IVF Journey: Post Embryo Transfer

POST EMBRYO TRANSFER INSTRUCTIONS

Bleeding

You may experience some bleeding near to your pregnancy test (around 3-4 days before your test). This can be due to:

• implantation of an early pregnancy. The implantation bleed is transient and it will subside on its own. What is important is that you do not panic and just continue your medication as instructed and come for the pregnancy test on the stipulated date.  
• you are not pregnant and your period is coming. If you are not pregnant, bleeding will be continue and can sometimes be a bit heavier than your usual menses. You do not need to call or make a trip to Centre for Assisted Reproduction (CARE) unless the bleeding is very heavy.

The degree of bleeding do not determine whether you are pregnant or not. It is important to attend your appointment at CARE for your pregnancy test so that appropriate management can be given.

Thing to note

A hormonal level test may be performed after or during embryo transfer within day 5 to day 7 (Not applicable for frozen cycle) No action is needed if the reading is within the normal range after doctor's review. However, in some cases, you may receive a call to arrange for some extra support. This is because the doctor would like to cover you for better support of your hormone level during this period of time.

Ovarian Hyper-Stimulation Syndrome (OHSS)

After the embryo transfer, you may experience some OHSS symptoms.. Monitor for symptoms such as:

• Abdominal Pain / Bloatedness
• Breathlessness
• Nausea / Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Reduced urine output

If you experience any OHSS symptoms, please call CARE for advice.

Contact CARE

During office hours (Weekdays 8am to 5pm & Saturdays 8am to 12 noon): (65) 6321 4292

After office hours (Sundays & public holidays) Telephone number: (65) 6222 3322 (SGH Mainline). Identify yourself as "CARE Patient" and ask to speak to a "CARE Doctor".

Nutrition / Diet

• Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables. They provide vitamins and minerals, as well as fiber, which helps digestion and prevents constipation.
• Do not eat mould-ripened soft cheese, such as brie, camembert and chevre (a type of goat's cheese) and others with a similar rind, whether they are made using pasteurized or unpasteurized milk.
• Make sure that eggs are thoroughly cooked until the whites and yolks are solid. This prevents the risk of salmonella food poisoning. Avoid foods that contain raw and undercooked eggs.
• Cook all meat and poultry thoroughly so that there's no trace of pink or blood.
• Eat cooked rather than raw seafood / fish as they can contain harmful bacteria and viruses that can cause food poisoning.
• Reduce intake of high caffeinated drinks and drink plenty of water.
• Do not take alcoholic drinks.

Activity

• Do not do any heavy lifting or strenuous exercises such as running and yoga.
• Light activities such as strolling at the park are encouraged. Do not lie in bed at all times.
• The uterus is defined as a potential space; that is, it is completely closed with the inside walls all touching, and can expand as needed to create space for a growing baby. Your embryos will not dislodge/drop out if you walk around.
• Do not do any vaginal douching or using of tampons.
• No smoking.
• Please abstain from sexual intercourse, until pregnancy test and advice from your doctor.
• Avoid crowded areas and people who are ill.
• If you are unwell, seek medical advice and inform the doctor that you had embryo transfer done recently.
• Do not take medication / drugs unnecessarily unless ordered by the doctor.