Moving toward embryo transfer is an exciting and emotional time. Before embryo transfer, your doctor will sit down and discuss with you regarding the detailed plan of embryo transfer. Generally, In our practice, we recommend to transfer one best embryo each time. In some situations, a personalized plan will be made based on each patient’s individual situation. Several factors contribute to an individualized embryo transfer plan, which include age, uterine lining development, overall physical health and embryo number and status.

Embryo transfer happens in the doctor’s office. Your doctor will gently insert a specially designed catheter which is filled with the predetermined quantity of embryo or embryos into your uterine cavity. Embryo (or embryos) will be carefully released at the spot with maximal implantation potential.

After embryo transfer, you may experience cramping, abdominal discomfort, which are all normal responses to the shifting hormone levels. After FET, you should treat yourself like a pregnant woman. The primary activities to avoid after embryo transfer are hot baths, hot-tubs, or activities that elevate the overall body temperature; sexual intercourse; and high-impact forms of exercise. You also need to follow the guidelines for a lifestyle of eating healthy and refraining from alcohol, drugs, caffeinated drinks and foods, or recreational/medicinal marijuana usage.

Pregnancy Test

The anticipation period during the two weeks after the transfer is usually the most difficult of all. In our practice, a blood pregnancy test is scheduled two weeks after day 3 embryo transfer, or 12 days after day 5 embryo transfer.

You may be eager to conduct an over-the-counter urine pregnancy test during the waiting period. We discourage any testing prior to the designated time frame due to the risk of false negative test results that may misrepresent the actual results. Blood tests for pregnancy are the best measure of determining pregnancy and while we understand that the wait may be difficult, it will be disheartening to see a result that may prove incorrect.