“Do this. Do that.” “Do not do this. Do not do that.” If you have had a successful embryo transfer process, you would not be new to these “sage” chants echoing in your ears.
The time after IVF (In vitro fertilization) embryo transfer process is indeed both exciting and confusing.
If you are worried about what to do and what to not do after embryo transfer, we have got you.
Follow the below-listed lifestyle practices to have a safe and healthy pregnancy.
What To Do After Embryo Transfer
Adopting a healthy lifestyle is the first thing you should do after embryo transfer. Other important things you should do after embryo transfer include:
- Resting during the initial days after embryo transfer
- Taking the prescribed medications
- Incorporating a healthy diet
- Staying stress-free
- Staying hydrated
- Getting enough sleep
- Checking up with the doctor regularly
All the Best for your IVF Journey !
Resting During The Initial Days After Embryo Transfer
Take good rest for a couple of days after the embryo transfer. You do not have to take complete bed rest. You can continue your regular activities but prefer staying relaxed.
You may encounter mild cramps and abdominal pain after the embryo transfer. So make sure to give enough time for your body to rest, refresh, and get ready for the hopeful journey of pregnancy.
Taking The Prescribed Medications
Your fertility doctor might have prescribed certain supplements to continue after the embryo transfer process such as progesterone or folic acid. Take these supplements without fail as they will aid in a successful pregnancy.
Do not take any medication without proper consent from your fertility doctor.
Incorporating A Healthy Diet
The period after embryo transfer calls for careful attention to the diet you are taking.
Avoid junk foods completely and prefer homemade nutritious foods. Make sure to intake essential nutrients such as proteins, vitamins, carbohydrates, and minerals through organic foods.
Staying Hydrated
Staying hydrated is very essential during the post-embryo transfer period. Drink at least 3 to 4 liters of water every day. Prefer warm over hot and cold water as well.
Staying Stress-Free
Stress has negative consequences concerning pregnancy health. Surround yourself with positive circumstances both for your body and mind. You can also be involved in activities that destress you.
Getting Enough Sleep
Take a demanding eight-hour sleep during the night. You can take a nap for an hour or two during the day. This will help you greatly in staying relaxed and healthy.
Checking Up With The Doctor Regularly
Do not skip any checkup dates with your fertility doctor. Following your doctor’s prescription is very vital in ensuring a safe and healthy pregnancy.
What Not To Do After Embryo Transfer
There are a few things that you should completely stay away from to have a conducive environment that drives toward a successful pregnancy. Those include:
- Having intercourse
- Ignoring adverse symptoms
- Involving in strenuous activities
- Consuming caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine-based products
- Exposing to extreme heat
- Using endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs)
- Traveling immediately after embryo transfer.
Having Intercourse
Sexual intercourse right after embryo transfer can hinder the implantation process. Also, there is a possibility of miscarriages due to pelvic contractions during intercourse.
Ignoring Adverse Symptoms
If you encounter any extreme vomiting, diarrhea abdominal bloating, or pain, consult your fertility doctor immediately.
Extreme symptoms may be due to adverse conditions such as ectopic pregnancy, OHSS (Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome), etc. So do not ignore any adverse pregnancy symptoms.
Involving in Strenuous Activities
Strenuous activities such as lifting heavy objects, overexercising, running, etc. can cause the embryo to not implant and result in miscarriage.
Consuming Caffeine, Alcohol, and Nicotine-based Products
Stay away from alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine-based products throughout your IVF and pregnancy period.
Components in tobacco, alcohol, coffee, etc. are found to harm pregnancy and fetal health.
According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, maternal caffeine intake severely impacts fetal growth and hinders embryo implantation.
Exposing to Extreme Heat
Extreme heat can affect maternal blood circulation eventually impacting pregnancy. Avoid hot baths , hot drinking water, and saunas around this period to have a safe pregnancy.
Using Endocrine-disrupting Chemicals (EDCs)
Avoid products that contain chemicals such as paraben, triclosan, phthalates, etc. These chemicals can disrupt the hormones in the body and affect pregnancy. So make sure to check for these chemicals before using a product.
Conclusion
Taking up pregnancy-friendly practices and modifying your lifestyle accordingly is the wisest way to ensure that pregnancy initiatives do not go in vain.
Stay relaxed and hopeful keeping both your body and mind healthy and positive respectfully.
Follow your fertility doctor’s prescriptions and in case of any queries or adverse scenarios contact the professional immediately instead of going for layman’s advice.
Most importantly, do not take a pregnancy test before the prescribed period as false results can lead to disappointments.
To know more about what to do and what not to do after embryo transfer contact an authorised fertility specialist.
FAQs
You can take a pregnancy test after two weeks of embryo transfer. The waiting period can be daunting. However, it is best to avoid misleading pregnancy results by taking the test at the appointed time.
It is advisable to avoid both coffee and tea during the pregnancy period in total. Tea like coffee also has caffeine content in it which is harmful to pregnancy. So it is best to avoid coffee and tea during pregnancy.
By two weeks after the embryo transfer you may experience early pregnancy symptoms and have your periods missed. Some pregnancy symptoms include nausea, sore breasts, bloating, fatigue, light spotting, etc.