drniveditha.in

Best Sleeping Position After IVF

Best Sleeping Position After IVF

Have you recently undergone IVF treatments? Then you might be confused about all the dos and don’ts after embryo transfer. And the one major question you might have about post-embryo transfer care is your sleeping position.

You might have lots of questions, like

  • Does sleeping position matter after IVF?
  • Which sleeping is best after IVF?
  • Which position should I avoid?

Don’t panic if you don’t know the answers to these questions yet. By the time you finish reading this article, you will know all about the best and worst sleeping positions after IVF.

Best Sleeping Position After IVF to Increase Success Rate

The position you sleep in after an embryo transfer does not directly affect your implantation or pregnancy rate. However, they can, in a way, improve your fertility and increase your IVF success rate.

A good sleeping position is also important to ensure you are well-rested and physically and emotionally stable to get through pregnancy without any complications.

Below are some sleeping positions that can positively impact your IVF success rate and also ensure your pregnancy journey is safe and smooth.

All the Best for your IVF Journey !

As a fertility Doctor, I understand how you feel, and I’m here to help. Check out my IVF guide to support you on this journey.

Sleep on Your Left Side

Whether it is after embryo transfer or during pregnancy, sleeping on your left side is the best position. This is especially so during your second or third trimester when your baby starts gaining weight and puts pressure on your body.

There are several benefits to sleeping on your left side. Listed below are some of them.

  • Allows good blood flow to the uterus. This ensures your baby gets the necessary nutrients for development. It also helps with a successful implantation.
  • Puts less pressure on the vena cava (a large vein that carries blood from the lower part of your body to the heart).
  • Promotes better kidney functioning, thus reducing swelling in the hands, ankles, and feet.

Sleep on Your Back

If you are comfortable with it, you can also sleep on your back. This position also improves blood flow and reduces pressure on your abdomen.

However, do this only during the early stages of your pregnancy. As your pregnancy progresses and your baby gains weight, sleeping on your back can put too much pressure on your back and cause back pain, blood circulation problems, and low blood pressure. It can cause discomfort and disturb your sleep.

Use Pillows to Support Your Body

You might feel sleeping without support during the early stages of your pregnancy, but as months go by, you will start feeling uncomfortable sleeping without support.

This is why fertility doctors recommend women use pregnancy pillows to support their bodies. This pillow can support your belly, legs, and back and cushion your body to make sleeping comfortable.

Here are some ways you can use pillows to support your body and get a comfortable sleep during pregnancy.

  • If you are sleeping on your side, placing a pillow between your legs can align your spine and help reduce discomfort in your body. You can place another pillow behind you to support your back.
  • If you are sleeping on your back, placing a pillow under your knee can reduce pressure on your lower abdomen.
  • You can also buy pregnancy pillows that are made exclusively for pregnant women. They are either U or C-shaped and can provide the utmost comfort for you.

Positions to Avoid After IVF

Now that we have discussed the best sleeping positions during IVF let’s get on to some sleeping positions you should avoid after embryo transfer.

Sleeping On Your Stomach

Sleeping on your stomach is fine during the early stages of your pregnancy. But as months go by and your baby grows, try to reduce sleeping in this position as much as possible.

Sleeping on your stomach can put pressure on your baby. They might have to bear the full weight of your body.

Sleeping On Your Right Side

Sleeping on your right side is not entirely bad. Though sleeping on your left side is best, you can shift to your right side for short intervals. However, sleeping on your right side puts pressure on your liver. So don’t sleep on that side for a long time.

Other Precautions to Have in Mind

The time after your embryo transfer is a very crucial period, and you need to be mindful of all the precautions you have to follow during this time. Below are some dos and dont’s you have to follow during this period.

Things you must d Things you must not do
Take the prescribed medicines on time
Avoid strenuous physical activity
Take folic acid supplements
Avoid smoking, alcohol, and drugs
Follow a healthy diet
Avoid eating unhealthy foods and drinks
Stick to a regular sleep schedule
Stay away from endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs)
Do regular exercises
Avoid sexual intercourse
Maintain a positive attitude and always stay happy
Avoid hot baths

Conclusion

The above table can give you an idea of what you can and cannot do during IVF pregnancy. Even after all this, you might still have doubts about your safety and health during your pregnancy.

You will want to ensure that your baby and you will be able to get through this phase safely. In case of doubts, you can always consult your doctor and talk to them about how you feel.

FAQs

1. How Much Bed Rest Is Required After Embryo Transfer?

After an embryo transfer, your doctor will suggest you rest for at least one day before resuming your regular activities. Your body, especially your uterus and pelvis, will be sore and weak after the invasive procedure. It is best to rest and recover for some time.

2. Can I Walk After Embryo Transfer?

Yes, you can walk as usual once your body has recovered after embryo transfer. Walking is also good as it keeps you from being sedentary. However, avoid doing any strenuous activities, like running, jogging, heavy lifting, etc.

3. Can I Switch Sides When Sleeping After IVF?

Yes, you can switch sides when sleeping after IVF. The main factor here is your comfort and sleep. As long as you are comfortable, you can sleep on any side. However, ensure you sleep on your left side most of the time.

Picture of Dr Niveditha
Dr Niveditha

Dr. Niveditha is the co-founder of The Hive Fertility and Research Centre. She is a young and passionate fertility expert who aims to provide high-quality fertility treatments to her patients. During her 10+ years of service as a fertility expert, she has helped several hundreds of patients overcome their infertility and become parents. She also specializes in the fields of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive endocrinology

Related Contents

I understand the challenges of
infertility. Let me guide you
through parenthood.

Scroll to Top

Need Fertility Treatment?

IVF GUIDE