The Second Week After Embryo Transfer

Testing, symptoms and what may happen next.

Days 8–10: hCG May Continue Rising

If implantation has occurred, the developing pregnancy may produce increasing amounts of hCG.

Symptoms May Still Be Unclear

You may notice cramping, spotting, bloating, breast tenderness or fatigue, or feel completely normal. Progesterone can also cause similar symptoms.

Keep Taking Your Medicines

Continue progesterone and all other medicines exactly as advised. Do not stop them because of spotting, absent symptoms or an early home-test result.

Avoid Early Home Testing

Testing before the date given by your clinic may produce an inaccurate result. Residual fertility medication or low hCG levels can affect an early test.

Your Scheduled Test Day

Your clinic may arrange a urine or blood pregnancy test on a specific date. Follow the exact testing instructions provided by your fertility team.

Understanding Beta hCG

A positive beta-hCG result suggests that implantation has occurred. Sometimes, another blood test is needed to assess how the level is changing.

After a Positive Result

Continue your prescribed medicines and contact your clinic with the result. Your first ultrasound is usually scheduled later.

Know When to Seek Help

Contact your fertility clinic promptly for heavy bleeding, severe or one-sided abdominal pain, faintness, breathing difficulty or rapidly worsening bloating.

Every IVF Journey Has Its Own Timeline

Symptoms, home tests and comparisons with others cannot predict your outcome. Follow your clinic’s instructions and take each step as it comes.

Read More