The IVF Two-Week Wait: What's Normal and What to Expect Day by Day

What Is the Two-Week Wait?

The two-week wait refers to the period between your embryo transfer and your official pregnancy test, typically 10-14 days depending on your clinic's protocol¹. During this time, if implantation occurs, the embryo begins producing human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), the hormone detected by pregnancy tests.

This waiting period can feel like an eternity, and many women experience what's called "symptom spotting" – analysing every twinge and sensation for signs of pregnancy. Understanding what's actually happening can help you navigate this time with greater calm.

For comprehensive information about the IVF process, explore our guide to Preparing for IVF.

What Happens After Embryo Transfer: Day by Day

Here's a general timeline of what's happening after a day-5 blastocyst transfer²:

Days 1-2: Hatching and Attachment

The blastocyst hatches from its protective shell (zona pellucida) and begins attaching to the uterine lining. You may experience mild cramping as the embryo makes contact with the endometrium.

Days 3-5: Implantation Begins

The embryo begins embedding deeper into the uterine lining. This is when implantation bleeding might occur – light spotting that's often pink or brown in colour. Some women notice this while others don't, and neither indicates success or failure.

Learn more about this critical process in our article on Endometrial Receptivity and the Window of Implantation.

Days 6-8: hCG Production Starts

If implantation is successful, the developing embryo begins producing hCG. Levels are still very low and won't be detectable on most home tests yet. The placenta starts forming.

Days 9-10: hCG Levels Rising

hCG levels continue to double approximately every 48-72 hours. Some very sensitive tests might show a faint positive, though it's still early for reliable results.

Days 11-14: Test Day Approaches

By this point, hCG levels should be high enough for detection. Your clinic will schedule a blood test (beta hCG) to confirm pregnancy and measure exact hormone levels.

For information about the process leading up to this point, read our guide to Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) Cycle.

Common Symptoms During the Two-Week Wait

Many symptoms during the 2WW can be attributed to either early pregnancy OR the progesterone supplementation most women take after transfer. This makes "symptom spotting" unreliable³.

Normal Symptoms (That May or May Not Indicate Pregnancy)

• Breast tenderness and swelling – Very common, usually due to progesterone
• Mild cramping – Can occur with implantation or as a progesterone side effect
• Light spotting – May indicate implantation but isn't always present
• Bloating – Often from progesterone and hormonal changes
• Fatigue – A common early pregnancy symptom and progesterone effect
• Mood swings – The emotional intensity of IVF combined with hormones
• Headaches – Can be hormonal or stress-related
• Increased urination – Early pregnancy symptom, though less reliable this early

When to Contact Your Clinic

While most symptoms are normal, contact your clinic if you experience:

• Heavy bleeding (more than spotting)
• Severe abdominal pain
• Fever over 38°C
• Difficulty breathing
• Signs of ovarian hyperstimulation (severe bloating, rapid weight gain)

What Having No Symptoms Means

Many women panic when they don't experience any symptoms. The reality is that absence of symptoms doesn't mean the cycle has failed. Plenty of successful pregnancies occur without any noticeable early symptoms. Some women feel nothing at all until weeks later.

The only reliable indicator is your pregnancy test result.

Nutritional Support During the Two-Week Wait

Continuing to support your body nutritionally during this time is important⁴:

Key Nutrients to Maintain

• Folate – Essential for early foetal development. Our Vitafem provides bioactive folate along with other key nutrients for fertility
• Vitamin D – Important for immune function and implantation. Consider our Vitamin D supplement if levels need support
• Omega-3s – Support healthy cell development. Vital DHA provides essential fatty acids

Learn more about nutritional support during treatment in our article on Supplements for IVF.

Managing Anxiety and Stress

The mental health aspect of the 2WW is just as important as the physical⁵. High stress levels can affect cortisol and other hormones, so finding ways to stay calm is beneficial.

Helpful Strategies

• Avoid symptom googling – It rarely provides reassurance and often increases anxiety
• Gentle movement – Light walking, gentle yoga, or swimming can help reduce stress
• Stay connected – Talk to your partner, trusted friends, or a fertility counsellor
• Mindfulness and meditation – Apps and guided meditations can help manage racing thoughts
• Limit home testing – Testing too early often leads to unnecessary distress from false negatives
• Maintain routine – Keeping busy with normal activities helps pass the time

For more on managing the emotional aspects, read our article on The Fertility Mental Load.

Physical Activity and Rest

Guidance on activity during the 2WW has evolved. Current evidence suggests:

• No strict bed rest required – Studies show bed rest doesn't improve outcomes
• Gentle activity is fine – Walking, light stretching, and normal daily activities are safe
• Avoid high-impact exercise – Skip running, jumping, or heavy lifting
• Stay hydrated – Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and excessive caffeine
• Continue progesterone – Take all medications exactly as prescribed

The Importance of Realistic Expectations

While it's natural to hope for success, preparing emotionally for either outcome is wise. Remember:

• IVF success rates vary by age and individual circumstances
• A negative result doesn't mean future cycles won't succeed
• Your clinic will discuss next steps regardless of the outcome
• Many couples require more than one cycle to achieve pregnancy

Explore our Work With Zita options if you'd like additional support during your fertility journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

When can I take a home pregnancy test during the 2WW?

Most clinics recommend waiting until 10-14 days post-transfer for reliable results. Testing earlier often produces false negatives because hCG levels aren't high enough yet, which can cause unnecessary distress.

Is implantation bleeding a good sign?

Implantation bleeding occurs in about 25% of pregnancies but its presence or absence doesn't predict success. Many successful pregnancies have no bleeding, while some bleeding doesn't necessarily indicate implantation.

Should I stay in bed during the two-week wait?

No, research shows bed rest doesn't improve IVF success rates. Normal activities and gentle movement are encouraged. Avoid strenuous exercise but don't feel you need to remain sedentary.

Can stress during the 2WW cause the cycle to fail?

While high chronic stress isn't ideal for fertility, the anxiety experienced during the 2WW is unlikely to cause cycle failure. Focus on manageable stress-reduction techniques rather than stressing about being stressed.

What if my symptoms suddenly disappear?

Symptom fluctuation is normal throughout the 2WW and early pregnancy. Symptoms come and go as hormone levels change. A sudden disappearance of symptoms doesn't indicate cycle failure.

How accurate is a blood test compared to a home test?

Blood tests (beta hCG) are more sensitive and can detect lower levels of hCG than home urine tests. They also provide exact hCG levels, which helps monitor if the pregnancy is developing normally through repeat testing.

References

1. NHS. IVF – What happens. NHS.
2. Wilcox AJ, et al. Time of implantation of the conceptus and loss of pregnancy. N Engl J Med. 1999;340(23):1796-1799.
3. Progesterone supplementation during early pregnancy. Fertility & Sterility.
4. Chavarro JE, et al. Diet and lifestyle in the prevention of ovulatory disorder infertility. Obstet Gynecol. 2007;110(5):1050-1058.
5. Boivin J, Griffiths E, Venetis CA. Emotional distress in infertile women and failure of assisted reproductive technologies. BMJ.