Do’s and Don’ts After Embryo Transfer

For any IVF patient, the embryo transfer procedure is an exciting and stressful milestone in their fertility treatment. After weeks of medications and monitoring, the egg retrieval procedure, there comes an anxious 2 weeks waiting period to see the outcome. Enumerating a few points to ease the “Waiting Period” :

Take the medications prescribed by your doctor religiously: These medications are given to support the uterine lining and to increase the blood flow to it so that the embryos have a better chance of implanting

Eat a balanced diet with increased intake of fluids: Eat as if you are pregnant: a nutritionally balanced diet with lots of protein, fibres, and vegetables. Avoid foods like high-mercury fish and all harmful substances such as alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine

Stay calm: Keep your stress levels to a minimum as your mental condition is also a very important factor for successful implantation. Your primary job at this stage is to rest and relax…. let nature take its course. Practice meditation at least for an hour daily.

Lean on your support system: This is the time when your partner, your support group, friends, family, therapist, or even an online community can be of value. Surround yourself with positive energy.

Sometimes in the following days when the embryo starts implantation, spotting may occur. Don’t panic, inform your doctor and reduce your physical activity until the spotting disappears. Sometimes bed rest may be advisable in such a situation

Abstain from vigorous exercise and sexual intercourse: Don’t restrict all your normal activities, but vigorous exercise should be avoided at this point. In case of fresh transfer, your ovaries are likely to be enlarged and tender at this point and need to be protected, and a hard workout can also stimulate uterine contractions, which you want to avoid for obvious reasons. There are differing opinions when it comes to sexual intercourse on whether it’s a good or a bad idea, but as certain factors in semen can also cause uterine contractions, you may want to stay on the safe side and abstain for a couple of weeks

Avoid extremes of temperature: Hot tubs, saunas, hot yoga, or any activity that raises your internal temperature should be avoided at this point. In general, it’s best not to be submerged in water such as pools or baths during this time, as it leaves you vulnerable to infection

Several studies have shown that excessive bed rest after an embryo transfer is not advisable