The day your doctor actually implants the embryo into your uterus during In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) may seem like a distant dream when you’re going through it.  It is, therefore, quite an event when the big day finally arrives. Embryo transfer is one of the most exciting parts of the IVF process for most people.

Following that, you may feel like you’re on pins and needles, eagerly awaiting the outcome. You may wonder what you should and should not do following your embryo transfer.

Congratulations! You are now done with the embryo transfer. It’s exciting and stressful at the same time.

Let’s jump into the article to know how to care for yourself after embryo transfer.

Take care of yourself by adhering to these essential tips, and you will be well on your way.

Here are some things you should do:

Are you ready to take action?

Yes, of course, you are.

Immediately following your embryo transfer, you should take the following steps.

Take care of yourself

A potentially life-changing procedure has just been performed on you. As you celebrate this transition and wait for the next step, indulge in a bit of self-care.

The embryo is expected to implant after the transfer. It takes a few days, so give yourself some time to relax and rest. Some experts will advise you to take some time off if possible, and some may even gently urge you to skip vigorous workouts.

Don’t worry. Certainly, you do not need to lie down all day or go on bed rest. You do not need to keep your feet up in order for the embryo to survive. It’s okay if you want to use this as an excuse for your partner to go grocery shopping or mow the lawn.

Carry On with Your Medications

Please heed any special instructions your doctor may have given you in relation to a particular drug. You’ll probably be instructed to take progesterone because it’s crucial to maintaining a pregnancy. In the event that you have been prescribed any injections, you should take them as directed.

Adopt Healthy Eating

If everything goes as planned, for the next nine months, you’ll grow a small person inside your body. This is an excellent time to adopt the healthy dietary practices that nutritionists advise for expectant women.

To maintain good health, you should consume a wide variety of fruits and vegetables and foods that contain calcium, protein, B vitamins, and iron. Add a prenatal vitamin to your diet even if you eat healthily.

Consume Folic Acid Supplement

If you haven’t already begun taking folic acid supplements, now is a great time to get started if you haven’t before. There is a reduction in the risk of cleft palate, neuro-tube defects, and heart defects when taking folic acid supplements. Consult your doctor about how much folic acid you should take and ask them how much you should take.

Keep away from heat and harmful chemicals

Body temperature must be maintained. A study suggests that the human body can reach temperatures of more than 108 degrees Fahrenheit. It has been found that excessive heat in the uterus-above 102 to 103 degrees Fahrenheit-can disrupt pregnancy hormones, embryo implantation, and the development of the foetus.

The best way to keep your body cool is to avoid hot baths, steam baths, and saunas. You should also keep your body cool by avoiding the consumption of hot temperature foods, such as;

• Raw papaya, caffeine, sesame seeds, spicy food, and black pepper
• Spinach, broccoli, onions, garlic, and ginger can increase body temperature through their energies
• Selected types of meat and fish.

Keep away from endocrine-disrupting substances (EDCs). EDCs are substances that have the potential to impact hormone production in the body, placental health, and foetal development. Numerous household items contain EDCs such as bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, parabens, triclosan, and many others.

Do Not Overlook Troubling Symptoms

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome can occasionally occur in women who have been receiving hormone treatments for a long time (OHSS). The ovaries become uncomfortable and irritated in OHSS, causing a variety of mild to severe symptoms. You must look out for the OHSS symptoms listed below and contact your doctor right away.

• Excruciating abdominal pain
• Abdominal bloating
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

Although these symptoms generally seem modest, they should not be disregarded. Ignoring these symptoms can make the problem worse and cause extra issues.

Contact your doctor right away if your stomach feels bloated or if you experience sudden abdominal pain.

Avoid Sexual Intercourse

One of the many safety measures to follow after an IVF embryo transfer is to refrain from sexual activity for a while. Your reproductive system needs a “pelvic rest” because an embryo is now growing there. After the embryo transfer, abstain from sexual activity for at least two weeks.

The uterus may experience pressure from sexual activity, which may result in ongoing uterine contractions. These contractions have the potential to disrupt the uterine embryo and prevent implantation and embryo development. Sometimes it can result in the loss of early pregnancy. Ask your doctor how long you should refrain from having sex after the embryos have been transferred.

Avert Exuberant Physical Activity

You must avoid any physical activities after embryo transfer since they can tax your physical and emotional health. Following embryo transfer in IVF, certain precautions should be observed in relation to physical activity, including:

Avoid bending, jumping, running, jogging, swimming, and lifting heavy objects after embryo transfer and during your pregnancy.

Overexertion might affect your child’s growth and cause problems during pregnancy.

Instead, choose gentle exercise, walking, beach or park strolling, or yoga. The best exercises to undertake while pregnant are yoga asanas. Your likelihood of having a safe pregnancy can be increased by regularly practicing these poses under the instruction of a certified yoga instructor.

Avoid Taking a Pregnancy Test

You might be tempted to test positive for pregnancy right away. Please refrain. It will take a few weeks for your body to produce enough of the pregnancy hormone, HCG, to prove that you are expecting. Keep yourself busy watching movies you like, listening to the music of your choice etc…

Even though the upcoming weeks will seem extremely long, you will eventually accomplish your goal of transfer day. After your embryo transfer, taking care of yourself gives you a wonderful chance to start living a healthy lifestyle. And if you haven’t already, it’s past time to prioritize your health above all else.