On the day of your embryo transfer, your fertility team is going to go over detailed post-transfer guidelines with you. For the next few days, plan to pamper yourself. Right now, gentle motions are best without intensive activity, no raising or spinning or turning. After your embryo transfer, here are some additional ways you can care for yourself: Take Good Care of Yourself: In the next few days, the embryo will be inserted, so it is crucial that you relax and think optimistic, nurturing thoughts. Try to take a few days off from work if possible. Unplugging from the worries of life. In due time, you will return to regular news, social media, and all the other demands of life. A stroll in the park or along the beach calls for post-transfer time, hand-in-hand with your partner. Enjoy your favorite healthy meal, watch your favorite funny television show or the latest rom-com you've wanted to see. It is not necessary to rest in bed, but you can put your feet up and ask your partner to do any tasks you want. We are not going to tell! Continue to take your drugs: If your doctor has told you to continue with those medications, do as advised. In particular, progesterone is critical for maintaining a pregnancy, and you will likely be asked to continue. Embrace Healthy Eating: In preparation for IVF, you have been eating a healthy diet and you should continue doing so. After all, you will have a baby to care for in one month if all goes according to plan and you want to be in excellent health. As long as your doctor approves, take your vitamins, or your doctor may want you to start using your prenatal vitamins now. Folic Acid is required: speaking of vitamins, if you haven't already, it's a good idea to start taking a folic acid supplement now. The risk of neuro-tube defects, heart defects, and cleft palate has been shown to be lowered by folic acid supplementation. Talk to your doctor on how much folic acid you need, and get their advice. Limit exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals: You are, of course, careful about your exposure to anything and everything that could pose a threat to your pregnancy or unborn baby. In many everyday items, endocrine-disrupting chemicals are found. Especially at this time, try to limit your exposure to these items (it's almost impossible to avoid them 100 percent). Do not ignore troubling symptoms: It is now time to pay close attention to your body and immediately contact your doctor's office if anything feels "off." It's probably nothing, but getting stressed and worried is never good. No Sexual Intercourse: For the next little bit, sexual intercourse is prohibited. You will be advised by your doctor as to the length of time you will be on the inactive list. Right now, you want to keep your pelvic region relaxed. Resist the Pregnancy Test Temptation: You might be tempted to jump the gun and take a pregnancy test. Don't please. It will take a couple of weeks for your body to build up enough of the pregnancy hormone, HCG, needed to confirm that you're pregnant. If the "what ifs" are too difficult to avoid anything fun to watch binge or pull out the 1500 piece puzzle you purchased for the pandemic.
