IVF Due Date vs Natural Conception Dating
IVF due dates differ from natural conception due dates because the embryo's exact age is known precisely. In natural conception, due dates are calculated by adding 280 days to the last menstrual period (LMP) — this assumes ovulation at day 14 of a 28-day cycle. IVF eliminates this uncertainty.
Why IVF Dating is Different
In a fresh 5-day blastocyst transfer, the embryo is already 5 days old at the time of transfer. To find the due date, we add 261 days (not 280) because 5 days of development plus 14 days of the theoretical pre-ovulation phase are already accounted for. For a 3-day embryo transfer, we add 263 days. A frozen 6-day blastocyst adds 260 days, since the embryo is one day older than a day-5.
Understanding Trimester Boundaries
The first trimester runs from conception through week 13 and 6 days. The second trimester covers weeks 14 through 27 (6 days). The third trimester runs from week 28 to delivery. Key screening tests are timed to trimester: NT scan in first trimester, anatomy scan (level II ultrasound) at 18–20 weeks in the second trimester.
Multiple Pregnancy Considerations
IVF pregnancies have a higher rate of multiples (twins, triplets) due to multiple embryo transfers. Multiple pregnancies typically deliver earlier than singletons — twins at 36–37 weeks, triplets at 32–34 weeks. Your OB will adjust the monitoring schedule accordingly if carrying multiples.