What Is The Best Advice After Embryo Transfer

The Best Advice I Got After My Embryo Transfer Was Actually Very Simple

In the IVF community, there are some pretty whacky theories about what to eat, what to do and not do, especially when you are PUPO (pregnant until proven otherwise).

The best advice I got when I had my successful frozen embryo transfer was pretty simple, and I’m happy to share it with you.

Many pieces went into the puzzle but by far the most important advice I received was to avoid stress.

Easier said than done right?

Fertility Treatment Can Be Stressful

When the big day arrives to do your embryo transfer and in the days that follow, keep calm, carry on, and just breathe. Whatever you can do to avoid stress right now is crucial. Just let it all go.

There’s a reason why we are called infertility warriors and personally, I wear that title unashamedly, like a badge of honour.

Fertility treatments are mentally, physically, emotionally, and financially draining for you and your partner.

But we are warriors. We are strong, resilient, and keep our chins up through all our struggles with infertility. Sometimes we smile through tears, but we can still smile.

Some of my blog posts may contain affiliate links, from which I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. More info on that in our disclosure and privacy policy.

The following article is not meant to be taken as medical advice. Please always consult your doctor with medical questions and concerns

Stay positive

So, while there is little you can do at this point to achieve a positive pregnancy test, maintaining your positive attitude is important.

Push any negative thoughts that try to creep into your mind away.

A great deal of it is out of your hands now. It’s mainly up to the embryo, your lining, a dash of luck, and your God or the universe, depending on your belief system.

Even so, keep your spirits up and stay cautiously hopeful.

And I know that waiting for your beta (or blood pregnancy test) can seem to take forever. It’s a total mind game and it can be difficult to stay in the moment.

Some of us (me included) tend to overanalyze every little twinge or feeling that could be a pregnancy sign or symptom.

So while you’re waiting it out, here are some things that can help to keep you healthy in mind, body, and spirit.

A few helpful hints regarding what to do and what NOT to do after your embryo transfer as you get through the two-week wait.

1. Reduce Stress

The very best piece of advice that my doctor gave me to follow after my embryo transfer was to REDUCE STRESS.

Try your very best to avoid stressful situations and actively participate in things that relax you.

Believe me, I know that infertility and stress go hand in hand and you may have been running on nerves for the last God knows how long but just do your best.

If you have a very stressful job you may consider requesting a short leave of absence if possible.

Contrarily, maybe you love your job! If that’s the case, carry on working like normal. Keeping busy at work can be a good way to help the two-week wait pass by more quickly.

Only you will know what works for you.

Don’t Overthink Things

Keep a good mindset as best you can and don’t dwell on the “what if’s” or the “maybe I should haves”.

Overanalyzing the situation will only increase stress, raise your cortisol level and that is not helpful when in comes to a successful FET.

Sometimes called the stress hormone, cortisol results in an increase in your heart rate and blood pressure, and chronic stress can affect blood flow.

And you know where you need that blood flow to keep pumping. That’s right, your uterus.

It’s that natural “flight or fight” response that has kept humans alive for thousands of years, but a saber-toothed tiger isn’t literally on your tail now so remain calm.

Stress-Busting Ideas For After Your FET

Chill at Home (NOT Bed Rest)

Trial research studying bed rest after an embryo transfer now shows that it doesn’t improve outcomes. My RE had me lay on the table for about 15 minutes and then up and walking around like normal.

Yes, I even peed after. Don’t worry, the embryo will not fall out when you pee. Think of it like a sesame seed stuck in a peanut butter sandwich, it’s not falling out.

Oh, and I promise that you will be thrilled to pee, since the transfer will be done with a full bladder. Whew!

When you get home that first day, be moderately active for a while, putz around the house, keep the blood flowing. In other words, just be happy, enjoy this momentous day!

After a while, snuggle up on the couch with your partner or your dogs, watch some TV and chill.

Remember, you don’t need bed rest but don’t do anything too strenuous for the first week.

The Power Of Music

“Music speaks what cannot be expressed, soothes the mind and gives it rest; heals the heart and makes it whole, flows from heaven to the soul.” – Author Unknown.

What’s your pleasure? Classical, opera, smooth jazz, Gregorian chanting monks, or Tibetan singing bowls? Or maybe acoustic Nirvana, hip-hop or rap relaxes you.

To each their own but only you know what mellows you out.

Throw on your headphones, lay down in your favorite comfy spot, close your eyes and soak it in.

Relaxing music (whatever genre you love) can work wonders to take your mind off things. Just get out of your head for a while.

Gentle Yoga/Meditation

There is nothing like gentle yoga and meditation to destress.

You don’t have to be a yoga guru in any way, shape, or form In fact, you can be a complete yoga newbie and reap some of the benefits of a gentle practice.

Steer clear of extreme poses and inversions.

Simply trying some mindful breathing and basic yoga postures to increase healthy blood flow can help promote a feeling of calm and well-being.

Sit or lie down, close your eyes, and tune out the outside world.

Consider making use of positive affirmations and visualization techniques geared toward IVF, or perhaps discover some guided meditation apps.

Acupuncture

This is something you may want to start doing leading up to your IVF cycle as well as after your transfer. Seek out a professional who is familiar with acupuncture for fertility.

Try to make an appointment on your transfer day (acupuncture AFTER the transfer) or the next day following your transfer.

Then schedule another appointment a week later. A naturopathic doctor will also be able to offer you helpful advice to follow after your embryo transfer.

I went every couple of weeks for acupuncture throughout and always felt so completely relaxed after the appointments.

If you aren’t a fan of needles and if they stress you out, you will probably skip this one.

However, after going through IVF, you may have gotten pretty accustomed to needles!

Laugh It Up During The Two Week Wait!

There’s a reason for that expression “laughter is the best medicine”.

Studies show that laughter decreases levels of cortisol, releases feel-good chemicals called endorphins, boosts immunity, and can even make you live longer!

So grab your partner and watch a funny movie or some funny Youtube videos, play one of those silly board games like Pictionary or Scategories. Whatever makes you genuinely laugh, do THAT!

Spend Time With The People You Love

Whether it be lunch with your gal pals or some retail therapy with your mom, spend some quality time with loved ones and friends.

Having a support system made up of family and friends is a true blessing, a place where you can just relax and be yourself.

Catch up on what’s new in their lives too.

Focusing on what’s going on in other peoples’ lives can be a wonderful distraction from overthinking about the outcome of your embryo transfer. Which brings me to my next point.

2. Distract Yourself

Find activities to distract you during the two-week wait. I know distracting yourself may seem an impossible feat but you can do it if you try!

Maybe start a new hobby you’ve always wanted to dabble in…photography? crocheting? genealogy? horticulture?

Whatever tickles your fancy and will keep your mind busy. Fall down the Pinterest rabbit hole of hobby ideas and I bet you’ll come up with something fun.

Just find something, ANYTHING, for you to focus on besides wondering DID THE IVF WORK?

I realize that can be challenging, but persevere.

3. Pamper Yourself

Practice some good old-fashioned self-care.

Book yourself a gentle massage and a mani-pedi, or have a spa day at home with mud facials and new body scrubs, lotions, and potions.

Invite a couple of girlfriends to join in while you’re at it.

Watch old movies, order takeout (unless of course cooking relaxes you then, by all means, whip up some new recipes in the kitchen!)

Curl up with a good book that you’ve been putting off reading, or listen to an inspiring podcast.

4. Healthy eating Habits

Make healthy lifestyle choices and basically behave as if you already know you are pregnant.

Some of the things I did for our successful IVF cycle and would recommend are:

Eat a Mediterranean diet including healthy fish and darky leafy greens, nuts, and legumes

Take supplements such as vitamins E, D, folic acid, and a prenatal vitamin

AVOID soft cheeses, fish with high mercury, alcohol, tobacco and recreational drugs like marijuana

Reduce or eliminate caffeine

Stay away from processed and junk food

5. Gentle, Low-impact Exercise

Skip the power-lifting and marathon running for now (as I said earlier, the embryo WILL NOT fall out but, truth be told, you probably won’t have the energy for vigorous exercise during the two-week wait anyway.

I was completely exhausted for the first little while!

Plus, it’s quite common to feel bloated or nauseous due to taking progesterone, so listen to your body.

When you feel up to it, try low-impact exercise to keep the blood moving like tai chi, yoga, and power walking, instead of running.

Do what YOU are comfortable with but by all means, incorporate some form of exercise. It is great for your mental state too as it releases more of those awesome endorphins.

6. Keep Taking All Your Medications

This is SO Important!

Always keep following your doctor’s orders and advice after your embryo transfer and continue to take all medications he or she has prescribed to you, even if you think you are out.

Remember, you will only truly know if your IVF cycle was successful when you get your bloodwork from the doctor. Your doctor’s orders will be unique to you.

7. Avoid Getting Overheated

My RE recommended NOT using heating pads, hot tubs/saunas/hot baths as raising your basal body temperature can affect the embryo negatively.

Warm (NEVER hot) showers are the way to go.

Water immersion is not recommended due to the risk of infection.

Remember your cervix was opened slightly up during the transfer so no swimming for a bit.

As always, consult your doctor if you have concerns or questions.

8. Read Positive Success Stories

Read IVF success stories of other couples that will help to keep your vibration high and your attitude positive.

But try to maintain a healthy balance when it comes to research. Don’t google too much lest information overload occurs.

Search for blogs, pins on Pinterest, or positive support forums online.

Keep the vibes positive and stay away from drama!

Here’s Our Story! Our IVF Over 40 Success Story-Beating The Odds

9. Let Someone Else Clean The Litter Box ( for a change!!)

If you’ve ever had a cat you know cleaning the litter box is not much fun. It is a dirty, stinky job.

But did you also know that the cat poo and litter itself could be harmful to pregnant women because of the risk of a parasitic infection called toxoplasmosis?

No, it doesn’t mean you have to get rid of your cat.

Just have someone else clean and change the cat litter if possible. And make sure it’s done regularly (once or twice a day).

If no one else can perform the task, wear disposable gloves, and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water afterward.

10. Steer Clear Of Chemicals

Some common products like detergents, oven cleaners, air fresheners, paints, and acetone (found in some nail polish remover) contain VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds).

And while there are no scientific studies that prove that they are specifically harmful to the embryo, the fumes may still make you feel light-headed or queasy.

So, steer clear or limit your exposure.

Consider more green cleaning and sanitizing products or whip some DIY cleaning products with essential oils, baking soda, or vinegar.

We are all exposed to some VOC’s just by living on planet earth but you can control and limit your exposure in your own home.

11. Wait A While To Have Sex

The truth is, your uterus doesn’t need the extra commotion right now.

In other words, having an orgasm makes the uterus contract and that’s something you don’t want after your embryo transfer.

Some studies suggest that having sex the day of the procedure (as in before the transfer) can help with blood circulation to the uterus but most fertility doctors will recommend at least 48 hours of pelvic rest afterward.

That was the advice that I got from my doc after my embryo transfer so that’s what we went with.

You might feel uncomfortable, bloated, and not in the mood for sex anyway, to be honest.

According to Dr. Melissa Esposito at The Shady Grove Fertility Center “Intercourse is discouraged following an embryo transfer during an IVF, FET, or donor egg cycle. This “pelvic rest” is recommended anywhere from five to seven days after transfer – when a pregnancy test can be reliably administered. This rest gives the embryo optimal time to implant into the uterine wall. Most IVF patients can resume normal sexual activity a week or two after their embryo transfer.”

A Side Note: To Pee Or Not To Pee (On A Stick), That Is The Question

I’ll be honest with you, I’ve done both. First of all, I will say, if you did a fresh transfer IVF where you gave yourself a trigger shot, don’t do a home pregnancy test because it could really mess with your mind.

You see, the trigger shot contains HCG and that is the hormone that the home pregnancy test detects to show that glorious second line.

So, if you do get a positive pee stick (and it has been less than two weeks since your trigger shot), you can’t be 100% sure that it isn’t leftover HCG from the shot.

That being said, if you do a frozen embryo transfer with absolutely no HCG in your system, this would be eliminated from the equation.

BUT, the thing is you still won’t feel absolutely certain.

The only TRUE confirmation is the blood test the doctor will give you.

To Pee or not to pee on a stick is a tough call but ultimately the choice is yours.

Post Embryo Transfer Tips: Wrapping Up

I just wanted to share the things that I learned and found valuable during our IVF journey.

Just a few insights from a fellow IVF warrior concerning what to do and what not to do after your embryo transfer.

I do hope some of this advice will be helpful for you as you navigate the two-week wait.

Remember, do your best to keep stress to a minimum, nurture your mind, body, and spirit, and keep the faith.

You’ve been through a lot and there may be more to come on your IVF journey, but just know that you are not alone in your quest to become a mom.

I wish you all the best on your journey to motherhood!

Until next time, K.

Just Our View From Here is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.