IVF Pregnancy Week by Week is a journey for couples who get pregnant through IVF. Every week brings some new changes in the body and the baby’s growth. This journey can feel different from a natural pregnancy. So it’s helpful to know what happens at every stage. It’s important to know every detail week-by-week to make you feel more relaxed.
At RISAA IVF, Dr. Rita Bakshi, Senior IVF Specialist and Gynaecologist, has helped many couples to become parents through IVF. Her experiences have made a big difference in their lives. In this blog, we will explain everything about IVF pregnancy week by week in a simple and clear way.
What to Expect After Embryo Transfer?
There are many women who feel hopeful but also a little nervous after embryo transfer. This is the time when doctors see if the embryo will stick to the uterus and start a pregnancy.
You may feel light cramps, a little bloating, or see slight spotting. There are some women who don’t feel anything at all and that is also normal. It’s important to stay relaxed, rest well, and avoid lifting heavy things. Additionally, follow all the instructions your doctor gives, including any medicines. Your doctor will do a blood test (beta-hCG) after 10 to 14 days to know if you’re pregnant. This test checks for the pregnancy hormone.
Week 1-2: Implantation and Early Signs
Your body goes through some changes in the first two weeks after embryo transfer. If the embryo implants successfully into the uterus, early pregnancy signs may start to appear. However, some women may not feel any symptoms at all and this is normal.
Possible signs during Week 1–2:
- Light spotting or mild cramps (implantation bleeding)
- Breast tenderness or swelling
- Feeling tired or low energy
- Bloating or slight discomfort
- Mood swings or feeling emotional
- No symptoms at all (also common)
Week 3-4: Confirming Pregnancy After IVF
Week 3–4 after embryo transfer is the time when you can confirm if you’re pregnant. This is usually done with a blood test which is called a beta hCG test. There are some women who may also start to see more symptoms during this stage.
What to expect in Week 3–4:
- Beta hCG blood test to confirm pregnancy
- Mild pregnancy symptoms like nausea, fatigue, or breast changes
- Increased emotional changes or mood swings
- Light spotting or no symptoms (both can be normal)
- Follow-up tests or scans may be advised by your doctor
Week 5-6: First Ultrasound and Hormone Monitoring
In IVF Pregnancy Week by Week, Week 5–6 is a very important time in your IVF journey. This is when your doctor will usually schedule your first ultrasound to check if the pregnancy is going well.
What happens in Week 5–6:
- First ultrasound is done to check the gestational sac and confirm the pregnancy location
- Heartbeat may be seen around the end of week 6 in some cases
- Hormone levels like progesterone and hCG are still examined
- Mild pregnancy symptoms like tiredness, nausea, or breast soreness may continue
- Doctor may adjust medication which is based on hormone levels
Week 7-8: Baby’s Heartbeat and Growth Begins
Week 7–8 is a special time during IVF pregnancy. This is when many parents hear their baby’s heartbeat for the first time. It’s also the stage when the baby starts growing more clearly.
What happens in Week 7–8:
- Heartbeat is clearly visible on ultrasound in most cases
- Baby’s size increases and starts to look more like a tiny human
- Arms, legs, and facial features begin to slowly form
- You may still feel early pregnancy symptoms like nausea, tiredness, or mood swings
- Doctors may continue hormone support and it depends on your body’s needs
Week 9-10: Shifting to Regular Prenatal Care
Week 9–10 is an important stage in IVF pregnancy because it is the time when you shift from fertility care to regular prenatal care. Your fertility specialist may refer you to an obstetrician for continued care during the rest of your pregnancy.
What to expect in Week 9–10:
- You may stop hormone medications like progesterone, based on your doctor’s advice
- Your baby’s organs are developing and the embryo is now called a fetus
- You will start routine prenatal visits with a gynecologist or obstetrician
- Basic prenatal tests like blood tests or scans may be done
- Your emotional bonding with the baby starts to grow as symptoms become more real
Week 11-12: End of the First Trimester
Week 11–12 is the end of the first trimester in an IVF pregnancy. In this, the risk of miscarriage lowers and many women start to feel a little more relaxed. Your baby has grown a lot during the past weeks and important organs are formed.
What happens during Week 11–12:
- First-trimester screening (blood test and ultrasound) may be done to check for chromosomal conditions
- Morning sickness may reduce for some women
- Your baby’s heartbeat is stronger and easier to hear
- Your uterus starts to rise and a small baby bump may start showing
- You may feel less tired but it’s important to know that every pregnancy is different.
Second Trimester Overview (Weeks 13–26)
The second trimester (weeks 13 to 26) is often called the most comfortable phase of pregnancy. By this time, many early symptoms like nausea and tiredness start to fade. There are many women who feel more energetic and start to enjoy their pregnancy. The baby also starts growing quickly and you may start to feel gentle movements around the middle of this trimester. This is also the time when important pregnancy scans are done to check the baby’s development.
Third Trimester Overview (Weeks 27–40)
The second trimester (weeks 13 to 26) is often called the most comfortable phase of pregnancy. By this time, there are many early symptoms like nausea and tiredness that start to go away. There are many women who feel more energetic and start to enjoy their pregnancy.
The baby also starts growing quickly and you may start to feel gentle movements around the middle of this trimester. This is also the time when important scans are done to check the baby’s development.
Final Words
IVF Pregnancy Week by Week is an important topic for couples who are on their fertility journey through IVF. In this blog, we’ve explained each stage of IVF pregnancy. It’s very important to understand what happens during each week, feel more prepared, confident, and connected to your growing baby.
At RISAA IVF, Dr. Rita Bakshi (Senior Fertility Specialist and Gynaecologist) has supported many couples with personal guidance. If you have any questions or want to talk about your IVF journey, feel free to call us at 95555 44421/22/23 or email at doctor@risaaivf.com.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
How many weeks pregnant are you after IVF transfer?
You are considered two weeks pregnant on the day of embryo transfer, based on IVF dating.
Which week is safe in IVF pregnancy?
After 12 weeks (end of first trimester) is usually considered a safer stage of pregnancy.
How to calculate IVF pregnancy week by week?
Start counting from the egg retrieval date plus two weeks, then track week by week like a natural pregnancy.
When is IVF pregnancy confirmed?
Pregnancy is confirmed by a blood test around 10–14 days after embryo transfer.
Which day embryo is good?
Day 5 embryos (blastocysts) are generally better for transfer due to higher success rates.