Embryo transfers are exciting yet nerve-wracking! I recently did a frozen embryo cycle and I was nervous, anxious, happy, and excited all at the same time. IVF is such a long journey and the embryo transfer is almost like reaching the finish line.
Did you know there are IVF and Embryo Transfer traditions in the fertility community? That’s right. There are some traditions and even good-luck superstitions surrounding transfers. In this post, I’m going to share the 5 must-dos for a successful embryo transfer!
Now, keep in mind, I’m not a doctor and nothing on this list will guarantee a successful transfer. However, these are the things I personally did for my transfer and I wanted to share the love.
McDonald’s French Fries
If you’re in the fertility or IVF community, then you’ve most likely heard about McDonald’s French fries being a “good luck” token after an embryo transfer. I’m not sure what exactly started this tradition, but I’m not complaining about it! If anything, the sodium can help with OHSS symptoms if you’re doing a fresh transfer.
The tradition of this is to eat the fries on the way home from transfer. Husband and I did this after our transfer. I ordered mine “extra hot” so they’re nice and fresh. It was delicious, I’m not complaining.
Warm Feet
Keep your favorite fuzzy socks handy… because the next on the list is keeping your feet warm during the next 5-10 days! I had my “lucky” think positive socks on my feet right after transfer.
Our bodies expel a lot of heat through our feet. That’s why if our feet are cold, our bodies are cold. If you have cold feet, your body is focusing on blood flow to just your feet… taking away the focus on your uterus. The theory is, if you keep your feet warm, you’re allowing optimal blood flow to the uterus so it’s warm and welcoming for the embryo and implantation can occur.
Pineapple Core
It’s no secret that pineapple is the “token” for the fertility community… and there’s a reason! Pineapple core is said to help aid in implantation.
Inside the pineapple core contains an enzyme called bromelain. It’s actually an enzyme that helps aid with digestion. Not only that, but bromelain is also an anti-inflammatory and blood thinner… so the theory behind eating pineapple core is that it will aid with implantation. It has similar affects to using baby aspirin. However, if your doctor already has you taking baby aspirin as part of your protocol, do not eat pineapple core as well!
Eat pineapple core starting the day of transfer and the 4 days following transfer. Turn a ripe pineapple on its side and slice it into 5 equal pieces.
Stay Hydrated
Getting plenty of electrolytes and staying hydrated will clear any toxins from the body, optimize blood flow, and keep the uterus squishy and welcoming for the embryo.
I drank lots of room-temperature water and Gatorade after the transfer. Coconut water is also allowed and is healthy for you!
Avoiding Bed Rest & Remain Active
Okay, hear me out. When I did my transfer, I was instructed to be a “couch potato” for the rest of the day and I was! We ordered my favorite meal from one of my favorite restaurants, watched TV, and laid on the couch the rest of the day following embryo transfer. The next day, I returned back to my normal life.
I walked everyday inside/around my house (since it was so hot outside). Before transfer, I would walk to get 10,000 steps on my fitbit.
Remaining active optimizes blood flow and reduces stress. If you remain on bed rest, your body isn’t pumping blood optimally and you’re allowing yourself to symptom spot and stress out during the two week wait.
My thought process behind this is, if bed rest guaranteed embryo transfer success, don’t you think doctors would be telling us all to do it? Truth is, there is no scientific proof that shows bed rest improves implantation rates.
Those are the IVF superstitions and traditions that I did after our embryo transfer! Like I said, doing all these things worked for me so I hope it helps you! Keep in mind, these are superstitions and do not guarantee a pregnancy… but they are fun to participate in! GOOD LUCK!
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