There’s a moment in the IVF journey that many describe as powerful — the embryo transfer. After weeks, sometimes months or years of preparation, this day represents more than a procedure. It’s the bridge between hope and possibility.
At The Center for Advanced Reproductive Services (CARS), we see embryo transfer day as a shared milestone — one where science, medicine, compassion, and trust come together. Your care team is here to make sure you feel informed, supported, and fully present as you take this meaningful next step.
The day begins with preparation — both for your body and your heart. Your care team will confirm your medication schedule, timing, and embryo details so everything is aligned for success.
You’ll also receive reminders for the morning of your transfer:
The transfer itself is short and gentle — usually 10 to 15 minutes. You’ll lie comfortably while your fertility specialist uses ultrasound to guide a very thin, soft catheter through your cervix and into your uterus. Your embryo is placed with care and precision.
You may see it happen in real time on the monitor — a tiny flash of light as the embryo is released, carried in a small bubble of fluid. That bright moment represents more than biology; it’s possibility in motion.
Most people describe the feeling as similar to a Pap test — slight pressure but not pain. No anesthesia is needed, and you’ll be awake and able to share the moment with your support person if you wish.
Your CARS reproductive endocrinologist stays connected throughout, explaining each step so you always know what’s happening.
After your transfer, you’ll rest for a short time before heading home. You can expect mild cramping, bloating, or spotting — all normal signs that your body is responding to the procedure.
Here are a few gentle guidelines for the days that follow:
Most importantly, try to be kind to yourself during the “two-week wait.” The urge to analyze every twinge or symptom is human — but your body and your embryo are doing quiet, remarkable work right now.
During this period, it can be tempting to take a pregnancy test. We advise you to wait until your appointment with CARS, during which we’ll perform bloodwork to confirm the pregnancy.
Today’s embryo transfer techniques have evolved dramatically. In the early days of IVF, it was common to transfer multiple embryos to increase the chance of pregnancy — but that also increased the risk of multiple gestations, which can lead to health complications for both the parent and baby.
Research from the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) shows that transferring a single, healthy embryo (called elective single-embryo transfer, or eSET) offers the same success rates as transferring multiple embryos while significantly lowering the risk of twins or higher-order pregnancies.*
(While it might be tempting to think that twins would mean having the completed family of your dreams, there is significant research showing that single pregnancies allow for healthier pregnancies and outcomes.)
That’s why at CARS and across the First Fertility network, we follow evidence-based single-embryo transfer practices — prioritizing your safety, your health, and the goal of one healthy baby at a time.
The timing depends on whether your cycle is a fresh or frozen embryo transfer. Your physician and embryologist coordinate based on your body’s readiness, hormone levels, and embryo development.
For most hopeful parents, yes. Single-embryo transfer maintains excellent success rates while reducing pregnancy-related risks. Your CARS physician will personalize this recommendation to your situation.
A fresh transfer typically happens a few days after egg retrieval. A frozen embryo transfer (FET) takes place later, allowing your body to recover and your hormones to be precisely balanced. Both approaches have strong outcomes; your team will help determine which is right for you.
Embryo transfer isn’t just the “final” step in IVF — it’s a new beginning. You’ve prepared your mind, your body, and your heart for this moment, and your care team has prepared everything else.
At The Center for Advanced Reproductive Services, we’re honored to share this milestone with you — combining leading-edge reproductive science with care that centers your comfort, dignity, and hope.
Your story matters. Your care is personal. And your next chapter starts here.