In vitro fertilization is an assisted reproduction technique where the union of the egg and sperm is performed in the laboratory. The aim of this is to create good-quality embryos that can then be transferred to the patient’s uterus to try to achieve the sought-after pregnancy.
One of the main concerns that our patients share with us is concerning whether or not it is necessary to rest after an embryo transfer, to protect the embryo and achieve the pregnancy. With this in mind, we have prepared the following lines to help explain if rest is needed after an IVF, and to give some important recommendations to follow after receiving this treatment.
Is it necessary to rest after an embryo transfer?
During treatment, you can carry on with normal life and daily routines, although it is possible to experience some abdominal discomfort or sensations of swelling and bloating. On the day of the egg retrieval, it is advisable to rest after the ovarian puncture, as this procedure takes place under sedation.
Apart from the egg retrieval procedure, it is not necessary to rest after other steps of the IVF procedure. A short period of rest in a recovery room may be required following the embryo transfer itself, but when the patient leaves the clinic they can continue with their everyday life, with some advice and recommendations.
Nonetheless, there may be some specific cases in which the doctor, knowing the particular details of the patient, may recommend rest after IVF, but this is not the norm.
OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS AFTER AN IN VITRO FERTILIZATION TREATMENT
As one can see, rest is not essential after an IVF transfer. However, there are certain steps that should be followed to increase the probability of the treatment’s success. Here is some advice and recommendations for you to keep in mind after the IVF:
AVOID STRESS
It is typical for the patient to feel unsettled and stressed in the waiting time between the placing of the embryo into the uterus and the pregnancy test, but stress is counter-productive to the IVF procedure. As such, it is important to manage this stress in the best way possible by keeping busy, practicing techniques to stay calm, and not obsessing about the test results.
NO PHYSICALLY DEMANDING ACTIVITIES
Although the patient does not have to rest after IVF and can carry out her normal life (go to work, enjoy a walk, socialize, etc) she should not do any strenuous physical activity. High-intensity physical activity should be avoided during the length of time indicated by the doctor. In this way, the chances of the embryo being expelled are notably reduced.
NO SMOKING BEFORE OR AFTER THE TREATMENT
Smoking presents a high risk to embryo development, as well as to fertility and trying to conceive. For this reason, it is fundamental to avoid smoking and tobacco both before and after IVF if the patient wishes to achieve pregnancy.
At Ovoclinic, we have an expert team with proven experience in vitro fertilization treatments, so you can fulfill your dream and become pregnant. Our doctors will advise you throughout the process and give you the necessary recommendations during and after your IVF transfer. For more information about this topic, or about any other assisted reproduction technique, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
