Dr. Aruna Ashok MBBS, MS OG, DNB OG
- Clinical Director
Aruna Ashok | 19 September 2025
When it comes to assisted reproductive technologies (ART) like in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment, embryo transfer plays a significant role. The procedure can be considered as a crucial milestone in the journey of parenthood. Hence, it’s no wonder to see hope and anxiety in the couple after the procedure.
Understanding what comes next after embryo transfer can help you stay informed and confident.
This blog has come up in the topic of “post-embryo transfer timeline: what happens after 3,5,7, and 8 days” to feed you such information and confidence.
The timeline of the post-embryo transfer can be understood only when we know the developmental stages of the fertilised egg.
After the egg retrieval, the egg and sperm of the couple are brought together in the IVF laboratory to allow fertilisation. Once fertilised (zygote), it further divides and forms into a cleavage stage and then a morula stage. Morula is an early embryonic stage where the cell is divided into 8-16 structures. The morula then continues to divide and form into a blastocyst. This typically happens on day 5-6 after egg retrieval or fertilisation. While the morula can happen on day 3.
During an embryo transfer, either the embryo at the cleavage stage or the blastocyst stage is considered to be transferred. However, many fertility specialists prefer to do the blastocyst transfer. This is because blastocyst transfers are the more developed embryos than cleavage ones, which have an increased possibility of successful implantation.
The embryologist may nurture these embryos by consistently monitoring their growth in the laboratory. In addition, they would be the ones choosing the most viable blastocyst for the transfer. This is why fertility specialists claim that the success of the assisted reproductive technologies is in the hands of the skilled embryologist.
After embryo transfer, the blastocyst would further divide and grow while trying to attach to the lining of the uterus to establish the pregnancy. Implantation of the embryo may generally be completed around day 4 or 5 inside the woman after embryo transfer. The hCG hormone may spike its level and enter the blood and urine around day 6 – 10.
The entire process may take nearly 10-14 days to be completed post-embryo transfer to confirm the pregnancy.
This section describes the detailed breakdown of what happens after days 3, 5, 7, and 9 of embryo transfer.
On day 3 of post-embryo transfer, the transferred blastocyst may continue to hatch out its outer membrane. It may also have begun to make contact with the lining of the uterus (endometrium or endometrial lining). A healthy endometrial lining may encourage the embryo to implant by supplying adequate nutrients.
Around this time, many women may not experience any symptoms. However, some women do experience symptoms like cramps that are similar to menstrual pain and light spotting.
On day 5 of post-embryo transfer, the transferred blastocyst may continue to attach deeply inside the lining of the uterus. The process is known as implantation, which is a positive sign of pregnancy. Implantation is generally considered to be completed on day 5 of post-embryo transfer. The outer layer of the blastocyst is converted into a placenta, while the inner layer is converted into the fetus and its body parts.
Around this time, a woman’s body may have started to produce more hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin). However, the levels would still be too low to be detected in the pregnancy test.
Due to the sudden changes in the hormonal levels, a maternal body may start to exhibit symptoms like mild cramping, light spotting for one or two days, and the urge to urinate frequently.
On day 7 of post-embryo transfer, a healthy embryo may continue to grow the placenta and hCG hormone gradually. It may also have settled firmly inside the lining of the uterus by this time.
A woman may notice fatigue, breast tenderness, vaginal discharge, and sometimes no symptoms at all.
On day 9 of post-embryo transfer, a healthy embryo may further grow the placenta and hCG hormone gradually. By this time, the hCG hormone may have increased the level that can be detected in the pregnancy test. However, fertility specialists recommend taking a test between 10 and 14 days after embryo transfer. This is to avoid the false negatives due to the low levels of hCG hormone, in case. And false positives from the medications used during the fertility treatment. Even though the latter scenario is rare, it can still happen.
Around this time, women would have started to have early pregnancy symptoms like mood swings, nausea, and increased urination.
Remember that the symptoms may widely vary from woman to woman. Some women may have positive results without any pregnancy symptoms. Therefore, it doesn’t mean that the attempt is a failure when you don’t experience symptoms. Likewise, it doesn’t mean that the attempt is positive when you do experience the symptoms. Hence, have hope and patience until the pregnancy test determines the result.
After the waiting period of two consecutive weeks, you may be asked to take a pregnancy test. Pregnancy is confirmed by determining the hCG levels in either the urine or the blood of the woman. Many healthcare providers recommend taking a urine test first, and then a blood test.
A urine test can be done at home using the at-home pregnancy kits, while a blood test can be done either in clinics or laboratories.
A pregnancy test should be strictly taken after 10 to 14 days post-embryo transfer. The day of the test may typically be mentioned by your healthcare provider on the day of the procedure.
At home pregnancy kits usually come in different formats. They may include:
Whatever the format you choose, always remember to read the instructions on the kit before using it.
When it comes to the blood test, the hCG levels are measured accurately along with more insights into the pregnancy's progress.
If the test confirms that you are pregnant, confirming further with the healthcare provider is recommended. They may start providing prenatal care for the healthy development of both the mother and the baby.
If the test results are negative, we suggest you not lose hope. The following attempt may fix it with certain changes in your lifestyle. Always remember that IVF is a persistent journey, which requires patience and hope to achieve the destination. Your struggles would definitely pay off ultimately.
It is always important to understand the difference between normal and concerning symptoms. This can help to determine when to contact the healthcare provider.
If you are tired, sleepy, feel nauseous, have mild cramping, notice slight bleeding from the vagina and a slight increase of 37°C - 37.5°C in body temperature, these are all considered to be normal. Experiencing no symptoms is also considered to be normal. This doesn’t require any medical attention.
On the contrary, if you experience heavy bleeding, fainting, severe pain in the abdomen, or rapid heartbeat, contact the healthcare provider immediately. These are all considered to be concerning symptoms while trying to become pregnant.
The days after embryo transfer can feel everlasting. For some women, it may even seem like draining their strength. It is significant to understand that hormonal medications are the culprit in the scenario. Never hesitate to seek support from your loved ones. Always try to stay positive with adequate rest. You may also practise relaxation techniques like yoga and meditation to overcome anxiety. Keeping yourself well-informed of what happens after embryo transfer can also help with it.
Remember to stay calm, focused, and positive in every situation. If you need any assistance, talk to the professional for guidance. They can certainly help!
1. Can I travel or take a flight after embryo transfer?
The answer to the question is yes. You can certainly travel by car, train or flight after embryo transfer. However, avoiding strenuous trips or long travels soon after the procedure is highly suggested. Taking adequate rest for a few days to a week is generally suggested. Discussing with the healthcare provider before any such plans is appreciated.
2. Is it possible to show increased hCG levels in the test without being pregnant?
The answer to the question is yes. Sexual intercourse is typically prohibited following embryo transfer. This is to avoid potential uterine contractions and infections that can interfere with the delicate implantation process.
3. Can I take supplements to support implantation?
Certain supplements like folic acid, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D and CoQ10 can help with the implantation process. However, it is significant to discuss with the healthcare provider before consuming them, specifically during fertility treatments like IVF.
4. Does drinking too much water after embryo transfer wash out the transferred embryo?
The answer to the question is no. Drinking too much water doesn’t wash out the transferred embryo. Instead, it helps to maintain a healthy uterine environment, increase blood flow, nutrient supply to the embryo and successful implantation.
5. Can I go to the gym post-embryo transfer?
The answer to the question is no. Heavy lifts and strenuous workouts post-embryo transfer are generally advised to be avoided. This can negatively impact the implantation process. Rather, you may focus on doing yoga, meditation, and gentle walking, only if your healthcare provider approves.
