Chapter 25, Page 11

It is normal to blame yourself for something you may or may not have done during this time if you do not conceive. Therefore, try not to do anything for which you will blame yourself if you do not get pregnant. In general the following guidelines are offered:

  • No tub baths or swimming for 48 hours after embryo transfer.
  • No douching or tampons.
  • No intercourse or orgasms until the fetal heartbeat is seen on ultrasound, or the pregnancy test is negative.
  • Do not undertake excessive physical activity such as jogging, aerobics, or tennis.
  • Do not take any non-prescription medications or other prescribed medications without the approval of your doctor.
  • No heavy lifting.
  • You may return to "work" after 24 hours of bed rest (getting up for bathroom and meals only) and one to two days of light activity.

You may have some vaginal spotting or bleeding prior to your blood test. However, you must have the blood test done, even if you think your period has started. There are no symptoms or signs that will be able to tell you whether or not you are pregnant.

Many doctors used to advise "strict bed rest" after an embryo transfer. However, remember that your physical activity does not affect your chances of getting pregnant. Resting when you are well can be very emotionally taxing, and we encourage patients to lead as normal a life as possible. Many patients are worried that if they cough or sneeze, the embryo will "fall out". However, remember that this is physically impossible, and that if the embryo is going to implant, it will, no matter how much you exert.

Thus, there are numerous stages to every IVF treatment cycle, each of which must be reached and completed before moving on to the next stage:

  • more than one egg should develop;
  • eggs should mature;
  • ovulation should not occur before the eggs can be collected;
  • eggs must be retrieved during the "pick-up";
  • sperm must fertilize at least one egg;
  • fertilized eggs must divide and grow healthily, and all this so that...
  • the embryos might get implanted in the uterus.

Think of it as a series of hurdles, all of which have to be cleared, in order to win the race!

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Credits: How to Have a Baby: Overcoming Infertility