What Happens After Embryo Transfer Day By Day

Surrogacy is an incredible journey, and at the center of it all lies the science of conception often made possible through in vitro fertilization (IVF) and the careful process of embryo transfer. Whether you’re a surrogate or an intended parent, understanding what happens in the days following an embryo transfer can offer clarity, comfort, and a sense of connection to the process.

For intended parents and surrogates alike, the wait between transfer day and pregnancy confirmation (often called the two-week wait) can feel long, uncertain, and emotionally intense. But knowing what’s happening biologically day by day after an embryo transfer can help set realistic expectations, reduce stress, and deepen your understanding of what your body (or your surrogate’s body) is working so hard to do.

In this post, we’ll walk through the science, the milestones, and the symptoms many surrogates experience after embryo transfer, step by step.

What Happens After Embryo Transfer Day By Day

After an embryo is transferred into the uterus (typically five days after fertilization, when the embryo reaches the blastocyst stage) an intricate dance begins between the embryo and the uterine lining. This period, though only 9–14 days long, is packed with microscopic developments that determine whether or not a successful embryo transfer will lead to a pregnancy.

In this post, we’ll walk you through:

• How long the embryo transfer process really takes

• What happens during each stage of embryo development

• What’s happening in the body, step by step, day by day

• What symptoms to expect (from mild cramping to implantation bleeding)

• And how the final blood test confirms the outcome

It’s all part of the incredible, complicated, and hopeful surrogacy journey.

How Long Is The Embryo Transfer Process?

The term “embryo transfer” might sound like a single moment in time, but the full process spans weeks of preparation, timed medication, fertility treatments, and the crucial two-week wait that follows the actual transfer.

First, ovarian stimulation is used to develop mature eggs, followed by egg retrieval, fertilization, and embryo growth in the lab. Embryos are then either transferred fresh or frozen and thawed for a frozen embryo transfer later on. Once transferred, the uterine lining must be ready and receptive to allow for embryo implantation.

While the actual transfer procedure takes just a few minutes, it can take 9 to 14 days post-transfer for enough hCG hormone to build up in the body to confirm pregnancy via blood test. It’s a highly emotional time, full of hope, doubt, and questions — which is why understanding each step helps.

What Are The Stages Of Embryo Development

Fertilization (Day 0)

The embryo transfer process begins with fertilization — when an egg and sperm meet, typically in a lab through in vitro fertilization (IVF). If fertilization is successful, the single-cell zygote begins dividing.

Cleavage Stage (Days 1–3)

The embryo divides rapidly, going from 2 to 4 to 8 cells. During this stage, the embryo is still in the lab, monitored closely to track success rates and quality before transfer.

Blastocyst Stage (Days 4–5)

By Day 5, embryos that reach the blastocyst stage are ready for transfer. At this point, the embryo has developed a fluid-filled cavity and distinct layers of cells — one part will become the baby, the other part will become the placenta.

Implantation (Days 6–10 Post Fertilization)

After transfer, the blastocyst must hatch out of its shell and attach to the uterine lining. This is when embryo implantation occurs — and it’s a make-or-break moment in the process.

What Happens Day By Day After Embryo Transfer

Here’s what’s typically happening after embryo transfer day by day. Everyone’s experience is unique, and not all symptoms are universal — but this breakdown can help you understand the biological “behind the scenes.”

Step 1: Day 1 – Embryo Transfer Day

The embryo is transferred directly into the uterus via a thin catheter. Most women feel no physical symptoms right away, but some may experience light spotting, mild cramping, or mood swings due to progesterone support.

Tip: Take it easy but don’t feel the need to be on strict bed rest — light activity is typically fine unless advised otherwise (and don’t forget to eat the McDonalds French Fries after - IYKYK!)

Step 2: Day 2 – The Embryo Begins to Attach

The blastocyst begins the process of “hatching” from its shell and slowly moves closer to the uterine lining. There may be no noticeable symptoms yet, but rest and hydration are always helpful.

Step 3: Day 3 – Early Implantation Begins

The embryo may begin to burrow into the uterine wall. Some surrogates report mild cramping or a pulling sensation, though many feel nothing. The uterus is working hard behind the scenes!

Step 4: Day 4 – Deeper Implantation

The embryo continues embedding into the uterine lining, which thickens and supports it with nutrients. This is a key day for embryo implantation. Some may notice implantation bleeding — a small amount of pink or brown spotting — though not everyone will.

Step 5: Day 5 – hCG Production Begins

If implantation has occurred, the embryo starts to release hCG hormone, which will eventually be detected in a pregnancy test. Early symptoms like breast tenderness, light fatigue, or slight nausea may appear — or not.

Step 6: Day 6 – hCG Rises

As hCG levels increase, you may start to feel PMS-like symptoms — moodiness, cramping, or tiredness. These symptoms mirror early pregnancy or could simply be side effects of hormone medications. Try not to overanalyze each twinge.

Step 7: Day 7 – More hCG & Potential Symptoms

This is the earliest point where a very sensitive test might detect pregnancy, but it’s still too early for a reliable result. Some surrogates report mood swings, light spotting, or breast tenderness.

Step 8: Day 8 – The Emotional Highs and Lows

This is when the infamous two week wait begins to feel real. Many people start obsessively Googling symptoms or resisting the urge to test early. Some may feel normal, while others might notice subtle changes.

Step 9: Day 9 – Fluctuating Symptoms

hCG hormone continues rising if implantation was successful. Fatigue, mood changes, or light nausea could emerge, but it’s also common to feel absolutely nothing. Reminder: Lack of symptoms doesn’t mean anything is wrong.

Step 10: Day 10 – Some Take an Early Test

Some surrogates or intended parents might try a home pregnancy test around Day 10. While faint lines might appear, a blood test is the gold standard for accuracy and hcg levels.

Step 11–13: Waiting for Blood Work

The clinic will typically schedule a pregnancy test (beta hCG) between Days 11 and 14 post-transfer. If the results show rising hcg hormone, it’s a sign of a successful embryo transfer.

Understanding what happens after embryo transfer day by day won’t change the outcome — but it can empower you as you walk through the post embryo transfer waiting period with more clarity and less anxiety.

No two journeys are the same. Symptoms vary. Emotions swing. And the surrogacy journey is never linear. Whether you're a first-time intended parent or navigating a second or third journey, knowing what your body (or your surrogate's body) is doing — step by step — builds trust in the process.

If you're just starting to explore surrogacy or IVF, make sure to read more about what is gestational surrogacy process, which offers a comprehensive look at the bigger picture behind embryo transfer and the milestones leading up to it.

Want help navigating your fertility treatments or matching with a surrogate who understands your emotional and medical needs? I’d love to be part of your path to parenthood — and help make each step a little more grounded, informed, and supported. Click here to connect with me!