnant. This can cause unnecessary worry and stress.
Symptoms To Expect After Embryo Transfer
Here are some most common symptoms you can expect around 2 weeks after embryo transfer.
- Implantation bleeding
- Tender or sore breasts
- Fatigue and tiredness
- Increase in basal body temperature (BBT)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Frequent urination
- Changes in cervical mucus
There are only some symptoms of pregnancy. You might experience other symptoms according to your body, health, and fertility condition.
Tips For 2-Week Wait
There is no shortcut to reduce the time you need to wait after embryo transfer. However, there are some effective tips you can follow to cope with the stress and stay healthy for a higher success rate.
- Don’t have high expectations. Expectations can give you hope which can be shattered if you have a negative result. So have a open mind and acknowledge the result.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Include healthy fruits, vegetables, and other nutritious foods in your diet.
- Sleep regularly. Follow a strict 8-hour sleep schedule.
- Do some gentle exercises. Don’t over-exert yourself.
- Do relaxation techniques like yoga and meditation to cope with stress and anxiety. Stay calm.
- Have the support of your friends and family, and always be happy.
- Do things you like and stay active.
- Don’t look for symptoms. Everyone’s body is different.
- Consult your fertility doctor if you have any issues.
Conclusion
The 2 weeks after embryo transfer can be excruciating. However, you need to go through this stage if you wish to have a higher chance of getting the accurate result of your IVF cycle. This can also help you avoid unnecessary stress and hopelessness.
If you feel like your pregnancy test kit won’t give you accurate results, you can also visit your fertility hospital and undergo a blood pregnany test or ultrasound. This can give you a more accurate result.
Yes, it is absolutely normal not to have any symptoms during the 2 weeks after embryo transfer. Every woman’s body is different, so don’t be scared if you don’t experience any symptoms after embryo transfer.
After an embryo transfer, your embryo will implant into the uterus within a few days. After it has been implanted, your body will realize the pregnancy and release hCG hormones.
Your body will take at least two weeks to release a sufficient amount of hCG hormones for the pregnancy kit to detect. This is why it is essential to wait two weeks to test for pregnancy.
Here are some most common symptoms you can expect around 2 weeks after embryo transfer.
- Implantation bleeding
- Tender or sore breasts
- Fatigue and tiredness
- Increase in basal body temperature (BBT)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Frequent urination
- Changes in cervical mucus
