The most important and stressful step of IVF treatment for a pregnant woman is embryo transfer. A variety of feelings, ranging from enthusiasm and anticipation about the chance of getting pregnant to fear and helplessness that there is nothing else you can do but wait until you can take a pregnancy test, can be triggered by an embryo transfer. While preparing for pregnancy, the expectant mother should remember that her health comes first. There are a lot of precautions after embryo transfer and here’s what to do to increase success.
What to Do After Embryo Transfer to Increase Success?
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Relax, Rewind, and Take Your Time
Some doctors advise 24-hour bed rest following a procedure, while others advise relying on low-impact movement to increase blood flow to the uterus in the hopes of increasing the chances of pregnancy. Since determining if the embryo has been implanted takes a few days, women should take some time off to relax and recover.
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Continue Taking Your Medications
If your doctor has instructed you to continue taking certain medications, you must do so. Progesterone, in particular, is essential for sustaining a pregnancy, and you will almost certainly be asked to continue.
Also, Read: Frozen Embryo Transfer
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Maintain a Healthy Diet
You’ve been following a healthy diet in preparation for IVF, and you should keep doing so. After all, if everything goes as planned, you’ll have a baby to care for in one month and you’ll want to be in good health. Take your vitamins for as long as your doctor approves, or your doctor may want you to start taking prenatal vitamins right away.
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The Need for Folic Acid
If you aren’t currently taking folic acid supplements, it would be a good idea to start doing so. Folic acid supplementation has been proven to lower the risk of cleft palate, heart problems, and neural tube defects. You should speak with your doctor to find out how much folic acid you need.
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Reduce Exposure to Chemicals That Disrupt Hormonal Balance
Naturally, you’re taking precautions to limit your exposure to, well, everything and everything that can endanger your pregnancy or the health of your unborn child. Numerous objects that we use every day contain hormone-disrupting toxins. Although it’s practically hard to completely avoid them at this time, try to limit your exposure to them.
Also, Read: Difference Between Egg and Embryo Freezing
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Don’t Ignore Unpleasant Symptoms
Now is the time to pay close attention to your body and if anything doesn’t feel right, contact your doctor’s office right away.
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No Sex
Keeping the pelvic region calm is crucial at this point. Hence, remaining sexually inactive is encouraged.
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Avoid Taking a Pregnancy Test
It takes a few weeks for your body to produce enough of the pregnancy hormone, HCG, to confirm that you’re pregnant. Hence, avoid taking a pregnancy test. When the “what ifs” become too much to bear, try to divert your mind and indulge in an activity.
In the days following your embryo transfer, you’re essentially playing a waiting game. While it’s a good idea to follow the do’s and don’ts list and develop some good habits that you can maintain throughout your pregnancy, most of what you do in the first few days probably won’t make a big difference. If you’re wondering what to do after IVF, try finding some low-key activities to occupy your time while you wait, might help you pass the time.
Also, Read: Genetic Testing for Your Embryos
