Is it beneficial to rest after the embryo transfer?

Without a doubt, one of the most emotionally stressful stages a patient undergoing IVF has to face is the period between the embryo transfer and the pregnancy test result.

It is a natural instinct for someone in this situation to want to do everything in her power to increase the chances of success, which is why she is extra sensitive to any messages she receives from family members, friends, the internet, etc. This leads to a confusing situation because oftentimes the advice received is contradictory. As if that weren’t enough, the vast majority is unfounded and not validated by any scientific evidence. Their question is often “should I rest or not?”

Resting implies avoiding daily activities, often requesting sick leave and increasing anxiety during a time that seems to have slowed down or even stopped.

Several recently published studies including hundreds of cases all clearly show that resting does not improve chances of pregnancy and some studies even suggest that resting may be counter-productive.

Bed rest can produce blood clotting disorders and increase stress, which at the same time implies activating certain hormones and the immune system. This alters the immune tolerance to the new tissue, the embryo, and prevents its correct nesting.

Therefore, just as we do with patients who have had previous miscarriages and based on overwhelming evidence, our recommendation is definitely to live a NORMAL LIFE.

Dr. Rafael Bernabeu, Medical Director of Instituto Bernabeu.

With all of these factors taken into account, we ensure the highest chances of success.

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