What to do (and not to do) after an embryo transfer?
Do I have to rest after the transfer? Can I drive or travel by train and plane? How to sleep after the transfer? Here are all the answers.
Each assisted reproduction center gives patients very detailed instructions on what to do and what not to do after an embryo transfer . Nonetheless, questions and doubts are always many, also considering the particular emotional state of those who have just undergone this type of procedure.
As Dr. Silvia Colamaria, gynecologist in charge of PMA treatment at the GeneralLife center in Rome explains, “The transfer of the embryo represents the final phase of the assisted fertilization treatment and it is the moment that most likely generates the most anxiety in couples, they often ask themselves how to behave immediately after this very important step”.
Doubts often already begin in the operating room ( Can I get off the couch? Can I pee? Do I have to stay still in bed while I’m in the clinic? ) and multiply after returning home.
Sometimes it is enough to carefully read the informative material to find the answer you are looking for. Other times, it’s a good idea to pick up the phone and call the reference center to get the clarifications and reassurances you need.
In this article, we will try to answer the most frequent doubts of those who are about to undergo or have just undergone an embryo or blastocyst transfer in terms of medicines, rest and nutrition, and when to consult the doctor.
What to do after the transfer?
Can I go to the bathroom immediately after the transfer?
Absolutely yes, the embryo runs no risk of “detaching” and while urinating or during evacuation.
Can I take medicines after the transfer?
The gynecologist may have prescribed medicines to be taken after the transfer , which must be taken scrupulously following the instructions received.
In case of pain (headache, breast pain or abdominal discomfort), the most suitable medicine is usually paracetamol (tachipirina) , unless otherwise indicated by the doctor.
Instead, avoid taking any other medicine, even over the counter, without first consulting your gynecologist .
Do I have to rest after the transfer?
Once discharged, forced bed rest is not absolutely necessary , unless otherwise indicated by the gynecologist.
In fact, rest does not increase the chances of implantation of the embryo. Quite the contrary, it seems that moderate physical activity can promote engraftment.
After the transfer, the pregnancy will follow its course just as happens for a natural gestation: it will be sufficient to avoid intense efforts such as lifting excessive weights or practicing too tiring or prolonged sporting activity.
Can I travel after the transfer?
After embryo transfer, there are no contraindications to traveling by car, plane or train, or even to driving : vibrations or altitude, in fact, do not risk compromising the smooth running of the pregnancy.
Having said this, Dr. Colamaria suggests ” avoiding the use of mopeds and bicycles , due to the mechanical stresses that could cause the stomach to contract”.
Can I take a bath or shower?
Yes, but avoiding high temperatures .
How is it better to sleep after the transfer?
After the embryo transfer, you can sleep in any position you prefer : lying on your back, stomach or side. The position assumed during sleep has no correlation with the success or failure of assisted reproduction treatment.
Can I work?
Yes, after a couple of days it is possible to go back to work without problems , as long as it is not a risky profession (as happens for a spontaneous pregnancy).
In addition, returning to a normal life helps many women to distract themselves and shorten the wait until the day of the pregnancy test (measurement of beta hCG).
Can I have sex?
In this case the answer is: it depends . In some situations the gynecologist may not limit sexual intercourse after the embryo transfer, while in others he may recommend abstinence until the beta hCG test.
What NOT to do after the transfer?
In general, it is advisable to avoid activities that can cause contractions, excessive stress on the abdominals or mechanical trauma. Among these we find:
- bike, motorbike or moped ;
- intense sports (running, CrossFit, etc.);
- lifting excessive weights (e.g. too full shopping bags).
It is also usually recommended to avoid hot baths , whirlpools , saunas or Turkish baths .
What to do in case of blood loss after the transfer?
The appearance of light bleeding is a fairly frequent event, which can have various causes. In some cases, for example, it could depend on the intake of progesterone . Other times, however, it could be a sign of implantation of the embryo (implantation losses).
Therefore, the presence of slight bleeding should not be alarming because it is not necessarily a sign of miscarriage.
In case of persistent bleeding or accompanied by pain , however, the advice is always to consult a doctor .
What diet to follow after the transfer?
According to Dr. Gemma Fabozzi, embryologist and nutritionist in charge of the B-Woman center in Rome , “nutrition should be aimed at stimulating and draining the liver, which is tired after taking drugs, and at supporting the growth of the endometrium crucial for embryo implantation.
From this point of view, the use of foods that help the intestinal microenvironment will be important, since numerous studies have demonstrated the correlation between intestinal and uterine microbiota .
Among these we find fermented foods sources of probiotics (such as whole yogurt, kefir and kombucha tea) and prebiotics (derived above all from vegetable fibers such as inulin, including wheat germ, garlic, onion, leeks and dandelion).
Furthermore, the intake of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant foods is essential , such as pineapple (to be consumed strictly with the central part rich in bromelain), spices such as turmeric and oily fish.
An extra help can come from foods that improve microcirculation, such as red fruits (e.g. strawberries, blueberries and pomegranate) which are rich in flavonoids .
As for the foods to avoid after the embryo transfer , let’s say that it would be good to limit everything that can be proinflammatory , such as simple sugars and red meat ”.
How to manage waiting for the pregnancy test
And from the point of view of mental attitude ? We asked Dr. Federica Faustini, psychologist and psychotherapist at the B-Woman centre.
“It has been scientifically proven that the waiting period for beta hCG is the most stressful moment in the entire ART process. Here are some small tips to better manage anxiety and stress :
- do not focus on the physical symptoms nor try to interpret them;
- decide where you want to be on the day the results come out, with whom and from whom you want to receive the news;
- decide how to share the news with others. It would be advisable to find a way that minimizes pressure and waiting, for example by sending a simple message if the outcome should be negative and you don’t want to talk about it;
- where possible, free the agenda from obligations and constraints, doing something nice for oneself ;
- think of a plan B. Should a failure occur, it is important to plan with your partner the next step, which could be taking some time before starting a new cycle, planning something pleasant that is totally outside medical control and planning;
- reevaluate the situation in a more positive light. Many studies show that thinking more about the positive aspects of a difficult situation and focusing less on problems or uncertainties about the future helps people feel better.
In conclusion, as stated by Dr. Colamaria, “as far as possible it would be important to continue with one’s normal life and this, in my opinion, also allows one to divert attention a little from the outcome and to live it all in more serene way. It would also be good to remember that the implantation of the embryo is something that depends very little on our will ”.
Kathryn Barlow is an OB/GYN doctor, which is the medical specialty that deals with the care of women's reproductive health, including pregnancy and childbirth.
Obstetricians provide care to women during pregnancy, labor, and delivery, while gynecologists focus on the health of the female reproductive system, including the ovaries, uterus, vagina, and breasts. OB/GYN doctors are trained to provide medical and surgical care for a wide range of conditions related to women's reproductive health.