IVF is the most successful fertility treatment for childless couples. It involves multiple processes, with the final and most critical being embryo transfer. In this, the sperm and the egg that were fertilised in a lab are implanted into the uterus. This process determines the chances of conception and IVF success. The success of this process depends mainly on various aspects such as embryo quality, uterine receptivity and transfer technique, but caring for yourself during this important phase is equally essential. Doctors take care of the medical aspects, but here’s how to improve embryo implantation success from your end.
Embryo implantation is the process wherein the fertilised egg attaches itself to the uterine lining and marks the beginning of pregnancy. During a natural pregnancy, it happens in 6 to 12 days post-ovulation, and the exact timeline applies even during IVF treatment. However, the success of embryo implantation depends primarily on uterine receptivity and embryo quality. Other uncontrollable factors, such as age, medical history and genetics and controllable factors like diet, stress, exercise, lifestyle and post-transfer care affect the outcome.
After the embryo is transferred to the uterus, it takes about nine days to detect a pregnancy.
● Day 1-2: The blastocyst or human embryo hatches out of the shell and attaches more deeply to the uterine lining, beginning the implantation process.
● Day 3-5: The implantation process continues, and the cells that become the fetus and placenta start to develop.
● Day 6-9: hCG, human chorionic gonadotropin, the hormone that indicates a developing pregnancy, enters the blood. Fetal development and hCG secretion continue, and by day 9, the hCG levels are high enough to be detected in a blood test.
The body needs healthy blood circulation, hormonal balance, warmth and rest for implantation. So make sure to care for yourself. Wait for at least 10 days to test for pregnancy, as testing early may not provide accurate results.
● Embryo quality: An embryo with well-symmetrical cell grouping, little fragmentation and an appropriate cell number increases the implantation rate after embryo transfer.
● Uterine lining: An appropriate uterine lining thickness (7 to 14 mm) at ovulation, along with hormone balance and even circulation, is an important factor for implantation.
● Hormonal balance: Having normal levels of progesterone and estrogen is needed for optimal endometrial lining thickness at the time of implantation.
● Age and ovarian reserve: Generally, women under 35 years of age will have a good ovarian reserve and a better chance of successful implantation than older women.
● Lifestyle: Body weight, stress, poor diet, smoking and poor sleep impact implantation success.
● Underlying health conditions: Endometriosis, immune system disorders, PCOS and other such conditions can interfere with your implantation chances.
While some of the above factors, like embryo quality, endometriosis, PCOS, etc., are not under your control, maintaining optimal hormonal balance, following a healthy diet and reducing stress are within your control and working on them can improve your success rate.
● IVF is a delicate and complex process, so following medical instructions is critical for improving your IVF success.
● Adhering to prescribed doses and schedules of progesterone and estrogen supplements given by your healthcare provider, as that affects your hormonal balance and ovarian function, which in turn improves your IVF implantation success.
● The post-embryo transfer needs proper care. Do not take any supplements that are not prescribed for you.
● Attend all your post-transfer check-ups to ensure progress is on track and to implement any necessary changes to the treatment plan.
● A nourishing and balanced diet creates a healthy environment for embryo transfer and implantation. The body needs certain specific nutrients to maintain hormonal balance and support a potential pregnancy.
● Consume fresh fruits like berries, greens, avocados, eggs and whole grains high in antioxidants.
● Consume foods that are rich in omega-3s, folate and zinc for cell development and good uterine health.
● Avoid alcohol, limit caffeine intake and stay away from sugary and highly processed foods.
● Drink plenty of water.
Stress can harm fertility by disturbing the balance of hormones and blood flow to reproductive organs. Do deep breathing, yoga and meditation to reduce stress. Keep in touch with supportive family, friends, or a counsellor.
You may not need to be on complete bed rest; however, you should avoid anything that may be stressful to your body. Avoid sudden movements, strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, or anything that may increase your core temperature. It is also helpful to get enough sleep to ensure your hormonal balance. Avoid sexual activity to prevent uterine contractions.
Temperature regulation is important in embryo development. So you should avoid anything that raises body temperature. However, eating warm foods is said to create a healthy uterine environment for implantation by boosting blood circulation. Avoid cold and raw foods as they take longer to digest. Light blankets or socks can regulate body temperature without causing it to overheat.
Avoid smoking or exposure to fumes, contamination and household toxins; all of which can affect embryonic health and/or implantation success.
Supportive Supplements (Only Under Medical Guidance)
Supplements like folic acid, vitamin D, CoQ10 and prenatal vitamins are essential for improving IVF success as well as supporting a successful pregnancy. However, add it to your diet only after consulting your doctor, as wrong dosage or excessive supplements harm your chances.
Tips to increase embryo implantation chances include mental and emotional health, as well as physical health. Stress increases cortisol, which affects hormonal balance and impacts implantation. So ensure you have a positive mindset through affirmations, visualisations, journaling and more.
Your success in IVF is determined by medical options; however, there is some evidence that complementary therapies such as Acupuncture or body massages can help with relaxation and/or blood flow.
Just remember, these are to be complementary, not primary strategies. Please talk to your specialist before engaging in complementary therapies.
● Saunas, hot baths or jacuzzis.
● Heavy lifting, high-intensity workouts, running or jogging
● Smoking, caffeine or alcohol
● Not taking medicines on time and skipping follow-ups
Abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea may be mild and can worsen quickly. If you feel severe pain or have heavy bleeding, call your doctor to know what to do, as early medical intervention helps control the situation.
The time after embryo transfer is critical for IVF success. Implement the doctor's best practices after embryo transfer and change your lifestyle accordingly. Take care of your physical, emotional and mental well-being in order to create the optimal environment for successful implantation. Stay positive and trust that you are one step closer to your dream of becoming parents.
Follow your doctor’s recommendations of medications and dosages, eat healthy, sleep well and avoid strenuous exercise to improve implantation after embryo transfer.
Foods rich in antioxidants, such as green leafy vegetables, berries, and whole grains, increase implantation success.
Complete bed rest is not required, but you should relax and avoid strenuous activity after implantation.
Yes. Stress releases cortisol, which affects hormonal balance and impacts implantation success.
Best Gynecologists in Bellandur Best Gynecologists in Electronic City Best Gynecologists in HRBR LayoutBest Gynecologists in Jayanagar Best Gynecologists in Kanakapura RoadBest Gynecologists in Malleswaram Best Gynecologists in Nagarbhavi Best Gynecologists in Old Airport RoadBest Gynecologists in Sahakarnagar Best Gynecologists in Sarjapur RoadBest Gynecologists in ThanisandraBest Gynecologists in Varthur RoadBest Gynecologists in Whitefield Best Gynecologists in Industrial Area Phase IIBest Gynecologists in OMRBest Gynecologists in T NagarBest Gynecologists in New Industrial TownBest Gynecologists in IndirapuramBest Gynecologists in Golf Course RoadBest Gynecologists in Sector 14Best Gynecologists in Sector 47Best Gynecologists in Banjara HillsBest Gynecologists in GachibowliBest Gynecologists in Hitech CityBest Gynecologists in KompallyBest Gynecologists in Gomti NagarBest Gynecologists in MaladBest Gynecologists in NerulBest Gynecologists in VashiBest Gynecologists in Kailash ColonyBest Gynecologists in PatparganjBest Gynecologists in Punjabi BaghBest Gynecologists in VikaspuriBest Gynecologists in Gaur CityBest Gynecologists in Pari ChowkBest Gynecologists in Sector 51Best Gynecologists in Sector 5 Swastik ViharBest Gynecologists in Kalyani NagarBest Gynecologists in SB RoadBest Gynecologists in Pimple SaudagarBest Pediatricians in BellandurBest Pediatricians in Electronic CityBest Pediatricians in HRBR LayoutBest Pediatricians in JayanagarBest Pediatricians in Kanakapura RoadBest Pediatricians in MalleswaramBest Pediatricians in NagarbhaviBest Pediatricians in Old Airport RoadBest Pediatricians in SahakarnagarBest Pediatricians in Sarjapur RoadBest Pediatricians in ThanisandraBest Pediatricians in Varthur RoadBest Pediatricians in WhitefieldBest Pediatricians in Industrial Area Phase IIBest Pediatricians in OMRBest Pediatricians in T NagarBest Pediatricians in New Industrial TownshipBest Pediatricians in IndirapuramBest Pediatricians in Golf Course RoadBest Pediatricians in Sector 14Best Pediatricians in Sector 47Best Pediatricians in Hitech CityBest Pediatricians in Banjara HillsBest Pediatricians in GachibowliBest Pediatricians in KompallyBest Pediatricians in Gomti NagarBest Pediatricians in MaladBest Pediatricians in NerulBest Pediatricians in VashiBest Pediatricians in Kailash ColonyBest Pediatricians in PatparganjBest Pediatricians in Punjabi BaghBest Pediatricians in VikaspuriBest Pediatricians in Gaur CityBest Pediatricians in Pari ChowkBest Pediatricians in Sector 51Best Pediatricians in Sector 5 Swastik ViharBest Pediatricians in Kalyani NagarBest Pediatricians in SB RoadBest Pediatricians in Pimple Saudagar
