Updated by the Progyny Clinical Team — August 2025.
Reaching the stage of pregnancy testing during in vitro fertilization (IVF) can bring both excitement and anxiety. It’s a major milestone and understanding what the test measures can help you prepare for the next steps.
When to have a pregnancy test
Your fertility care team will usually order a blood test about 8 to 10 days after an embryo transfer, or 14 to 16 days after intrauterine insemination (IUI) or timed intercourse. This waiting period is often called the “two-week wait,” and can be stressful.
Testing too early can lead to inaccurate results. That’s because the injection used to trigger ovulation contains synthetic human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) — the same hormone measured in pregnancy tests. If you test too soon, leftover medication may cause a false positive.
What the test measures
A blood test measures hCG, a hormone produced by the placenta shortly after a fertilized egg implants in the uterus. Because hCG appears very early in pregnancy and rises steadily in the first weeks, it’s a reliable marker for early detection.
Blood tests are more accurate than urine tests because they measure the exact amount of hCG in your blood.
Understanding hCG levels
Each clinic sets its own thresholds for what counts as a positive hCG result. These numbers depend on the treatment you had — such as IUI, timed intercourse, or embryo transfer — and how many days have passed since your procedure.
If your test is positive, your care team will usually order another test within two to seven days to confirm that your levels are rising. When tests are repeated every two days, an
increase of about 50% or more is often considered typical in early pregnancy. The amount of the rise depends on your starting level and the time between tests. Because different labs may use different testing methods, it’s best to have your blood drawn at the same lab if you’re tracking hCG.
It’s important to remember that hCG levels can vary widely. A single number does not predict the outcome of a pregnancy. What matters most is whether your levels continue to rise as expected. Once a pregnancy is visible on ultrasound, those ultrasound findings should be used to monitor progress. hCG levels are less useful at that stage.
hCG levels typically peak a few weeks after the first positive test and then begin to decline during the second trimester.
Key takeaway
The two-week wait can be challenging, but blood testing is the most accurate way to confirm pregnancy during IVF. Remember, it’s normal for numbers to vary. Your fertility care team will interpret results, answer questions, and guide you through the next steps.
If you have questions or concerns, Progyny is here for you. Please contact your Progyny Care Advocate for support.
Disclaimer: The information provided by Progyny is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical guidance.