Muscle cramps, breast tenderness, fatigue, light bleeding, nausea can be signs of pregnancy after IVF.
The in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle includes several steps including egg stimulation, sperm collection, in vitro fertilization, embryo culture, and embryo transfer into the uterus. After embryo transfer, the patient needs to wait about two weeks to take a pregnancy test.
During this time, women may experience some symptoms that predict a successful IVF result. Dr. Tanmoy Mukherjee, a reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist in New York, USA, notes that there is no specific sign that confirms the exact result of the embryo transfer until a pregnancy test. The reason is that drugs containing estrogen and progesterone hormones are often used before and after the embryo transfer, which can cause bloating, breast pain, and bleeding.
Muscle spasm
Muscle cramps can be a sign that the embryo transfer was successful. However, mild cramping can also be related to the progesterone used. In some people, this occurs immediately after pelvic procedures.
Minor bleeding
Spotting is often the first sign of pregnancy, meaning that the embryo has successfully implanted in the uterine lining. However, Dr. Mukherjee says it can also be caused by taking hormonal medications like progesterone for about two weeks after the embryo transfer. Your doctor may ask you to continue taking progesterone to help your body produce the same amount of hormones as it did in the early weeks of pregnancy.
Chest pain
If the breasts are swollen or tender to the touch, it can indicate successful conception. On the other hand, injectable and oral progesterone can also be the cause of breast pain.
Tired
Feeling tired is a typical symptom of pregnancy from day one until delivery. However, a woman may feel sleepy early on when progesterone levels rise. This may indicate a successful embryo transfer or simply be a side effect of fertility drugs.
A doctor performs ovarian aspiration for in vitro fertilization for an infertile couple. Photo: IVF Tam Anh HCMC
Nausea
Nausea or morning sickness usually begins in the second month of pregnancy, so it may not be a noticeable symptom for two weeks after embryo transfer. In fact, many people who experience this symptom report feeling abdominal discomfort about two weeks after a missed period. If you are feeling nauseous on a regular basis, talk to your doctor for advice.
Flatulence
Increased progesterone levels often cause bloating, slow down digestion, and make you feel more bloated than usual. This can happen before your period, during pregnancy, or when you take progesterone and other medications during in vitro fertilization, or after an embryo transfer.
Secretion
Burning, itching, discharge, and yeast infections are common side effects of using progesterone capsules or vaginal suppositories during the two-week waiting period after embryo transfer. This can also be an early sign of pregnancy. If the embryo transfer is successful, the discharge is usually thin, white, and has a mild odor.
Increased need to urinate
Increased need to go to the toilet is a result of increased pregnancy hormone hCG, as well as a surge in progesterone. If frequent urination is accompanied by pain, urgency, blood in the urine, fever, nausea, vomiting, this may be a urinary tract infection, requiring timely examination and treatment.
Late period
For women with regular monthly cycles, a missed period may be a sign that a pregnancy test is in order.
If none of these symptoms appear, women should not worry. Dr. Mukherjee said that about 10-15% of patients have no symptoms and still have a positive pregnancy test result.
To ensure accurate pregnancy test results, patients should wait until their missed period or at least 10 days after embryo transfer. The embryo will attach to the uterine wall within 48-72 hours, then increase in size and metabolic activity, producing more hCG. The increased hCG level indicating pregnancy can be determined by a blood test about 9-10 days after embryo transfer.