Pregnancy is a deeply personal experience, but when it begins with IVF, it often comes with layers of medical appointments, emotional highs and lows, and a different kind of mental preparation. If you are pregnant through IVF, you are probably already aware that this journey is anything but ordinary. Every week feels significant, and even the smallest symptom can bring either reassurance or worry.  If you are new to how the IVF process works, you can read our blog IVF Treatment Guide: From Consultation to Conception.

Unlike natural conception, where the timeline can be a bit of a guessing game, an IVF pregnancy starts with precise dates, like embryo transfer and fertilization. That makes it easier to track your progress week by week. However, the symptoms you experience might still catch you off guard, especially in those early days when it is hard to tell what is “normal.”

Let us walk through what this journey might look like, one week at a time.

Weeks 1 to 4: The Two-Week Wait and Early Signs

The first few weeks after your embryo transfer can be the hardest mentally. There is a name for it: the two-week wait. It is that anxious, slow stretch of time before you can take your first beta hCG blood test to find out if the embryo has implanted.

You might feel things shifting in your body, or you might feel nothing at all—and both are completely normal. Some common symptoms during this time include:

1.Slight cramping, almost like a light period is about to start

2.Bloating that comes and goes

3.Breast tenderness, sometimes caused by progesterone

4.Mood swings, from hopeful to fearful in the same hour

5.Light spotting, which can be either implantation bleeding or from vaginal medications

By the time you reach the end of week 4, you may start to notice stronger signs—things like queasiness, more fatigue than usual, or that intuitive feeling that something is different. But still, only that blood test can confirm whether your IVF pregnancy has officially begun. When the call from your clinic finally comes in, it can be one of the most emotional moments of the entire journey.

Weeks 5 to 8: When It Starts to Feel Real

After the blood test confirms your pregnancy, it all starts to sink in, though it may still feel surreal. Around week five, a wave of new symptoms often begins.
You might notice:

1. Nausea, especially in the mornings (though it can hit at any time)

2. A stronger sensitivity to smells

3. Needing to pee more often

4. Sudden fatigue that hits like a wall

By week six, hormone levels are rising quickly, which can bring stronger emotions and even more exhaustion. You might find yourself crying over small things or wanting to sleep all day. This is also when many people experience their first ultrasound. Seeing a tiny flicker on the screen—the baby’s heartbeat—can be overwhelming in the best way.
If your IVF cycle involved fresh egg retrieval, keep an eye out for symptoms of OHSS (Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome), which can worsen during early pregnancy. Your doctor will be watching closely for any signs.

Weeks 9 to 12: Riding Out the First Trimester

This stretch of time can be rough, especially if nausea has taken over your life. For many, these weeks are when symptoms reach their peak.

Common experiences during this phase include:

1. Persistent or intense nausea

2.Aversions to certain foods or smells

3.Constipation or digestive issues

4.Feeling bloated or sluggish

Bigger mood swingsSomewhere around week 11 or 12, you will be offered first-trimester screening tests, including the Nuchal Translucency (NT) scan and possibly some genetic bloodwork. These tests can bring both reassurance and anxiety. Try to lean on your support system, and do not hesitate to ask your doctor every question that comes to mind. This part of the IVF pregnancy journey can feel intense, but you are not alone in it.

Weeks 13 to 20: A More Settled Phase Begins

For many, the second trimester feels like a breath of fresh air. Morning sickness usually fades, and energy slowly returns. You might even start to enjoy eating again.
Here is what may show up during this stage:
1.Stretching sensations in your lower belly (round ligament pain)

2.A noticeable bump

3.Skin changes, like dark patches or breakouts

4.A more stable mood overall

One of the most exciting parts of this phase is feeling the baby move for the first time. It usually happens between weeks 16 and 18. At first, it might feel like a flutter, or tiny bubbles popping inside your belly. It is subtle but unforgettable. Especially for someone who has waited a long time for this pregnancy, those first movements carry so much meaning.

Weeks 21 to 27: Your Body, Your Baby, Your Bond

Your bump is likely growing fast now, and your baby is moving more often. You may feel those kicks when you lie down or after eating. There is something really special about this stretch of time—the excitement starts to build.
You may also experience:
1.Braxton Hicks contractions (these are mild and irregular)

2.Backaches and leg cramps

3.Heartburn or indigestion

4.Changes in sleep quality

A glucose screening test is usually done between weeks 24 and 26 to rule out gestational diabetes. Around week 22, you may also have a Targeted Imaging for Fetal Anomalies (TIFFA) scan done . IVF pregnancies often get more thorough monitoring, so this is a good time to ask any lingering questions you may have.

Mentally, you might start thinking more about labor, baby names, or what kind of birth experience you want. It is all starting to feel real, and that can bring both joy and a little nervousness.

Weeks 28 to 40: Getting Closer to the Finish Line

Welcome to the third trimester, where anticipation grows, sleep gets trickier, and the reality of becoming a parent starts to set in.

Physically, your body may be dealing with:
1. Swollen hands, feet, or ankles

2. Trouble finding a comfortable sleeping position

3.Shortness of breath

4.More frequent trips to the bathroom

5. Stronger Braxton Hicks contractions

From week 36 onward, your medical team will probably want to monitor you more closely. IVF pregnancies sometimes come with a recommendation for early delivery, especially if there are complications.

Final Thoughts: The IVF Pregnancy Journey Is One of a Kind

Every pregnancy is different, but IVF adds an extra layer of complexity that only those who have walked this road truly understand. You might have faced setbacks before this moment, which makes each symptom, scan, and milestone feel even more significant.

The physical symptoms of an IVF pregnancy are often similar to a naturally conceived one, but emotionally, it can be a more intense experience. There is often more monitoring, more appointments, and sometimes, more anxiety. But there is also more gratitude, more awareness, and more strength than most people realize.

If you have questions, need guidance, or simply want to feel supported, the team at London IVF Centre is here for you. You do not have to walk this journey alone.