Embryo transfer is the most important stage of the IVF procedure. It is the stage where the developed embryo(s) is collected and transferred into the female partner’s uterus.
The time after the embryo transfer is when you need to be more cautious about what they can and cannot do. Most women don’t know what they should do during this period to increase their chances of pregnancy.
That is why, in this article, we have discussed some precautions one should follow after embryo transfer to ensure they have a successful implantation and pregnancy. Continue reading to learn more.
After Embryo Transfer Precautions: Step by Step
Relax and Follow Medical Prescription
After an embryo transfer procedure, your doctor would have prescribed some medicines for you to take regularly. Ensure you take them and don’t miss a single dose.
Your doctor knows your body condition well and has likely prescribed medicines to improve your chances of implantation and pregnancy. So always remember to take your medicines on time.
Also, don’t do too much strenuous activity and get adequate rest. Do relaxing exercises like yoga or meditation, and spend quality time with your loved ones for a positive and cheerful mindset.
Eat a Well-balanced Diet and Keep Yourself Hydrated
A healthy, nutritious food and regular water intake are crucial to a successful pregnancy. This is to ensure you get the necessary nutrients and keep your weight under control during pregnancy.
There are no specific diet restrictions you should follow after an embryo transfer. You can have any food you wish as long as it is healthy and not fried, junk, or processed.
You can also ask your fertility doctor or visit a dietician and get a personalized diet plan that caters to your nutritional needs. IVF medications can be strong. So, ensure you have your meals regularly to avoid acidity. Also, ensure you drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and prevent urine infections. Being Hydrated is recommended by doctors after sex and during pregnancy.
Take Folic Acid Supplement
Folic acid (Folate) is the natural form of Vitamin B9. It is essential for the baby’s healthy growth and development. Doctors usually prescribe folic acid supplements as a necessary medication during pregnancy. It is especially helpful for women who are at a higher risk of having complications.
It has many benefits for you and your baby, namely:
- It helps with embryo implantation
- It promotes the development of blood vessels
- It gives embryo cells the ability to divide and reproduce
- It promotes healthy neural development
- It helps prevent neural tube abnormalities
- It reduces the possibility of birth defects in your baby.
Avoid Vigorous Physical Activity
Post-embryo transfer is a very crucial period that determines whether your IVF cycle is a success or not. So, it is essential to stay calm and avoid engaging in any strenuous activities that may put pressure on your body.
Some activities you should avoid after an embryo transfer are listed below:
- Bending
- Jumping
- Running
- Jogging
- Lifting heavy objects
- Swimming
- Doing high-intensity workouts
Instead of doing the above activities, you can choose to practice mild exercises like yoga, meditation, walking, etc. There are yoga poses specific for pregnancy health and well-being. You can practice it to increase your chances of IVF success.
Avoid Sexual Intercourse
This point has varied opinions among doctors. Some say there is no issue in having sexual intercourse Before & after embryo transfer. However, some doctors might suggest you abstain from sexual intercourse for at least 2 weeks after embryo transfer.
Your pelvis and uterus will be strained after egg retrieval and embryo transfer procedures. The embryo will also be in the process of implantation during this period. Having sexual intercourse can cause uterine contractions and put pressure on your pelvic region. It can also affect implantation and embryo development.
Do Not Ignore troubling symptoms
During IVF, you will have undergone several procedures like ovulation stimulation, egg retrieval, and embryo transfer. This can cause some symptoms in your body. Most times, these symptoms are temporary and disappear after some days.
Some women, however, can get serious health issues like OHSS (Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome), where the ovaries swell and become painful. So, it is necessary to monitor your symptoms and report them to your doctor if they persist or intensify over time.
Avoid foods that induce body heat
It is essential to stay away from body heat-inducing products after embryo transfer. Your uterus must be at an optimal temperature to facilitate implantation and embryo development.
Excess body heat can disrupt embryo implantation and fetal development. It can also disturb your hormonal balance. Below are some heat-inducing foods that you must avoid after embryo transfer.
- Avoid consuming too much caffeine, spicy foods, raw papaya, black pepper, and sesame seeds.
- Avoid certain types of meat and fish with high mercury, which can induce body heat.
- Avoid eating heat-inducing foods like garlic, spinach, onions, broccoli, and ginger.
Also, try to avoid exposing your body to excess heat like hot tubs, hot saunas, steam baths, etc.
Keep away from harmful chemicals
Try to stay away from harmful chemicals after embryo transfer. These chemicals are termed EDCs (Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals). They are chemicals that can disrupt the hormone levels, placental functions, and the growth and development of the fetus.
Some chemicals that come under EDCs are
- Parabens,
- Bisphenol A (BPA),
- Triclosan,
- Phthalates, etc.
Stay away from these chemicals and opt for chemical-free, natural products for your daily use.
Conclusion
You know how much you have suffered and sacrificed to finally be able to get pregnant through IVF. So, taking good care of your body and ensuring you have a successful pregnancy is the best thing you can do for yourself and your partner.
Before deciding to undergo IVF, understand the procedure and learn all the dos and don’ts. This will ensure that you don’t make any mistakes and navigate your IVF pregnancy safely and smoothly.
Embryo transfer is a minimally invasive procedure where the developed embryo(s) is transferred into the uterus to implant and result in pregnancy. This procedure can put pressure on your body and be tiring.
It is best to stay at home and rest for at least two days to allow your body to recover and give time for the embryo to implant into the uterine lining.
An embryo transfer is successful when the embryo implants into the uterine lining and starts developing. Some positive signs you can look out for to check your pregnancy results are
- Slight bleeding or spotting
- Tender and sore breasts
- Abdominal and pelvic cramps
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue and tiredness
- Bloating
- Frequent urination
Yes, you can resume your daily routine after some time of rest, probably around one or two days. However, ensure you don’t do any strenuous activities or vigorous exercises.
Yes, you can climb stairs after an embryo transfer. However, ensure you don’t climb too fast or climb several steps at a go. Be cautious, and don’t over-exert yourself. Take some rest if you feel tired or exhausted.
