Can you make a difference?

Yes! I’ve had requests asking how best to prepare for the exciting milestone that is the embryo transfer. So here are five simple evidence-based steps/ tips we encourage our patients to take to get ready for their transfer. 

Embryo Transfer, Tip 1: Medication

Consistent medication timing. Try your best to take your progesterone and any other medications you’ve been prescribed at the same time every day, even if it means setting an alarm. That being said, if you’re late for the occasional dose due to traffic or other life events, don’t worry too much!

Embryo Transfer, Tip 2: Sleep!

Exercise & Embryo Transfer

Prioritise your sleep and relaxation. This is not only important as it helps manage your stress, but also allows your body the time it needs to prepare and recover whilst you rest. Aim for about 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night in the week leading up to your transfer. 

For relaxation, use breathing exercises, short meditations or gentle hobbies to actively downshift your nervous system. This will help you prepare mentally for the two-week wait between the transfer & before the pregnancy test. 

Embryo Transfer, Tip 3: Exercise

Gentle movement. I’d suggest swapping your high-impact workouts for low-impact activities like daily gentle walks or yoga which are excellent for circulation and stress, without taxing the body too much. 

Embryo Transfer, Tip 4: Fluids

Stay hydrated. Good hydration is crucial for your blood volume and that supports the womb blood flow. Focus on aiming for about two litres of water a day, depending on your size, and limit excess caffeine, sugary drinks and certainly, please avoid alcohol. 

In addition, for your embryo transfer, you’ll be asked to have a full bladder. This is really important as it allows us to visualise the endometrium more easily when we scan you during the transfer and also pushes the uterus into a straight line which makes the transfer itself easier. But, whilst we want a full bladder, we don’t want you to be in pain.

It’s also okay to have a wee straight afterwards – the embryo won’t fall out. It’s actually better if you do empty your bladder because it causes the womb to bend back again, which may even help to retain the embryo.

Embryo Transfer, Tip 5: Diet

This is perhaps a less popular one – please don’t go to McDonald’s afterwards for chips. There’s sadly no evidence for this and lots of saturated fats and processed food additives circulating through the womb when we’ve just put an embryo in are not going to help. So eat healthily and stick to an unprocessed, varied diet with lots of fruits and vegetables. 

Finally…

I hope this has been helpful and wishing you all the best!

As always, please do not hesitate to get in touch should you require any help or advice.