Do I need to stay off work after transfer?

Many people return to normal, non-strenuous activities the same or next day. Whether to take time off is a personal decision, often shaped by how physically or emotionally demanding your job is, rather than medical necessity.

Can I exercise during the two week wait?

Gentle activity like walking is generally fine, but your clinic may advise avoiding strenuous exercise, heavy lifting or high-impact activity during this time. Ask them specifically what they recommend for your situation.

Why do I need progesterone support?

Progesterone helps prepare and maintain the womb lining for implantation. In IVF cycles, natural progesterone production can be affected by the stimulation medication, which is why supplementation is commonly prescribed.

What if I bleed before test day?

Bleeding during the wait doesn't automatically mean the cycle hasn't worked, some people who go on to get a positive test do bleed slightly beforehand. Contact your clinic if you're worried, but try to still test on the date given unless advised otherwise.

Embryo transfer: what happens and what follows

Written by Zayn Miah & R KhanomLast updated 17 September 2026Not clinically reviewed

Short answer: Embryo transfer is a short, usually painless procedure where a thin catheter carrying one embryo is passed through the cervix into the womb, guided by ultrasound, typically taking only a few minutes and needing no sedation. Afterwards, most people go home the same day and begin the two week wait for a pregnancy test, often supported by prescribed progesterone.

Preparing for the day

You'll usually be asked to arrive with a comfortably full bladder, which helps position the womb for the ultrasound used to guide the transfer. Your clinic will confirm which embryo is being transferred, and you may be shown an image of it beforehand.

During the procedure

A speculum is used to see the cervix, similar to a smear test. A thin, soft catheter loaded with the embryo is passed through the cervix into the womb under ultrasound guidance, and the embryo is released. The whole procedure usually takes a few minutes and most people describe it as similar to a smear test in sensation.

Fresh versus frozen transfer

A fresh transfer happens within the same cycle as egg retrieval. A frozen transfer uses an embryo thawed from storage, transferred in a later cycle once your womb lining has been prepared, either naturally or with medication. Your clinic will explain which approach they're recommending and why.

Immediately afterwards

Most clinics allow you to go home shortly after the transfer, with no need for prolonged bed rest, since evidence doesn't show this improves outcomes. Some cramping or light spotting can happen and is usually not a cause for concern.

There's no strong evidence that resting flat for hours after transfer improves the chance of success. Many clinics now actively encourage a normal, gentle level of activity rather than complete bed rest.

Medication during the wait

Progesterone support, often as pessaries, gel or injections, is commonly prescribed after transfer to help maintain the womb lining. Follow your clinic's specific instructions on dose and timing rather than any generic guidance, since protocols differ.

What to expect over the following days

Mild cramping or bloating, often similar to premenstrual symptoms.
Some light spotting, which doesn't necessarily mean the cycle has failed.
Emotional ups and downs, which are extremely common during this wait.
The urge to test early, which your clinic will usually advise against because of unreliable early results.

Getting through the two week wait

Many people find this period harder emotionally than the physical stages of the cycle. Keeping to your usual routine where possible, and having a plan for who to talk to if you're struggling, can help. Support is worth seeking out, whether from your clinic, a counsellor, or people who understand what you're going through.

Testing day

Your clinic will give you a specific date to take a blood or urine pregnancy test. Testing earlier can give a false negative because hormone levels may not yet be high enough to detect, so it's worth waiting for the date given even though it's difficult.

Questions people ask next

Do I need to stay off work after transfer?: Many people return to normal, non-strenuous activities the same or next day. Whether to take time off is a personal decision, often shaped by how physically or emotionally demanding your job is, rather than medical necessity.
Can I exercise during the two week wait?: Gentle activity like walking is generally fine, but your clinic may advise avoiding strenuous exercise, heavy lifting or high-impact activity during this time. Ask them specifically what they recommend for your situation.
Why do I need progesterone support?: Progesterone helps prepare and maintain the womb lining for implantation. In IVF cycles, natural progesterone production can be affected by the stimulation medication, which is why supplementation is commonly prescribed.
What if I bleed before test day?: Bleeding during the wait doesn't automatically mean the cycle hasn't worked, some people who go on to get a positive test do bleed slightly beforehand. Contact your clinic if you're worried, but try to still test on the date given unless advised otherwise.

Words on this page

Sources

IVF: what is IVF and how does it work?, HFEA (UK fertility regulator). Link checked 17 September 2026.
IVF overview, NHS. Link checked 17 September 2026.
Treatment add-ons with limited evidence, HFEA. Link checked 17 September 2026.

Written by patients, not clinicians. This page has not yet been reviewed by a named fertility professional, so it explains published guidance and points you to the original source instead of giving medical advice. It is not medical advice. Decisions about your treatment belong with your own clinic. Read our editorial policy and corrections policy.