After Your Embryo Transfer: A Guide to the Two-Week Wait

Do I need bed rest? 

No, you can resume gentle, normal daily activities. Research shows bed rest does not improve implantation rates. The embryo cannot “fall out,” and normal movement supports healthy circulation. 

You don’t need to guard your body, just aim for calm, steady routines. 

Should I continue my medications? 

Yes. Continue all medications exactly as your doctor has prescribed until your care team advises otherwise. 

Do not stop progesterone, pessaries, injections or any other medications, even if: 

• You experience spotting or bleeding  
• You have pregnancy symptoms  
• You have no symptoms at all  

Your care team will provide instructions if any changes are required. 

Can I exercise? 

Yes, light movement like walking or gentle stretching is encouraged. We suggest that you avoid high-intensity workouts, heavy lifting, or anything that strains your abdomen for about 1–2 weeks. While there’s no strong evidence that exercise causes implantation failure, intense exertion can increase abdominal pressure and stress hormones. This is simply about moderation, not restriction. 

Can I have intercourse? 

If you have had an embryo transferred after a stimulated cycle or the embryo you have had transferred has undergone pre-implantation genetic testing, we advise you should practice protected intercourse for 7 days post embryo transfer. 

If this doesn’t apply to you then having intercourse is a personal choice. There is no evidence to suggest that intercourse interferes with implantation.  

Can I shower, bath, or swim? 

Showers and warm baths are perfectly fine. 

We recommend avoiding pools and spas for a few days after your embryo transfer. A small catheter has recently passed through the cervix, so there is a very small temporary risk of introducing infection.  

We also recommend avoiding high heat, such as saunas and steam rooms, as these can raise your core body temperature. 

Normal bathing and showering are safe. 

Can I go to work? 

Yes. Most patients can return to work immediately after the embryo transfer. 

There is no evidence that working, commuting, sitting at a desk, or normal daily activities affect implantation. 

If your work involves heavy physical labour, discuss this with your care team. 

Can I travel? 

In most cases, yes. 

Travel does not affect implantation. If you are planning long-distance or international travel, please let your care team know so we can ensure you have access to your medications and understand when your pregnancy test is due. 

What should I eat? Is there an implantation diet? 

There is no special implantation diet. 

Focus on pregnancy-safe eating: 

• Lean proteins 
• Fruits and vegetables (washed) 
• Whole grains 
• Healthy fats 
• Plenty of water 

Avoid alcohol. Limit caffeine to under 200 mg daily (one cup of coffee). If implantation occurs, early development begins before your pregnancy test. These guidelines simply support early pregnancy safety. 

What symptoms should I expect? 

You may feel: 

• Cramping 
• Bloating 
• Breast tenderness 
• Fatigue 
• Mood swings 
• Spotting 

Or you may feel absolutely nothing. 

Progesterone causes many of these symptoms, they do not predict success or failure. Whether you are having symptoms or not, it does not indicate the outcome of your cycle.  

Is spotting normal? 

Light spotting or brown discharge can occur during the two-week wait and is not uncommon. It may be related to progesterone pessaries, cervical sensitivity, or possible implantation. Spotting alone does not tell us whether a cycle has been successful or unsuccessful. 

If you experience heavy bleeding similar to a menstrual period, please contact the clinic. 

Can stress ruin implantation? 

No. Implantation is primarily influenced by embryo quality and uterine receptivity. Everyday stress, worry, tears, overthinking, or having a difficult day do not cause implantation failure. 

This is an emotionally significant time, and it is normal to experience a wide range of emotions while you wait. Those feelings are completely understandable and will not harm your chances of success. 

When should I call the clinic? 

Contact your team if you experience: 

• Severe abdominal pain 
• Heavy bleeding 
• Fever 
• Dizziness or fainting 
• Significant swelling 

These are uncommon but important to check. 

When can I take a pregnancy test? 

We ask for you to wait for your scheduled blood test. Testing early can give false positives (from trigger injections) or false negatives (if implantation hasn’t occurred yet). We find that early testing often increases anxiety rather than clarity. 

The Emotional Reality of the Two-Week Wait 

The time between your embryo transfer and pregnancy test can feel unlike any other. 

Many people describe it as a period of waiting, hoping, questioning and trying to make sense of every sensation. 

You may find yourself: 

• Analysing every cramp, twinge or symptom 
• Feeling hopeful one hour and guarded the next 
• Searching online for reassurance 
• Comparing your experience to someone else's 
• Wanting to withdraw from social events or difficult conversations 
• Feeling excited, anxious, impatient or overwhelmed 

All of these feelings are normal. 

For now, the most helpful things you can do are: 

• Take your medications as prescribed 
• Eat well and stay hydrated 
• Move your body gently 
• Prioritise rest and sleep 
• Stay connected to supportive people 
• Be kind to yourself 

We know this wait can feel long, and we are here to support you through it.