The day you’ve been working towards has finally arrived. Many emotions come with an embryo transfer. Hopefully, you’re excited to be at this stage in your fertility journey and proud of the work that has gotten you to this point. It’s also understandable to be nervous since having a successful transfer and becoming pregnant has likely been your top priority for months or years.
Clear Mountain Acupuncture has put together a list of recommendations to help you feel ready for your transfer and support implantation in the coming days.
Diet
Aim to eat mostly warm meals that are easy to digest and don’t upset your stomach. Great breakfast options for the day of transfer are scrambled eggs, or oatmeal with nuts and berries. After transfer and the days following, have soups, stews, animal protein, vibrant vegetables, and complex carbohydrates. Avoid eating raw, cold, fried, and overly spicy foods that may give you a stomach ache. Continue to follow individualized guidance from your acupuncturist.
There are some food-related “IVF myths.” Please don’t eat McDonald's fries after transfer. The core of a pineapple contains anti-inflammatory bromelain however it will not move the needle the day of transfer, runs the risk of upsetting your stomach, and isn’t backed by clinical research. If you like pineapple, continue to eat it for its vitamin C properties, but please don’t stress about running to the grocery store. The same goes for Brazilian nuts. They contain selenium which has antioxidants but if it was clinically proven to help we’d all be prescribed a supplement. That said, having one or two a day is a fine addition to a well-rounded diet, but avoid any more for risk of toxicity.
Keep Stress Levels Low
We want our bodies to be functioning optimally and feel well-resourced around transfer. One great way to do this is to keep cortisol levels low. If possible, take the day of transfer off from work, and get child care if needed. Avoid stressful situations, people, travel, media, and entertainment. Listen to guided meditations, practice breathing exercises, and do things that bring you joy.
Keep Feet Warm
Chinese Medicine believes in a meridian system, and all the “Yin'' meridians that travel into our uterus start in the feet. We want our uterus to be a warm, hospitable place for implantation, so please wear closed-toe shoes, socks, and slippers. Warm feet also calm your parasympathetic nervous system which improves blood flow to reproductive organs.
Laugh
There was a research study that showed improved outcomes in patients that saw a crown after transfer. While that may seem creepy, the main takeaway is, to laugh. Watch a funny movie or a horror film. Call the friend who always lifts your spirits. Plan some fun activities in the days following transfer.
Moderate Movement
You don’t need to, and shouldn’t lay in bed. Get outside and take a walk. Moderate movement is wonderful for circulation and mental health. Avoid high-intensity workouts, and excessive jumping, or jolting circuit training.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture works to increase circulation to the uterus, lower cortisol and balance hormones. It’s been clinically proven to increase the live-birth rate when given within 24 hours before and after transfer. Ideally, the day of transfer isn’t your first acupuncture session, since some people get nervous about needles. In the months or weeks heading into transfer find an acupuncturist you trust, who specializes in fertility and book appointments with them. It’s also great to get acupuncture the week after transfer, before your first beta test.
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