All women should perform a pregnancy test 12 days after the embryo transfer, even if they bleed before this time. This is essential because some patients who have bleeding could have an ectopic pregnancy. This is an uncommon but potentially serious complication. We will give you a pregnancy test kit and ask you to phone the unit to give us the result.
A positive pregnancy test
This means that one or more embryos have implanted, but we will not be able to see this on a scan until you are about six weeks pregnant (four weeks after embryo transfer). We will usually scan you twice to:
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see how many embryos have implanted
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whether they have developed a heartbeat
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where they have implanted.
Sadly, we sometimes diagnose miscarriages and ectopic pregnancies at this stage.
If you are pregnant we will refer you back to your GP to arrange antenatal care at your local hospital. If you have a twin pregnancy we will refer you to a specialist for an early scan. Unfortunately, a number of pregnancies can still miscarry even if these early scans are encouraging.
A negative pregnancy test
Sadly, this means that the treatment has been unsuccessful. If yo uhave not already started bleeding, a period will come in the next few days. This might be heavier than normal due to the medications you have taken.
We know this can be a very disappointing time and will offer you an appointment to discuss the cycle and possible treatment options for the future. You might also find it helpful to see one of our counsellors|.