Blog
Jun 4, 2026
The days following an embryo transfer are often filled with hope, anticipation and an intense focus on every small signal your body gives. This period, often called the "two-week wait," can be emotionally exhausting.
In modern IVF treatments, we most commonly transfer embryos that have been cultured in our laboratory for 5 to 6 days, reaching the blastocyst stage.
Because a blastocyst is already highly developed, implantation typically begins very soon after the treatment, usually within 1 to 3 days. The embryo must break out of its protective shell (hatching) and attach itself to the nutrient-rich lining of the uterus (the endometrium).
Every body reacts differently. Some common symptoms of embryo implantation can include:
Implantation bleeding: A small amount of light pink or brown spotting is relatively common and occurs when the embryo burrows into the uterine lining.
Mild cramping: You may feel slight pulling, twinges or mild cramps in your lower abdomen.
Breast tenderness and fatigue: These are common early pregnancy signs, largely driven by rising hormone levels.
Important note: It is good to remember that lack of symptoms is equally normal. Many women who experience zero symptoms go on to have a healthy pregnancy. Furthermore, the supportive hormone medications you are taking (like progesterone) can mimic early pregnancy symptoms, making it impossible to rely on physical signs alone.
The only reliable way to confirm a pregnancy is through a pregnancy test. Your Ovumia care team will give you a specific date to take the test, usually 12 to 14 days after the embryo transfer.
We strongly advise against testing too early:
False negative: It takes time for hCG levels to rise high enough to be detected in urine. Testing too early can cause unnecessary heartbreak.
False positive: If a "trigger shot" containing hCG was used to mature your eggs before retrieval, traces of this medication can linger in your body for up to 10-14 days, potentially giving a false positive result.
The best thing you can do is live a normal, healthy life. Avoid heavy physical exertion, extreme heat (like saunas), and stress as much as possible. Most importantly, do not stop your supportive medications (like progesterone) until your doctor explicitly tells you to do so, regardless of any bleeding or early test results.
If the test is positive, congratulations! You will inform your Ovumia clinic, and we will schedule an Early Pregnancy Ultrasound (typically around gestational week 7) to confirm the heartbeat and location of the pregnancy.
Have you received a positive pregnancy test and want to ensure everything is progressing safely? An early ultrasound provides vital peace of mind.
Book an early pregnancy ultrasound
