The excitement of finally reaching the embryo transfer day in your IVF journey is overwhelming. It’s a turning point in someone’s life. However, the post-embryo transfer phase can be anxious as you wait for the much-desired result. While some things are out of your control, there are steps you can take that will contribute to embryo transfer success and heighten the IVF success rate.
Let’s see!
Things to Do After Embryo Transfer
Excited to take the next step? Great! Here are some helpful steps to follow after your embryo transfer.
Pamper Yourself for A Couple of Days: You have just undergone a life-changing procedure, and the next few days are about nurturing yourself as you wait for the next chapter. The embryo needs a cozy environment to settle in, but that doesn’t mean constant bed rest. You should avoid heavy activities. Prioritize 8 hours of sleep at night and 2 hours of quiet time during the day. This calm can help optimize the process and soothe your mind. Go for it!
Eat A Healthy Diet: Fuel your body with a healthy diet packed with energy, lean protein, and essential nutrients after embryo transfer. Ditch the sugary stuff and opt for complex carbs like whole grains and fruits. Don’t forget your daily multivitamin with folic acid. It’s for you and your baby.
Stay Hydrated: Staying hydrated is essential. Aim for 2-3 litres of water daily, but don’t forget the power of other fluids like juices, coconut water and milk. Add your favourite flavours and relish.
Take Medication As Directed by Doctor: Your fertility doctor may prescribe some medications like progesterone, estrogen or other medicines. Stick to your fertility doctor’s guidelines while taking these medications. Consider your IVF specialist your best friend these days.
Manage Your Stress Level: Chronic stress can affect your hormones, sleep and overall health, impacting both you and your growing baby. Instead of letting anxiety get the best of you, prioritize self-care activities like meditation, nature walks, or hobbies to calm your mind and body, reduce hormonal imbalances, and boost your well-being. Playing with babies in the family serves all the purposes.
Things Not To Do After Embryo Transfer
Of course, there are a few things that you need to avoid to increase the IVF success rate and reduce the stress rate.
Avoid Strenuous Activities: Avoid anything that pushes you too hard, like aerobics, running, jogging, or cycling. Listen to your body, and choose the activities that feel comfortable, and prioritize your overall well-being. Resort to yoga and walking.
Avoid Sexual Intercourse: To increase your chances of a successful pregnancy, avoid sexual activity for ten days after the embryo transfer because sexual intercourse can cause uterine contractions, which might interfere with embryo implantation in the uterine lining.
Avoid Smoking and Alcohol Intake: Cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption can negatively impact fertility, pregnancy success, and the risk of complications such as miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy. Therefore, you should avoid smoking and alcohol consumption for the prescribed time. It’s still better – give up once and for all. It contributes to your fetal health, too.
Avoid Taking Pregnancy Tests Right Away: Don’t conduct your pregnancy test immediately at home because home pregnancy tests may not provide definitive results following your transfer. Your fertility doctor will schedule your first beta hCG blood test at the IVF Centre in Delhi around two weeks post-transfer to ensure clarity.