In regards to surrogacy, typically Embryo Transfers are done with a 5 day blastocyst and occasionally a 3 day blastocyst. Most often IVF cycles are planned based off the surrogate’s normal cycle and what would be the day of ovulation - the Embryo Transfer is scheduled for 3-5 days later, depending on the age of the embryo. In a non-IVF pregnancy this would make you either 3 DPO (Days Past Ovulation) or 5 DPO the day of transfer.
Some women experience pregnancy symptoms as early as 5 DPO. Meaning the day of transfer with a 5 day blastocyst. Common early symptoms can be cramping or implantation bleeding.
1-7 Days Past Transfer
Implantation more often happens between 1-7DPT (Days Past Transfer) or 6-12 DPO. During this time women may begin to experience pregnancy symptoms, including:
. breast tenderness
. bloating
. food cravings
. increased nipple sensitivity
. headaches and muscle aches
. fatigue
However, it is good to keep in mind that these symptoms may also occur in women who are not pregnant. The increased levels of progesterone present due to injections or suppositories a surrogate will likely be taking, can cause these as well.
2-5 Days Past Transfer
2-5DPT or 7-10DPO is when an embryo is most likely to implant in the uterus. Around one-third of women will experience spotting, which is called implantation bleeding. The spotting usually lasts only a day or two and is very light. It can be one of the first signs of pregnancy since it happens around the time a woman becomes pregnant.
As implantation occurs the body starts producing hCG (the pregnancy hormone), along with progesterone and estrogen, this is responsible for early pregnancy symptoms.
6-9 Days Past Transfer
Soon after implantation, hCG levels may be high enough to cause pregnancy symptoms. Some other symptoms of early pregnancy might be:
. increased need to use the restroom
. increased hunger
. darkening in the color of the nipples
. gas
. shortness of breath
. dizziness
. nausea
. aversions to certain foods or smells
Less Common Pregnancy Symptoms
No two bodies or pregnancies are the same. Each pregnancy has it’s own quirks. Here are some less common pregnancy symtoms:
. sore throat or stuffy nose
. metallic taste in mouth
. bleeding gums or noses
. vivid dreams or nightmares
. leg cramps
. pregnancy acne
10-14 Days Past Transfer
Typically the first BETA test, to test for hCG levels in the blood, will be scheduled between 10-14DPT. This is right around the time a woman who is not pregnant would start her cycle, and a woman who is pregnant may receive a positive on a Home Pregnancy Test.
Symptoms may hint to pregnancy, but can be confused with a woman’s menstrual cycle symptoms. As well, Home Pregnancy Tests have a reputation for not always being reliable as false positives and negatives do occur. The most accurate way to confirm pregnancy is with a blood test.