Have you recently undergone embryo transfer and don’t know what you should and shouldn’t do after the procedure? Then, this article is for you.
The first 7–14 days after embryo transfer is the most crucial period of IVF. This period determines whether you will successfully get pregnant or not. You need to take the utmost care of yourself to ensure that you successfully get pregnant.
Though the things you do after embryo transfer don’t influence your success rate that much, it can still help improve your health and fertility.
Things you shouldn't after Embryo Transfer
Before looking into what you should do after embryo transfer, we’ll first discuss what you should not do after the procedure. Pay close attention to the details and make sure you don’t do these things.
Avoid strenuous physical activity
Avoid strenuous physical activities, like jogging, running, lifting heavy weights, etc., for a few weeks after embryo transfer. These activities can put pressure on your body.
It is also not good to be sedentary and not do any physical activity. Do some moderate physical activities, like walking, yoga, meditation, pregnancy exercises, etc.
Avoid eating unhealthy foods
Your unhealthy diet is one of the major reasons for infertility. Strictly avoid eating the below foods if you want to increase your chances of IVF pregnancy.
- Fried & junk foods
- Processed foods
- Excess sugary foods
- Artificial beverages
Avoid sexual Intercourse
Fertility doctors have verified opinions on whether it is safe to have sex after the embryo transfer or not. Some say having sex after embryo transfer has no effect on the result, and some argue that the uterine contractions you get during an orgasm can impact embryo implantation and cause IVF failure.
Though there is no concrete evidence supporting both arguments, it is best to stay on the safe side and avoid intercourse for at least two weeks after embryo transfer.
Avoid baths
Avoid exposing your body to excess heat by taking baths in hot tubs, saunas, steam baths, etc. Your uterus needs to be at a certain temperature to facilitate embryo implantation.
Also, bathing in tubs and swimming pools can increase the risk of infections. So, it is best to take a shower that is at normal temperature.
Avoid taking a pregnancy test right away
We understand that it might be tempting to know the results of your IVF cycle as soon as possible. But, it will only give you a negative result and can be saddening.
Your embryo will need around 10–14 days to implant in the uterus and release the pregnancy hormones (hCG). This is why doctors suggest you take a pregnancy test about 2 weeks after embryo transfer. So, try to control your temptation and don’t take a pregnancy test right away.
Avoid ignoring troubling symptoms
IVF is a safe procedure and won’t cause any major symptoms. But sometimes, your body won’t get used to the procedure and might cause some symptoms. These symptoms are usually minor and will disappear in a few days.
However, if the symptoms persist and become more intense as days go by, it is best to consult your ivf doctor and get it checked. It might be a symptom of OHSS (Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome), a condition that occurs when the ovaries overreact to the fertility medications and become enlarged and painful. Some symptoms that you need to be mindful of are
- Intense abdominal pain,
- Nausea & vomiting,
- Diarrhea & bloating, etc.
Things you should do after Embryo Transfer
Now that you know the things you shouldn’t do after embryo transfer, here are some things you should do to improve your chances of pregnancy.
Pamper yourself for a couple of days
You would have gone through much physical and emotional stress during the IVF procedure. So, pamper yourself for a few days and stay positive and happy after the procedure.
Do things you love the most. Whether it is reading a good book or cuddling your little puppy, do things that will calm your mind and make you happy.
Keep taking your medications
Your doctor might have prescribed some post-transfer medications that you must take. Remember that these medications are to improve your health and increase your chances of pregnancy. So, ensure you take all the medications on time without fail.
Eat a healthy diet
Maintaining a healthy diet goes a long way in ensuring your body stays healthy and gets all the essential nutrients during your pregnancy. Avoid all the unhealthy foods we saw above and incorporate foods rich in protein, calcium, Vitamin B, and iron.
Start taking a daily folic acid supplement
Folic acid (folate) is an important B vitamin that has immense benefits for you and your baby. It prevents chances of neural tube defects and congenital heart defects in the developing baby.
It also helps with embryo implantation and helps the embryo cells divide and reproduce. So, if you haven’t yet started your folic acid intake, start now.
Pay attention to endocrine-disrupting chemicals
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are chemical products that can disrupt your body’s hormone levels and affect the baby’s healthy development. Stay away from these chemicals and use natural products for your daily use.
Some common EDCs you can see in your everyday products are,
- Paraben,
- Triclosan,
- Bisphenol A (BPA),
- Phthalate, etc.
Conclusion
IVF is a big decision and a journey that can change your entire life. During this period, it is important to take good care of your body and ensure that your IVF is a success. Consult your IVF doctor and understand what you can and cannot do to ensure a successful pregnancy.
Your IVF cycle is successful when the embryo successfully implants in the uterine lining and starts developing. Some positive signs you can expect after implantation are
- Slight bleeding or spotting
- Abdominal and
- pelvic cramps
- Tender and sore breasts
- Nausea and vomiting
- Bloating
- Fatigue and tiredness
- Frequent urination
There are no restrictions on travel after embryo transfer. However, it will be best if you stay at the hospital for at least one day before returning home. This is to give your body time to rest after the embryo transfer procedure.
Below are some foods that are especially beneficial for your body after an embryo transfer.
- Asparagus
- Avocados
- Corn
- Sunflower seeds
- Citrus fruits (oranges,
- grapefruits, berries, etc.)
- Leafy greens (mustard greens,
- spinach, turnip greens, etc.)
- Whole grains (brown rice,
- oatmeal, barley, etc.)
