What to expect after embryo transfer

Embryo transfer places an embryo into the uterus during an IVF treatment cycle. Implantation, if it occurs, is not something you can feel or confirm from symptoms alone. Mild pelvic cramping, pressure, bloating, or a small amount of spotting can occur, while some people notice no change.

Vaginal progesterone or another prescribed form of luteal support may be used to help maintain the uterine lining. Breast tenderness, tiredness, discharge, or mood changes can come from the medicine as well as from early pregnancy, so symptoms are not a reliable test.

Use every prescribed dose of Micronised Progesterone as instructed and ask the clinic what to do if you miss one. Keep the pregnancy-test date supplied by your team; testing very early can be confusing after fertility medicines. Eat and drink normally, avoid smoking and alcohol, and choose comfortable movement rather than strenuous exertion if your clinic has advised restrictions.

You do not need bed rest unless your own team has given a specific reason. Keep a note of bleeding, pain, medicines, and questions so the clinic can give targeted advice.

Contact your fertility clinic promptly for increasing pain, heavy bleeding, fever, faintness, severe bloating, vomiting, or breathlessness. Seek emergency help for severe one-sided pain, collapse, or difficulty breathing. These symptoms can need assessment for complications of the treatment cycle and should not be judged by the presence or absence of pregnancy symptoms.

Ask when to test, how long to continue progesterone, which activities are suitable, what bleeding is concerning, and who to call outside clinic hours.