What to Expect on Embryo Transfer Day
One of the most exciting days is here — the Embryo Transfer! It’s a day filled with hope, excitement, and the possibility of a new beginning. This checklist will help you stay calm, organized, and informed throughout this magical moment.
✔️ Checklist 9: What to Expect on Embryo Transfer Day
1. Transport to the clinic
Do you have your transport to the clinic organized to avoid stress?
✔️ Great! Having a car service or directions ready can help lower stress on transfer day.
⚠️ Please plan your journey in advance. Book a taxi or check local transport routes to avoid delays and unnecessary anxiety.
2. ID / Passport
Did you pack your identification documents for clinic verification?
✔️ Perfect. Clinics require ID to verify patients before any medical procedure.
⚠️ Please remember your ID/passport. You may not be allowed to proceed without it.
3. Informed Consents
Have you read and signed all informed consents before your appointment?
✔️ Excellent! Signing forms in advance helps avoid delays and ensures you're aware of all procedures and rights.
⚠️ Ask your clinic if you can review consents before transfer day or arrive early to avoid rushing. Understanding what you sign is crucial.
4. Medication
Are you following your protocol and taking all prescribed medications?
✔️ Wonderful! Staying on track with your protocol gives your embryo the best chance.
⚠️ Please contact your clinic immediately. Proper medication timing is essential to embryo implantation and support.
5. Bladder Fullness
Did you follow the instructions on how full your bladder should be?
✔️ Great! A properly filled bladder helps your doctor get a clear ultrasound view for a smoother transfer.
⚠️ Double-check with your clinic. Having a half-full bladder is usually required — too full or empty may complicate the procedure.
6. Embryo Vitrification Plan
Have you discussed embryo freezing (vitrification) with your doctor?
✔️ Perfect! Knowing how many embryos will be frozen and how they’re stored ensures clarity for future cycles.
⚠️ Ask your embryologist or doctor about the vitrification strategy — how many embryos, what quality, and how they will be stored.
7. Partner’s Presence
Did you check if your partner can be present during the transfer?
✔️ Lovely! Having support on the day can make the experience more comforting.
⚠️ If you’d like your partner with you, ask the clinic about their policy. Some allow it, others don’t due to medical protocols.
8. Payment Prepared
Do you have your payment ready for the procedure?
✔️ Excellent. You’re fully prepared and one step closer to success!
⚠️ Double-check clinic payment terms and whether it’s due on transfer day or already prepaid. Keep payment method secure and accessible.
9. Comfortable Clothing
Are you wearing soft and comfortable clothes?
✔️ Nice! Loose clothes make your visit more relaxed and post-transfer rest easier.
⚠️ Consider changing into comfortable layers. Avoid anything tight or complicated to remove.
10. Understand Your Protocol
Do you clearly understand what to do after the transfer, including medication?
✔️ Great job! Keeping to your medication plan is key for supporting implantation and early pregnancy.
⚠️ Get in touch with your clinic now for clarification. Do not adjust anything unless instructed by your fertility doctor.
11. Are you easing into normal activity and avoiding strenuous exercise?
✔️ Great. Avoiding heavy lifting and sudden movements helps your body focus on healing and implantation.
⚠️ Ease into your routine. Skip workouts and lifting for now — give your body time to adjust and support embryo implantation.
12. Are you planning proper rest without prolonged bed rest?
✔️ Excellent. Moderate rest is best. Prolonged bed rest isn't necessary unless your doctor says otherwise.
⚠️ Avoid staying in bed all day. Light activity is encouraged unless your clinic gives different instructions.
13. Are you maintaining a balanced, healthy diet post-transfer?
✔️ Perfect. A nutrient-rich diet supports your body’s recovery and hormonal balance. Keep avoiding alcohol and excess caffeine.
⚠️ Try to focus on hydration and whole foods. Avoid heavy meals, alcohol, smoking, and too much caffeine.
14. Are you avoiding baths, pools, and hot tubs?
✔️ Good! Avoiding soaking and hot environments reduces the risk of infection or disrupting implantation.
⚠️ It’s safer to avoid soaking, pools, or hot tubs. Stick to showers for now to minimize infection risks.
15. Do you understand that light spotting might be normal?
✔️ Great. Implantation bleeding can occur. Keep your clinic updated and stay calm unless symptoms worsen.
⚠️ Don’t panic if light spotting appears. It’s often normal. Contact your clinic if you’re unsure or if bleeding becomes heavier.
16. Have you scheduled your pregnancy blood test (beta-hCG)?
✔️ Excellent. Timing your blood test 10–14 days post-transfer ensures accurate results. Be sure to send it to your clinic.
⚠️ Schedule your blood test now and follow your clinic’s timeline. Don’t take early at-home tests — they can be misleading.
17. Are you ready to report your results back to your IVF clinic?
✔️ That’s the spirit! Whether results are high or low, the clinic will guide your next steps.
⚠️ Keep your clinic informed of results. They will help interpret them and give you next steps, even if things don’t go as planned.
18. Do you know what to do in case of emergency?
✔️ Great. Keep emergency contacts and clinic numbers handy. Know when to act quickly.
⚠️ Write down emergency symptoms (severe bleeding, fever, pain) and the contact details of your clinic and hospital just in case.