Embryo transfer is the last step in an IVF cycle. Once eggs are collected and fertilised with sperms in the laboratory, then within the next 3-5 days the best quality embryos will be transferred to the womb. Once transferred, if the embryo is able to attach itself to the walls of the womb then pregnancy will take place which can be confirmed by pregnancy tests after 9-11 days from the embryo transfer.

The process of embryo transfer is not painful, the feeling is same as with the pap smear test, however, it can cause a little discomfort as the process would require a woman to come full bladder. The doctor or gynaec places a speculum into woman’s vagina to set the walls apart, now a catheter is placed through cervix which allows embryo transfer into the womb, the whole process is monitored and guided by ultrasound imagining technique.

Once it’s done, you would be advised to rest for an hour in the hospital itself and after that, you can go home. Once you reach home or office better to get on with light work for the day and then carry on with the normal routine for the days to follow. It’s advisable to restrain yourself from rigorous exercising, jogging, or any high impact activities till the pregnancy test is carried out. Also, make a note to avoid traveling by air on the same day of embryo transfer, otherwise car driving or traveling by bus or train are all fine options.

Between day 9-11 after the embryos get transferred, we will go for blood tests to confirm pregnancy.