IVF Pregnancy Milestones Timeline

Complete IVF Pregnancy Milestone Timeline

The following timeline is based on a day 5 blastocyst transfer, which is the most common type. For day 3 or day 6 transfers, adjust the "days post-transfer" figures by adding or subtracting 2 days respectively.

Visual Pregnancy Timeline: Transfer to Delivery

This visual timeline highlights the major milestones in an IVF pregnancy, organized chronologically from embryo transfer through delivery.

Milestones by Trimester: At a Glance

Comprehensive Milestone Schedule

This detailed table includes each milestone with what test or event occurs, what to expect, and the approximate timing for a day 5 blastocyst transfer.

Trimester Highlights

Prenatal Visit Frequency by Trimester

IVF pregnancies typically involve more visits than naturally conceived pregnancies, especially in the first trimester. Here is the typical prenatal visit schedule.

Note: First trimester visit count includes fertility clinic appointments (beta tests, monitoring ultrasounds). Third trimester visits increase because of biweekly then weekly scheduling.

IVF-Specific Milestones Not Found in Natural Pregnancy

IVF pregnancies include several early milestones and monitoring steps that naturally conceived pregnancies do not have. These extra milestones provide valuable information but can also add anxiety during the early weeks.

Early Pregnancy Milestones (Weeks 2-4)

Transfer Day (Day 0)

Gestational Age: 2 weeks, 5 days (for day 5 transfer)

The day of your embryo transfer is when your pregnancy officially begins in terms of dating. Your embryo is placed in your uterus via a thin catheter, guided by ultrasound. The procedure is typically quick and painless. Many clinics provide photos of your embryo before transfer.

What to expect: Rest the remainder of the day. Most clinics no longer require bed rest, but avoiding strenuous activity is recommended. Continue all prescribed medications exactly as directed.

Implantation Window (Days 1-5)

Gestational Age: 2w 6d - 3w 3d

During this time, your blastocyst hatches from its protective shell (zona pellucida), attaches to your uterine lining, and begins implanting. By day 5 post-transfer, implantation is typically complete and the embryo begins producing hCG.

What you might experience: Many women feel nothing. Some report light spotting (implantation bleeding), mild cramping, or breast tenderness. However, these symptoms can also be caused by progesterone medications, so they aren't reliable indicators of pregnancy success.

First Beta hCG Test (Around Day 9)

Gestational Age: Approximately 4 weeks

This blood test measures the level of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), the hormone produced by the implanted embryo. A positive result indicates pregnancy. Typical hCG values at this stage range widely but are often 50-200+ mIU/mL.

What to expect: You'll go to the clinic for a blood draw, usually in the morning. Results may come later the same day or the next day. A positive result is exciting but will be confirmed with a follow-up test.

Second Beta hCG Test (Days 11-12)

Gestational Age: Approximately 4 weeks, 2-3 days

This test confirms that hCG levels are rising appropriately. In healthy early pregnancies, hCG should roughly double every 48-72 hours. Your clinic will compare the two values to assess pregnancy viability.

What to know: The rate of increase matters more than the absolute numbers. If hCG is rising appropriately, you'll move forward to ultrasound monitoring.

First Trimester Milestones (Weeks 5-13)

First Ultrasound (Days 23-30)

Gestational Age: 6-7 weeks

This is typically a transvaginal ultrasound performed at your fertility clinic. The primary goals are to:

• Confirm the pregnancy is in the uterus (not ectopic)
• Count the number of gestational sacs (single vs. multiple pregnancy)
• Look for a yolk sac and fetal pole
• Detect a heartbeat (may or may not be visible depending on exact timing)

What to expect: Seeing the heartbeat for the first time is an emotional moment for many IVF patients. At 6 weeks, the heartbeat may be just visible; by 7 weeks, it should be clearly present. Heart rates at this stage typically range from 100-160 beats per minute.

Heartbeat Confirmation (Around Day 30)

Gestational Age: 7 weeks

If the heartbeat wasn't clearly visible at the first ultrasound, a follow-up around 7 weeks will confirm it. A strong heartbeat at 7 weeks significantly reduces miscarriage risk (to approximately 5% for IVF pregnancies at this stage).

This milestone often brings tremendous relief to IVF patients who have worked so hard to get here.

Graduation from Fertility Clinic (Days 37-51)

Gestational Age: 8-10 weeks

Most fertility clinics "graduate" patients to a regular OB-GYN or maternal-fetal medicine specialist between 8-10 weeks. You'll have one or more ultrasounds to confirm continued healthy development, then receive your records and referral.

What to expect: This transition can feel bittersweet—you've built relationships with your fertility team, but graduation means success! Your fertility clinic will send records to your new provider, who will take over your prenatal care.

NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing) Window (Day 51+)

Gestational Age: 10+ weeks

NIPT is a blood test that screens for chromosomal conditions like Down syndrome, trisomy 18, and trisomy 13. It can also reveal the baby's sex with high accuracy. The test analyzes cell-free fetal DNA circulating in your blood.

What to know: NIPT is a screening test, not a diagnostic test. If you had PGT-A on your embryos, you may have already received similar genetic information. Discuss with your provider whether NIPT is recommended for you.

NT Scan (Nuchal Translucency) (Days 58-79)

Gestational Age: 11-14 weeks

This ultrasound measures the fluid at the back of the baby's neck (nuchal translucency). Increased fluid can indicate higher risk for chromosomal abnormalities. The scan may be combined with blood tests in the "first trimester combined screening."

What to expect: This is a detailed ultrasound where you'll see your baby looking more "baby-like." The NT measurement must be done within a specific window (11w 0d to 13w 6d), so timing is important.

End of First Trimester (Day 72)

Gestational Age: 13 weeks

Reaching 13 weeks marks the end of the first trimester. At this point:

• Miscarriage risk has dropped to approximately 2-3%
• All major organs have formed (remaining development is growth and refinement)
• Morning sickness typically begins to improve
• Many couples feel comfortable announcing their pregnancy

For IVF patients, reaching this milestone is a significant emotional achievement after the long journey to get here.

Second Trimester Milestones (Weeks 14-27)

Second Trimester Begins (Day 79)

Gestational Age: 14 weeks

Welcome to the "honeymoon trimester"! Many women feel their best during the second trimester:

• Energy typically returns
• Morning sickness usually resolves
• The pregnancy becomes visible
• Risk of pregnancy loss is significantly lower

Quickening - First Fetal Movement (Days 93-121)

Gestational Age: 16-20 weeks

You may begin feeling your baby move—a sensation called "quickening." First-time mothers typically notice movement between 18-22 weeks; those who've been pregnant before may feel it earlier (16-18 weeks). Early movements often feel like bubbles, flutters, or gas.

Anatomy Scan (Days 107-135)

Gestational Age: 18-22 weeks

This comprehensive ultrasound is one of the most anticipated appointments of pregnancy. The sonographer will:

• Measure the baby's head, abdomen, and femur
• Examine the brain, heart, spine, kidneys, stomach, and other organs
• Check the placenta location and amniotic fluid
• Assess the umbilical cord
• Reveal the baby's sex if you want to know

What to expect: The scan takes 30-45 minutes. You'll see detailed images of your baby and may need to return if the baby's position prevents certain views.

Halfway Point (Day 121)

Gestational Age: 20 weeks

You're halfway to your due date! Your baby is about the size of a banana (approximately 10 inches, 10 ounces). Many parents celebrate this milestone and use the anatomy scan results to announce the pregnancy or share the sex.

Viability Milestone (Day 149)

Gestational Age: 24 weeks

This is a significant medical milestone: babies born at 24 weeks have a chance of survival with intensive care. While outcomes improve dramatically with each additional week in the womb, reaching viability provides some reassurance.

At 24 weeks, your baby is about 12 inches long and weighs approximately 1.3 pounds. The lungs are developing but not yet mature enough for independent breathing.

Glucose Screening (Days 149-177)

Gestational Age: 24-28 weeks

You'll be screened for gestational diabetes with a glucose challenge test. This involves drinking a sugary solution and having your blood drawn an hour later. If results are elevated, you'll take a longer glucose tolerance test to confirm.

What to know: Gestational diabetes is manageable with diet, exercise, and sometimes medication. Early detection allows for proper management to keep you and your baby healthy.

Third Trimester Milestones (Weeks 28-40)

Third Trimester Begins (Day 177)

Gestational Age: 28 weeks

The home stretch begins! In the third trimester:

• Your baby gains significant weight (about half a pound per week)
• Prenatal appointments become more frequent (every 2 weeks, then weekly)
• Physical discomfort may increase as the baby grows
• You'll begin thinking seriously about labor and delivery

At 28 weeks, your baby weighs about 2.2 pounds and is approximately 14 inches long.

Third Trimester Ultrasound (Variable)

Gestational Age: 28-32 weeks

Some providers order a growth ultrasound in the third trimester to check the baby's size and position, amniotic fluid levels, and placental health. This is more common in IVF pregnancies, which may receive additional monitoring.

Kick Counts Begin (Day 177+)

Gestational Age: 28+ weeks

Your provider may recommend tracking fetal movement through "kick counts." A common method: count how long it takes to feel 10 movements. Babies should typically move at least 10 times within 2 hours during an active period. Changes in movement patterns should be reported to your provider.

Group B Strep (GBS) Test (Days 226-240)

Gestational Age: 35-37 weeks

This swab test checks for Group B Streptococcus bacteria. About 25% of women carry GBS, which is harmless to adults but can be dangerous to newborns. If positive, you'll receive IV antibiotics during labor to protect your baby.

Full Term (Day 240)

Gestational Age: 37 weeks

Your pregnancy is now considered full term! Your baby's lungs and brain are mature, and delivery at this point is safe. However, babies continue to gain weight and develop until 40 weeks, so there's no rush if all is well.

At 37 weeks, your baby weighs approximately 6.3 pounds and is about 19 inches long. You may notice "lightening" as the baby drops lower into your pelvis.

Weekly Appointments (Days 240-261)

Gestational Age: 37-40 weeks

In the final weeks, you'll see your provider weekly. They'll check:

• Baby's position and heart rate
• Your blood pressure and urine
• Cervical changes (if you consent to cervical exams)
• Signs of labor

Due Date (Day 261)

Gestational Age: 40 weeks

Your estimated due date has arrived! Remember that only about 5% of babies are born on their exact due date. Most arrive within two weeks before or after. If labor doesn't start naturally, your provider will discuss monitoring and potential induction options.

Using Our IVF Milestone Calculator

Our IVF Due Date Calculator automatically calculates all these milestones based on your transfer date. Simply enter your information, and you'll see:

• Your estimated due date
• Current gestational age
• Which trimester you're in
• A complete list of upcoming milestones with dates
• Visual progress bar
• Milestones you've already passed marked as completed

Summary

IVF pregnancy milestones provide a roadmap for your journey from transfer to delivery. Key milestones include:

• Days 9-12: Beta hCG blood tests confirm pregnancy
• Weeks 6-7: First ultrasound and heartbeat confirmation
• Weeks 8-10: Graduation from fertility clinic to OB-GYN
• Weeks 11-14: First trimester screening (NT scan, NIPT)
• Week 13: End of first trimester, reduced miscarriage risk
• Weeks 18-22: Anatomy scan
• Week 24: Viability milestone
• Week 28: Third trimester begins
• Week 37: Full term
• Week 40: Due date

Use our IVF Due Date Calculator to see your personalized milestone timeline with specific dates based on your embryo transfer.