• Embryo transfer is a non-invasive procedure, painless, and typically completed in about 5 minutes. Please relax, as a calm and peaceful mindset will benefit the development and implantation success of the embryo.
  • Empty your bowels on the morning of the transfer. Since the transfer is usually guided by abdominal ultrasound, you need to keep your bladder full (i.e., hold your urine).
  • After the transfer, you can rest briefly and then use the restroom to empty your bladder. Do not force yourself to hold your urine, as prolonged retention may lead to urinary retention, emergency bladder bleeding, or even uterine contractions. After the transfer, you can adopt a comfortable position.
  • Rest appropriately until the pregnancy test day. Avoid strenuous exercise and heavy labor, but there’s no need to stay in bed all day. Bed rest can lead to pressure sores, venous thrombosis, and in severe cases, life-threatening conditions. Avoid staying up late, catching a cold, diarrhea, constipation, taking a bath, and having intercourse. Eat easily digestible, high-vitamin, high-quality protein foods, and avoid fussy eating habits.
  • You can take a train, plane, or drive yourself immediately after the transfer, while maintaining a normal lifestyle and work routine. The wrong approach is to avoid showering, sitting, or even walking with your legs tightly crossed. However, avoid high-intensity exercise. Again: Do whatever feels comfortable for you, as you need to be comfortable for the embryo to thrive and develop normally.
  • If you experience lower abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, chest tightness, bloating, or low urine output (less than 1000 milliliters daily), be alert to the possibility of ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, or ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, and seek medical attention.
  • Correct pregnancy testing method: Have your blood drawn 10-16 days after the transfer to check for human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). If the result confirms pregnancy, continue medication, and the doctor will arrange for follow-up HCG tests. On day 28 after the transfer, an ultrasound will check how many embryos implanted and their positions. If the blood test shows no pregnancy, stop all luteal support medications. After stopping the medication, you will menstruate within 1-3 days. If you have frozen embryos, you can prepare for embryo thawing and transfer; otherwise, you may need a new egg retrieval.
    Tip: Some people test their urine for pregnancy 7-8 days after transfer using home pregnancy tests. However, this method is not accurate, as the injection of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) can cause a false positive result.
  • There are three causes of bleeding after transfer:
    • The embryo may not be developing well.
    • Luteal support may be insufficient, requiring an increase in medication. If you add more medication, bleeding may not stop immediately but should decrease and not affect future development.
    • Ectopic pregnancy may occur. If ectopic pregnancy is suspected, an early ultrasound is required. Follow medical advice closely, and the condition can be identified and treated in time.
  • If pregnant, continue luteal support until the 30th to 70th day of pregnancy, and do not stop the medication arbitrarily during this period. If you run out of medication, consult your doctor promptly for a prescription and clarify the dosage, as medication adjustments may be needed as pregnancy progresses.
  • If there is a hard lump at the injection site of progesterone, you can apply a warm compress or use potato slices on the area 2-3 hours after the injection (since it takes 2-3 hours for the injection site to close). You may also gently massage the area to improve blood circulation and promote drug absorption.
  • For third-generation IVF patients, prenatal diagnosis is required after pregnancy confirmation.
  • Maintain contact with the clinic throughout the pregnancy, where you can inquire about special medications and monitor your health. After delivery, please inform the clinic or follow-up doctor about the delivery details, such as the baby’s gender, weight, and any birth defects.
  • For those wishing for a second or third baby, arrange to continue freezing embryos or prepare for another round of fertility treatment.