Traveling after embryo transfer should be avoided or not, which could be a big doubt for many women. In some cases, patients need to travel from their home to the fertility clinic. So, what can they do in this instance?
You’ll get all the answers in this blog. Thus, continue reading the following section as it helps to make the in vitro fertilization journey smooth and easy.
Is It Okay to Travel after the Embryo Transfer
- Avoid travel within 24 hours of embryo transfer, but many succeed despite traveling; prioritize safety and follow your gynecologist's advice.
No, it is not okay to travel within 24 hours of embryo transfer. Avoiding travel during this period can potentially save you from IVF complications. Embryo transfer is one of the most important and final stages of IVF, so it’s essential to take extra care during this time.
However, the data says many women travel on flights on the day of embryo transfer and fly back in the same evening, still, their IVF treatment is successful.
Similarly, patients could be in the same situation. They need to travel by bus, car, or train for the procedure itself. If this is the condition, then traveling becomes mandatory.
Therefore, the important thing you must follow during IVF treatments is considering your safety, convenience, and gynecologist’s advice.
How Many Days of Rest Do You Need?
- After embryo transfer, 1-3 days of rest is recommended; engage in light activities and consult your fertility expert about travel and medications.
Patients need to take one to three days of rest after the completion of embryo transfer. This helps to maintain stress and supports healthy pregnancy outcomes.
Knowing what to do & don’t after the embryo transfer can help you make informed decisions about your activities. You can resume regular activities like light household chores and walking, but it’s important to avoid vigorous exercise or heavy lifting, as such activities could interfere with the implantation process.
You can ask your fertility expert regarding the rest schedule, medications need to take during travel, and other important information.
Does Traveling Impact Implantation?
Till now, no evidence says that traveling affect implantation and embryo transfer. And, traveling during the two-week wait is also acceptable.
However, avoiding all kind of strenuous activities like running, riding a bike, intense aerobics, weightlifting, and much more. It is advised to refrain from heavy physical activity at least until the two week wait period. That is till your pregnancy test date.
Tips for traveling
- To minimize uncertainties post-embryo transfer, consider travel insurance, prepare medication checklists, wear comfortable clothing, carry medications, and stay hydrated.
Flying or traveling through any other means of transport don’t have any severe effects on embryo transfer. Still, you must follow the quote prevention is better than cure. Follow these traveling tips to avoid any sort of uncertainties after ET.
- Get flight insurance or a refundable ticket. Utilizing these two options are great for managing any uncertain situations post embryo transfer.
- List medications and other important supplies you need and create a checklist. This ensures that you don’t miss out on any medications and others before you leave the clinic.
- Wear comfy clothes as you can feel bloated. You may experience bloating after embryo transfer and it is also common during a flight.
- Carry your medications along with you. Make sure you take a small bag with you for carrying the medications after embryo transfer. This helps you during emergencies.
- Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water and other healthy fluid items to avoid dehydration. Because, if you want to take long haul flights, then you can expect fatigue, dry mouth, and headache.
Can I fly after IVF embryo transfer?
Women can travel on flights after ET because there is no evidence that traveling on flights will affect your implantation. Make sure you don’t travel within a day of embryo transfer. Surely, you’ll be tired after the transfer, so taking a rest is better.
When to Avoid Travel
Traveling during the in vitro fertilization treatment is not a good idea. Some couples might be in a tight schedule, while others could be in an emergency, if it is your case, then travel becomes mandatory.
So, at least try to avoid travel at these particular times.
- 10 to 12 days before the in vitro fertilization egg retrieval.
- Immediately or after 24 hours of embryo transfer process.
- When consuming ovulation induction medications.
These are the most important times to avoid travel while undergoing IVF treatments.
Conclusion
Once the embryo transfer is completed, the fertility expert asks you to take rest for one or two hours, then you’re free to do things you need. However, it doesn’t mean that you can immediately start heavy workout plans, ride a racing bike, or drink alcohol.
You should give yourself time, take sufficient rest, and involve in the best practices that make the environment friendly for placenta development.
FAQs
It is not advisable to travel as soon as you complete and within 24 hours of embryo transfer. Clinics suggest waiting at least one or two weeks post-transfer.
However, there is no evidence that traveling has a negative impact on implantation or early pregnancy. But, many people prefer staying at home to avoid stress due to travel.
If there are any emergency plans, then you can consult your fertility expert to get better ideas.
For sure, your gynecologist informs you about the things to avoid and follow after embryo transfer. Here are some things that you shouldn’t do post the transfer process.
- Avoid intense physical activity and exercise like bending and heavy lifting.
- Quit smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Avoid sexual intercourse and excessive heat.
- Don’t take ibuprofen and processed or canned foods.
- Avoid high-stress situations that could affect the treatments.
Yes, it is allowed. But, the thing is you must discuss your plans with your fertility expert. Because they can provide the solutions according to your current health condition.
However, resting sufficiently is important after 24 hours of embryo transfer. So, make sure you don’t keep any plans for the following day post-embryo transfer.
To be honest, one bumpy ride won’t affect embryo transfer. Still, avoiding rides on bumpy roads can save you from unwanted stress, discomfort, and future complications.
So, try not to go on bumpy roads and escape from jerky movements.
