Preparing for your IVF embryo transfer

It’s like the main event.  A finish line of sorts.  You’ve done the training and all the work that has led you to this moment.  And now you get to cross the line and claim your medal. Beyond your transfer, there is nothing more you can do. You’re basically powerless after this. You’ve been able to “do things” to help you along and make you feel like you’re in control to a degree. But after this, you’re handing control over to the fertility gods, so to speak. This news may give you comfort, or it may make you feel a little uncomfortable.

So, what do you need to know as you prepare for your IVF transfer? 

Firstly, like anything to do with fertility or even life in general, there are things you can control, and things you cannot.  And it’s important to understand those, so we don’t waste our time and energy worrying about the things that aren’t in our control.  And instead, focus our attention on the things we can. 

So, what are some things you can do to prepare your body for transfer –

1. Exercise – I’m not telling you to run a marathon or do a HIIT workout, because if you’ve just gone through an egg retrieval, this may not be possible. But gentle exercise can increase blood flow, which helps thicken your uterine lining.
2. Supplements – you can refer to THIS blog for information on supplements to increase your egg quality, as they are largely the same for a transfer. However more specifically, Melatonin, Iron, vitamin E, and Omega-3 are known to help with implantation, and your uterine lining.
3. Diet – I am all about balance when it comes to what you eat. Don’t bother stocking up on pineapple, or any of the other foods that you’ve been told about. Make sure you’re getting enough iron and include blood-building foods in your diet.  This includes red meat - both beef and lamb are best for building your lining.  Introduce healthy fats i.e. olive oil, raw nuts, avocado and dark leafy greens.  There are also certain fruits – lemons, lime, orange, pomegranate, watermelon - that produce nitric oxide which dilates your blood vessels so more blood can be delivered to your uterus to build up that lining. But as I said – all of this is in moderation.
4. Warmth - in Chinese medicine, it is recommended that we keep our womb warm by eating warm foods, and keeping your abdomen and feet warm. This could include a hot water bottle, or wearing socks to bed.  After transfer however it is recommended that you avoid excessive heat – this includes hot baths, saunas, hot yoga, heating pads or anything that might raise the temperature of your uterus.
5. Acupuncture is known to increase blood flow and stimulate the growth of your uterine lining. And if you find the right acupuncturist, it can help release a whole lot of anxiety and fear also.  

So that’s the physical stuff.  What about your mindset?

It's important to remember that there is no right or wrong way to feel going into your transfer.  The longer we’re on this journey, the more we look into signs or begin to worry that our thoughts are the problem.  We ask ourselves – is it because I wasn’t feeling hopeful?  The short answer is NO. 

Some of my clients have had success on their “fuck it” cycles – where they just felt how they wanted to feel.  Some have had success when they were feeling neutral about it all.  And some have had success when they were confident it was going to work out.  There is no rhyme or reason.

So I’m giving you permission to drop the guilt and the pressure you’re placing on yourself to feel a certain way.  Stop resisting the thoughts and the fears that are coming up. And stop punishing yourself as a result. 

HERE'S a letter I wrote especially for you on your transfer day, so make sure you read this beforehand.

What about after your embryo transfer?

You’ve done all the hard yards, so now it’s time to put your feet up and celebrate. 

If going and getting McDonald's fries on the way home and wearing your lucky pineapple socks helps you lean into hope and feel a little more in control, then do it! 

After the transfer it is recommended to take it easy for a couple of days, however, there is no need to be on bed rest at all.  I think it goes without saying that you should not be consuming alcohol post-transfer – and essentially treat your body as though you are pregnant.

You have done something pretty incredible, so instead of focusing on how far you have to go, look back on all the shit you went through to get to this point.  Now is the time to treat yourself.  

So how do you get through the wait until test day?  Check out THIS BLOG.

Whether this works or not, try to rest in the knowledge you have done all you can.  You cannot control the positive or negative from here on out.  So surrender as much as you can, and give yourself a pat on the back.  You did it!  I’m so proud of you. xx