Understanding what occurs throughout the cycle may allow patients to actively participate in decision-making, manage expectations, and approach each stage with preparedness. Let’s discuss the IVF cycle in detail to learn how your body responds, how the treatment progresses, and what outcomes to expect during your pregnancy.
What to Expect Week By Week of Your IVF Cycle?
When you understand the timeline of your IVF cycle, you can recognise what your body is experiencing and prepare for each stage of treatment. Here’s what to expect each week of your IVF cycle.Week 1-2- Assessment & Start of Ovarian Stimulation
Your doctor conducts blood tests to evaluate your hormone levels and review scans in the month prior to the IVF cycle to ensure your body is ready. During the second week, ovarian stimulation begins. Your healthcare provider gives daily hormone injections to grow multiple follicles, thereby increasing the number of eggs for a successful conception.
Furthermore, your doctor may recommend ultrasounds and blood tests to monitor follicle development and hormone response, allowing them to adjust dosages, if necessary. At this stage, the prime objective is to produce healthy eggs for fertilisation.
Week 3: Trigger Shot & Egg Retrieval
Once the follicle reaches the ideal size, your doctor may administer a trigger injection to mature the eggs for retrieval. After 34-36 hours, specialists perform egg retrieval under light sedation or anaesthesia. Then, they use a fine needle (guided by ultrasound) to collect the mature eggs from the ovaries. Though you may feel slight cramping afterwards, the recovery is generally smooth and quick.
Week 3-4- Fertilisation & Embryo Development
After retrieval, doctors use IVF or ICSI to fertilise the egg in the lab. Over the next few days, dedicated embryologists monitor embryo development, facilitating proper growth and cell division. After 3-5 days, embryos may reach the blastocyst stage, and doctors select the best embryo for transfer. In some cases, your healthcare provider may recommend genetic testing to screen for chromosomal abnormalities.
Week 4- Embryo Transfer
It is a simple and usually painless procedure in which the doctors use a thin catheter to place the embryo inside the uterus. They rarely perform anaesthesia, and you can generally resume normal activities afterwards. However, avoid intense work or weightlifting for a few days. Some people may opt for a frozen embryo transfer (FET) in a later cycle to improve the uterine readiness and success rates. It is a hopeful moment in the IVF journey when the embryo finally returns home to the womb.
Week 5- Two-Week Trait & Pregnancy Test
After the embryo transfer, the body begins the process of implantation. During this stage, doctors recommend progesterone supplements to support the uterus lining and provide the best environment for embryo growth. However, you may notice mild cramping or spotting. While the waiting period can feel long and emotionally intense, avoid early home pregnancy tests to prevent misleading results.
What are the Things to Keep in Mind During IVF?
Undergoing an IVF may be physically, emotionally, and mentally demanding, which requires self-care and awareness through the process. Here are a few crucial things to keep in mind to support treatment success. Balanced Diet & Hydration
Consuming a balanced diet which includes fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, lean protein, and whole grains helps support your body during hormone stimulation. While a good diet helps maintain optimal energy levels, proper hydration supports blood flow and ovarian function.
Note: Before adding specific foods to your diet or changing your diet for reproductive-related benefits, consult your doctor to avoid digestive issues.
Light Exercise is Key
IVF may bring stress, anxiety, and physical discomfort. Perform gentle physical activity along with relaxing techniques such as deep breathing, yoga, and meditation to promote a better mood, hormonal balance, and sleep. Regular physical movements are crucial for maintaining optimal hormonal levels. However, don’t overtrain.
Note: Follow your doctor’s advice before starting any form of exercise to avoid health-related complications.
Avoid Smoking & Alcohol
Smoking and alcohol may negatively impact egg quality, sperm health, and the success of implantation. Reducing or eliminating such harmful practices during IVF gives your body the ideal time to support healthy fertilisation and embryo growth. Furthermore, quit both smoking and alcohol at least 3 months before starting IVF.
A week-by-week understanding of your IVF cycle makes the experience clearer, calmer, and more manageable. From baseline evaluation to embryo transfer, each week brings you closer to the possibility of parenthood. With informed expectations, medical guidance, and emotional support, the IVF journey becomes more empowering and hopeful.
IVF can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. Join our IVF support group, where stories, guidance, and strength are shared daily.
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FAQs on Understanding Your IVF Cycle: What to Expect Week by Week
- Can IVF increase the chances of twins or multiples?
Yes, transferring more than one embryo increases the chances of multiple pregnancies. Many clinics now focus on single-embryo transfer to reduce risks while maintaining high success rates - Can IVF work in the first attempt?
Yes, many couples conceive after the first cycle, but success varies depending on age and the quality of the eggs and sperm. Sometimes, multiple cycles are needed.