How Many Days Pregnant are You After IVF Transfer?

How does the Embryo Stage impact Pregnancy Dating in IVF?

In the case of IVF, figuring out how many days you are along works a bit differently than natural conception. In a natural pregnancy, we usually start counting gestational age from the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP), assuming ovulation happens about two weeks later.

However, with IVF, you know the exact date of fertilisation and when the embryo was transferred, which makes the calculation much more accurate. This accuracy can really bring peace of mind, especially when you are trying to keep track of how many days pregnant you are after your IVF transfer—a question that many hopeful parents often find themselves asking. So, let us see how it works.

How Embryo Stage Affects Pregnancy Dating in IVF?

​The stage at which an embryo is transferred during IVF significantly influences how gestational age and the estimated due date (EDD) are calculated.​

• Day 3 Embryo Transfer: Embryos transferred three days after fertilisation are considered to be at the cleavage stage. To estimate the due date, add 263 days to the transfer date. This accounts for the standard 266-day gestation period from fertilisation to birth, minus the three days the embryo has already developed before transfer. ​

• Day 5 Embryo Transfer: Embryos transferred five days post-fertilisation are at the blastocyst stage. For these, add 261 days to the transfer date to estimate the due date, subtracting the five days of pre-transfer development from the standard gestation period.  

Using IVF Due Date Calculators

Several online tools can help estimate your due date depending on the specifics of your IVF cycle :

What to Expect IVF Due Date Calculator

Provides an estimated due date depending on your embryo transfer date and type.

Enfamil IVF Due Date Calculator

Offers calculations for different embryo transfer days and provides insights into factors affecting IVF due dates.

Flo IVF Due Date Calculator

Allows you to input your transfer date and embryo age to estimate your due date. ​

These calculators can provide a helpful starting point, but it is essential to consult with your healthcare provider for personalised guidance.​

Factors Influencing IVF Due Dates

​

Several factors can influence the accuracy of your estimated due date after an IVF embryo transfer:​

• Type of Embryo Transfer: Whether you had a fresh or frozen embryo transfer (FET) can affect the timing. In FET cycles, doctors may adjust the transfer date to ensure optimal uterine lining, which can potentially influence the estimated due date.

• Embryo Age at Transfer: The stage of development of the embryo at the time of transfer plays a crucial role in calculating the due date. For example, if you have a Day 3 embryo transfer, you would typically add 263 days to the transfer date. On the other hand, a Day 5 blastocyst transfer usually adds 261 days.

• Maternal Health Factors: The mother's personal health factors can influence gestational age assessments. These include age, body mass index (BMI), menstrual cycle regularity, and any underlying health issues like diabetes. These individual variations may necessitate adjustments to the estimated due date.​

Importance of Ultrasound Confirmation

While IVF provides a precise starting point for calculating gestational age, early ultrasounds are necessary for confirming the accuracy of the due date. Ultrasound measurements of the embryo or foetus could give extra information to make sure the pregnancy is progressing as expected. ​

All in all, in IVF pregnancies, you are considered to be approximately 2 weeks and a few days pregnant on the day of embryo transfer. The few days refer to whether you are going for a 3-day or 5-day transfer. Using this information, along with online calculators and medical consultations, can help you track your pregnancy accurately.

Remember to always consult with your healthcare provider for personalised guidance throughout your pregnancy journey.​ 

Also Read:

→ How Much Does IVF Cost

→ How to Prepare a Body for IVF

→ Will I Feel Pregnant After IVF

→ What are the 5 Stages of IVF

→ What are the Key Factors that Determine the Cost of IVF