Headache is a common side effect that you can expect after embryo transfer. Headaches arise mainly due to the play of pregnancy hormones. Most importantly, the hormone estrogen is associated with the cause of headaches.
As one symptom after another pile up during the period after the embryo transfer, you might feel too exhausted to carry on with the treatment.
But be of great cheer, because all the symptoms you experience after the embryo transfer process in that IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) treatment journey indicate that your treatment is on the right track. That the hormonal medications are working and that your body is reacting to the implantation process.
Some may not encounter any symptoms at all which is also fine. You should be worried only when your symptoms are severe and you cannot bear them.
Is It Normal to Have Headaches After Embryo Transfer
- Headaches after embryo transfer are common and often caused by hormone fluctuations, particularly estrogen.
Yes, it is normal to have headaches after an embryo transfer. The changes in the oestrogen level trigger headaches most of the time.
For those with a history of migraines, hormonal level fluctuations due to IVF medications can trigger headaches immediately. Since the issue of migraine can also interfere with infertility treatment, discuss it with your fertility doctor before taking the hormonal medications.
All the Best for your IVF Journey !
Is Headache a Positive Sign of Emryo Transfer?
- It is normal to experience headaches after embryo transfer, but they are not definitive indicators of a successful transfer.
Headaches are an indicator of hormone level fluctuations. Based on the changes in hormone levels the success of the embryo transfer cannot be determined.
Your body may or may not react to hormonal changes through symptoms like headaches. And the changes in hormone levels do not necessarily mean that the embryo transfer has been a success.
So, do not take headaches as a sure sign of a successful embryo transfer.
How Many Days After Embryo Transfer Do We Get Headache?
There are no definite answers to when exactly headaches arise after embryo transfer.
Some may get headaches a few days after embryo transfer while others may get them immediately after the procedure.
The occurrence of headaches primarily depends upon the time of change in the level of hormones.
Migraine After Embryo Transfer
- Migraines after embryo transfer can happen due to hormonal changes, stress, or anxiety related to the process.
Experiencing a migraine after an embryo transfer can be concerning, but it’s not uncommon. A migraine is a type of headache characterized by intense, throbbing pain, often accompanied by nausea, sensitivity to light, and sound.
It differs from a fever, which is an increase in body temperature typically due to infection or inflammation. Hormonal changes, stress, and anxiety related to the procedure may trigger migraines. If you experience persistent or severe migraines, consult your healthcare provider to ensure it’s managed properly during this crucial time.
Other Common Symptoms
- Headaches may be accompanied by other symptoms like nausea, fatigue, and mild cramping.
There are other symptoms aside from headaches that one can expect after the IVF embryo transfer procedure.
Some of those symptoms include:
Click below to know more about Specific Symptoms
The symptoms mentioned occur due to the hormonal changes that are taking inside the body and they are not sure indicators of positive pregnancy.
You can look out for these symptoms after the embryo transfer process. But make sure to take a medically approved pregnancy test to confirm your pregnancy status.
Conclusion
Headaches after embryo transfer can take a toll on your already exhausted body. Nevertheless, headaches are indicators of your body’s reception to the effect of IVF hormonal medications and the implantation process.
A mild headache is tolerable. If the headache is severe, consult your fertility doctor as soon as possible. Also, make sure to inform your fertility doctor about your migraine history, if you have any.
We wish you a healthy IVF journey and a safe pregnancy!
To know more about headaches and other symptoms that follow the embryo transfer process, consult a fertility specialist right now.
FAQs
Headaches can occur after implantation of the embryo. The increased level of progesterone around the time of implantation can cause headaches. Some may not experience any headaches after implantation as well.
The side effects of embryo transfer include nausea, vomiting, headaches, mild abdominal cramps, spotting, fatigue, and so on. Most of the time these side effects are indicators of pregnancy.
Headaches are one of the early signs of pregnancy. However, they also arise due to hormone fluctuations and other factors. So, headaches cannot be considered the sole guarantor of pregnancy.
Not everyone gets a headache or migraine after the IVF embryo transfer procedure. It differs from person to person. Getting a headache or not getting a headache after the embryo transfer process is not a major problem. Consult a fertility doctor if you suffer from severe headaches.