10 tips to follow after embryo transfer in ICSI Treatment
Embryo transfer is a part of ICSI treatment where an egg is fertilized using just one sperm. It helps many infertile couples in getting pregnant. They use a fine catheter to transfer the embryo into the uterus. A pregnancy test is done after two weeks of the embryo transfer process. These two weeks waiting time is a really stressful time for the patient. People become anxious and scared that they might do something wrong which can lead to the failure of the process. Hence, many patients going through ICSI treatment in Aurangabad have questions like should I be lying down the entire time? Should I take time off from work? What should be my diet? To put worries to rest here are some precautions you should take after embryo transfer-
1. Avoid stress
A small study done in Israel suggest that patients with lower stress level after the embryo transfer is twice more likely to get pregnant than others. Take off from work if it spikes your stress levels.
2. Ditch your caffeine
If possible, one should try to stop taking caffeine altogether. Decaffeinated drinks should be opted instead. If you can’t then at least reduce the intake to maximum 200 mg per day.
3. Avoid any heavy lifting
Try and avoid any heavy lifting or tough household chores. Take it easy. Get help from your spouse and family when required. Heavy lifting may worsen the matters.
4. Avoid Strenuous Exercises
Moderate and light exercising and walking is ok but one should avoid any strenuous physical activity or workouts. Rigorous exercises or aerobics are a strict no after embryo transfer.
5. Avoid Sex
Intercourse after the embryo transfer is not at all recommended as it may cause vaginal infections. You should even avoid masturbation. Give your body time to heal, adjust and relax.
6. Avoid douching and hot baths
Hot baths and douching should be avoided as they may lead to infections. Infections may further cause miscarriage. Taking shower is a better option than hot baths and swimming in pools to avoid any foreign substances entering the vagina and causing infections.
7. Medicines should be taken religiously
From pre-natal vitamins, folic acid to progesterone suppository or injections all should be taken timely as prescribed by the doctor. These medications help in reducing birth defects and give the embryo strength and favorable environment to grow.
8. Avoid smoking, alcohol, and drugs
Direct or secondhand smoking, alcohol, and drugs all can harm the embryo with their toxins. So, they should be totally avoided.
9. Healthy diet
Avoid junk and unhealthy food. Take a proper healthy diet which should be a mix of fruits, vegetables, pulses, foods rich in proteins and carbohydrates.
10. Avoid too much bed rest
Being on a house arrest and lying on the bed the whole time will not improve your pregnancy chances, in fact, it might make it worse. People believe that complete bed rest aids in implantation but it is actually a myth.
These embryo transfer tips will increase your chances of successful pregnancy. Take a test when it’s time and doesn’t over obsess over it. A little spotting and bleeding is also nothing to worry about but you should always consult your doctor for any doubt.
