What to know before an embryo transfer procedure

Before embryo transfer, follow your clinic’s medication, bladder, eating, drinking and arrival instructions exactly. Continue prescribed fertility medicines unless the clinic changes the plan, and confirm when each dose is due. Arrange transport if your clinic plans sedation, although many transfers are performed without it. Bring requested identification and paperwork, and arrive at the time provided.

Embryo transfer places an embryo through the cervix into the uterus using a thin catheter. The clinic coordinates the transfer with embryo development and preparation of the uterine lining. Hormonal medicines may be part of that timing. Some clinics request a comfortably full bladder because it can improve the ultrasound view and help guide the catheter; the exact amount and timing of fluid vary, so use your clinic’s instructions.

The team may also confirm whether the planned transfer is fresh or frozen, which embryo is intended for transfer, and what will happen to any remaining embryos. These checks are part of matching the laboratory plan with your treatment record.

Check your written schedule the day before and set reminders for prescribed medicines, including progesterone if it is part of your plan. Do not start, stop or shift a dose on your own; call the fertility team if a dose was late, missed or vomited. Tell them about any new medicine, supplement or illness.

Ask whether you should eat normally, whether a full bladder is needed, and whether scented products are restricted near the laboratory. Wear comfortable clothing. Confirm whether a support person may attend and whether you can travel home as usual. Your clinic should also provide instructions for medicines and activity after the transfer.

Contact the fertility clinic promptly before attending if you develop fever, heavy vaginal bleeding, severe or worsening pelvic or abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, marked abdominal swelling, reduced urination, chest pain, fainting or difficulty breathing. These symptoms may require assessment and may affect whether the procedure should proceed as planned. Seek urgent medical care for chest pain, fainting, severe breathing difficulty or rapidly worsening symptoms.

Confirm which medicines to take on transfer day, what to do after a missed dose, how full your bladder should be and when to arrive. You can also ask how the embryo will be identified, whether ultrasound guidance is planned, when normal activities may resume, which symptoms warrant a call and when pregnancy testing is scheduled.