If you’re considering or are about to undergo an embryo transfer, you might wonder what the days following the procedure will look like and when you’ll finally learn the outcome. It’s completely normal to feel a mix of emotions during this time, but understanding the timeline can help ease some of that anxiety.
Stages of Embryo Development
Embryo development begins when a sperm fertilizes an egg. By day two or three, the embryo enters the cleavage stage, where cell division occurs without growth. By day four, the embryo has multiplied into several cells and is starting to form a blastocyst, which typically happens between days five and seven. At this stage, the cells begin to differentiate into two groups that will eventually become the fetus and the placenta.
The Day of the Transfer
On the day of your embryo transfer, you’ll be asked to come to the clinic with a full bladder. The embryo will be placed into your uterus using a gentle catheter that goes through the cervix. After a couple of hours of recovery, you should be able to head home.
Days 1-2 After Transfer
The blastocyst starts to hatch from its shell and attaches to the uterine lining.
Days 3-4
The blastocyst continues to implant further into the uterine lining.
Days 5-6
Implantation is completed. Cells that will form the placenta and fetus begin to develop. By day six, the pregnancy hormone hCG enters your bloodstream.
Day 7
The fetus continues to grow and hCG levels rise.
Days 8-9
hCG levels might be sufficient to indicate pregnancy, but it’s best to wait about 13 days for an accurate result, especially if your transfer was on day three.
Day 10
As your uterus adjusts to the growing embryo, you might notice symptoms like increased thirst, mild cramping, and fatigue.
Differences in Embryo Transfer Stages
If you have a pre-blastocyst transfer on day three, the timeline differs from a blastocyst transfer on day five. While many clinics aim for the blastocyst stage to enhance the chances of success, some may transfer a day-three embryo based on specific circumstances, such as the embryo’s development quality. However, at TFP Fertility, we focus solely on blastocyst transfers.
Possible Symptoms to Expect
After your transfer, you might experience symptoms like cramping, bloating, spotting, fatigue, mood swings, and tender breasts. Increased urination is also common. These could be early signs of pregnancy, but they may also be side effects of progesterone medication. Some women may not feel any symptoms at all, which is totally normal. It’s important to wait for your fertility clinic’s advice on when to take a pregnancy test.
When to Take a Pregnancy Test
Typically, you should wait about two weeks after the embryo transfer to test, but your clinic will provide specific guidance. While the urge to test early can be strong, waiting ensures a more accurate result. After you get your results, reach out to your fertility clinic for the next steps.
In conclusion, understanding the daily progression after an embryo transfer can help manage your expectations and emotions during this hopeful time. For more information on related topics, you might find our blog about formaldehyde helpful, and if you’re considering at-home options, check out this at-home insemination kit. Additionally, for more insights on pregnancy and home insemination, refer to this excellent resource on treating infertility.