Causes & Treatment
After embryo transfer – a doctor’s guide
Emma Harpham in partnership with The Prelude Network®, Editor | 26 Feb 2025
What not to do after embryo transfer IVF (starting with, don’t panic)
Here at TRB, we know from super personal experience that the IVF journey often brings its own unique mix of highs and lows.
And whether you’re just starting out on a treatment cycle, or you’re about to come to the end of one, you’ll know that arriving at embryo transfer day represents a huge milestone.
Feeling anxious or nervous is so normal, but having an expert-approved playbook for what to do – and what not to do after embryo transfer – can help ease some of the stress.
For this, we’ve teamed up with The Prelude Network® – the largest and fastest-growing network of fertility clinics in the United States and Canada.
Offering the best in treatment options, science, and patient care, their expert physicians and care teams help anyone aspiring to become a parent navigate their unique path.
Read on to learn how to best support your body in the days after embryo transfer, and for actionable pointers on what to expect in the following weeks.
What happens during (and after) an embryo transfer
First, let’s break down what happens during and after an embryo transfer, with expert insight from Dr. William Ziegler from the Reproductive Science Center of New Jersey.
The day before your embryo transfer, you may be instructed to take a steroid and an antibiotic to help prepare your body.
On the day of the procedure, you’ll be brought into the procedure room, where your doctor will review your embryo development results with you. The team will also double-check all details to ensure everything is correct before proceeding.
The procedure will look a little like this:
- You’ll lie on the procedure table with your feet in stirrups, similar to a pelvic exam, and a speculum will be placed in your vagina to allow access to your cervix.
- An abdominal ultrasound will be used to guide the procedure and give a clear picture of your uterus.
- You’ll verify your name on the culture dish containing your embryo, and it will be loaded into a thin, flexible catheter.
- The catheter will be passed through your cervix and into your uterus.
- Your doctor will release the embryo, and you may see a small white flash on the ultrasound screen, indicating the transfer.
- The catheter will be checked by the embryologist to confirm the embryo has been placed correctly.
After the transfer, you’ll rest in a reclined position in the recovery area for about 30 minutes before being discharged.
What to avoid, after transfer
What should we be avoiding after embryo transfer, and is there a difference depending on whether a patient has had a fresh or frozen transfer?
Dr. Ziegler shares: “After an embryo transfer, fresh or frozen, you should limit your activity.
We recommend avoiding:
- strenuous activities, including high-impact exercises
- heavy lifting
- jumping
These restrictions help keep the embryo in the uterine cavity to increase the chances of implantation.”
High body temperature can also decrease your chance of implantation. Dr. Ziegler recommends avoiding:
- hot baths
- hot tubs
- saunas
“Patients can resume light exercise and normal activities, like moving around the house or returning to work. We also advocate avoiding stressful situations and utilizing relaxation techniques, like meditation or deep breathing.”, he says.
Should you take bed rest after embryo transfer?
The short answer is no, you don’t have to. “In the days after the transfer, some fertility clinics recommend 48 hours of bed rest. This is based on the idea that lying down and limiting movement might help the embryo stay in place.”, Dr. Ziegler says.
“However, research has not shown that this improves implantation or increases the chances of a successful pregnancy.”
Why no swimming after embryo transfer?
It is recommended that patients avoid swimming for a few days after an embryo transfer.
“This is to prevent infection from potential bacteria in pool water and avoid washing away vaginal medications used during the cycle. Patients can shower but avoid long baths and hot tubs.”, Dr. Ziegler advises.
Can you travel after embryo transfer?
Yes, traveling after an embryo transfer is considered safe.
“There is no data that suggests traveling in a car or a plane decreases implantation rates.”, explains Dr. Ziegler.
“If you’re taking a long flight or sitting for long periods, we recommend moving around frequently. High estrogen levels during treatment can increase the risk of blood clots (DVT), and regular movement can help reduce this risk.
When packing medications, use a sturdy, compact travel case or container to keep them at the right temperature, and always carry them in your hand luggage. We don’t recommend placing them in checked baggage. Before traveling, check the rules on carrying medications with your airline, TSA, and your destination.”
What should you eat after embryo transfer?
Dr. Ziegler explains that the most important thing to eat after embryo transfer is a balanced diet with plenty of protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
“We also recommend reducing sugar and caffeine, avoiding alcohol, and steering clear of unpasteurized dairy products.”, he says.
“Some people suggest that certain foods may create an anti-inflammatory environment that supports implantation. These include:
- omega-3-rich foods like fatty fish, chia seeds, and flaxseeds, as well as antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables
- pineapple, which contains bromelain, an enzyme with anti-inflammatory properties
- Beetroot, which is thought to improve blood flow to the uterus by dilating blood vessels
However, there isn’t strong scientific evidence to confirm these claims.”
Can you have sex after embryo transfer?
It’s generally recommended to avoid sex after an embryo transfer.
Dr. Reem Sabouni from Aspire Houston Fertility Institute, advises:
“The main reasons for this are to minimize uterine contractions and reduce any potential risk of infection.
Most clinics advise waiting until after your pregnancy test confirms the outcome, typically about 10-14 days after transfer. If pregnancy is confirmed, your fertility specialist may advise waiting even longer, depending on your individual circumstances.”
Should you continue taking prescribed medications?
Yes, you should continue all prescribed medications unless advised otherwise by your doctor.
Dr. Sabouni shares, “Stopping medications prematurely can impact implantation and early pregnancy support.”
How long to take estradiol or progesterone after embryo transfer?
If you’re already taking estradiol, continue as directed. Estradiol supports the uterine lining, which is essential for implantation and early pregnancy.
If you’re already taking progesterone, continue as prescribed. Progesterone is critical in supporting the uterine lining and maintaining pregnancy in the early stages. Stopping it too soon can increase the risk of miscarriage.
What about taking vitamins after embryo transfer?
“You should continue taking prenatal vitamins after embryo transfer, which include essential nutrients like folic acid.”, Dr. Sabouni notes.
When might implantation bleeding occur after embryo transfer?
“Implantation bleeding can occur anywhere from 5 to 10 days post-transfer.”, explains Dr. Sabouni.
“It’s typically light spotting, pink or brown in color, and should resolve on its own.”
How long after embryo transfer can you test?
“The best time to test is 10-14 days after embryo transfer.”, says Dr. Sabouni.
“Testing too early may result in a false negative because hCG levels may not yet be detectable.”
At-home pregnancy tests vs. clinic testing
“Home pregnancy tests can be tempting, but they may not be as reliable due to lingering hCG from trigger shots or low early levels.
A blood test at the clinic (beta hCG test) is the most accurate way to confirm pregnancy.”, Dr. Sabouni advises.
Key things to do after embryo transfer
- Follow your medication plan – Continue all prescribed medications, especially progesterone and estradiol, until your doctor advises otherwise.
- Take it easy but stay active – Avoid intense exercise, heavy lifting, and intercourse, but gentle movement (like walking) is fine.
- Wait for the right time to test – As hard as it is, resist testing too early. Follow your clinic’s recommended timeline for the most accurate results.
Want to learn more about anything we’ve covered above, or speak with a fertility specialist? Find your closest Prelude Network clinic here, and connect with their team to request an appointment.
Plus, get caught up on our library of content created in partnership with The Prelude Network team so far this year. From egg quality watch points, signs & symptoms to key things to know about follicle size and IVF success rates for over 40 and other specific situations, there’s so much good information here.
